Easily Add A Swag Chandelier To Your Home With A Plug-In Option

A statement-making chandelier can truly transform a space and give it a huge wow factor. But if your ceilings aren't already pre-wired for lighting fixtures, it can be an expensive endeavor to have new electrical wires installed. If you're a renter, you don't even have the luxury of having electrical wiring put in. Not to worry, though — you can still hang a plug-in chandelier without having to hard-wire it into the ceiling. All you need is a swag light kit like this Omytie Hanging Chain Kit. These kits come with ceiling hooks (also called swag hooks) and a long chain, which allows you to suspend a plug-in light from the ceiling and get good lighting in any room of your home.

In addition to being renter-friendly and budget-conscious, swag kits can also lend a bigger sense of drama to your space, especially if you choose to have the cording elegantly sweep across the room. You can find swag kits in a variety of finishes to match your light fixture, and even better, you can install it yourself. It does require a power drill, but it's a beginner-level DIY project that most novices can handle (though it's helpful to have another person on hand for assistance). Whether you opt for a crystal chandelier to add a regal element to your home or you go for a modern Sputnik-style light, a swag kit gives you the option to hang your plug-in lighting fixture anywhere you'd like. 

First, figure out where you'd like to install your light — for most folks, that's usually the exact center of the room, though there may be instances where you'd want to position it elsewhere. Mark this spot and use a power drill to pre-drill a hole. If you're attaching the hook into a wood ceiling or directly into a wood joist, then you can simply twist the hook into the hole until it's secure. If you're attaching the hook into drywall, you'll need to install it with the special ceiling anchor that's included in most kits. Install a second hook in the far corner of the room, closest to the outlet where you plan to plug in your light. Now, hang your light on the center hook, and then run the electrical cord to the corner hook and down the wall. Plug in your light, and you're done!

Make sure you pay close attention to the weight rating of your hook, and choose your light fixture accordingly. If you want your light to hang a bit lower in the room, you can attach it to the chain that came with your kit, and then attach the chain to the hook. Want to conceal the electrical cord that's hanging down the wall? Simply hide it with a cord cover like these ZhiYo Wire Covers. For a more stylish look, you could cover it with an Antique House Fabric Cord Cover. Looking to add character to your ceiling? Install a ceiling medallion around your light, and opt for an ornate swag hook.