Living Room Lighting Upgrade: Recessed Lights and a Pendant

We recently completed a lighting upgrade in our living room—no cosmetic surgery, just some much-needed electrical work. We replaced unused ceiling fans and added recessed lighting (commonly called can lights) and a pendant over the table. The change is dramatic: the room now has flexible layered lighting that balances ambiance and practicality.

Preparing the room for the work was a bit chaotic. We removed half of the sectional, rolled back the rug, and laid drop cloths under each work area so the electricians could get in and out without damaging the space. The effort was worth it: the new lights look clean and polished.

Why recessed lights and a pendant?

After three years in the house we never had overhead lighting in the living room—only a small off-center fixture in one corner. Lamps are great for mood lighting, but overhead lights are essential when you need brighter illumination, whether you’re looking for a lost shoe or setting up a craft on the coffee table. Layering light—several recessed lights, a pendant, and a few table or floor lamps—is a practical approach many designers recommend because it provides both function and atmosphere.

We were lucky that the ceiling already had two fixture boxes left behind by old fans, which made adding two recessed lights straightforward from a layout perspective. We considered adding more cans in the future but decided to start with two so we wouldn’t swiss-cheese the ceiling unnecessarily. The new wiring means adding more later will be easier if we want to increase overall brightness.

Hiring an electrician and DIY balance

For safety and code compliance—especially for attic wiring that looked unsafe—we hired our trusted local electrician, Sean of S.J. Ryan Electric. Some parts of this project were beyond our comfort level (and reasonable risk tolerance), so we left them to the pros. At the same time, we did what we could ourselves to save money: once Sean’s crew centered the fixture box and tidied up the attic wiring, we installed the pendant, patched the ceiling hole, and finished the cosmetic work. If you combine professional help for the dangerous parts with DIY for tasks that don’t involve live wiring, you can save a good chunk of the total cost.

How we prepared (and why it matters)

Prepping the room before the electricians arrived saved time and money. Our prep list included:

• Moving the sofa and other furniture
• Rolling back the rug and protecting the floor
• Putting down drop cloths
• Measuring carefully and marking the ceiling for pendant placement

Marking the ceiling ahead of time was especially important. Confirming the pendant center before the electrician arrived prevented on-the-spot debates and kept the job moving—time the pros spend standing around is billable, so clarity upfront keeps costs down.

After the install

After the electricians finished, we hung the pendant light, patched the ceiling, and put the room back together. The pendant looks crisp and centered over the table, and the two recessed cans give even overhead light when we need it. Natural light from the large window still dominates during the day, but the new fixtures add function and warmth in the evening.

Hole-patching tips for ceilings

Repairing ceiling holes after light fixture work is straightforward if you follow a few simple steps. These tips worked well for us:

1. Use a mesh patch and quality spackle. We used a mesh patch from the hardware store and CrackShot spackle applied with a putty knife for quick, reliable coverage.

2. Apply several thin coats. Don’t expect one thick layer to do the job. Two to three thin applications let you build up the area and catch low spots. Sand between coats if needed, or build up and sand at the end.

3. Try a Magic Eraser to reduce sanding dust. After the spackle dried, a slightly damp Magic Eraser gently buffed the high points and reduced the amount of sanding dust. This works best when you keep the spackle flush instead of mounding it.

4. Feather paint beyond the patch. When painting over repaired areas, make sure the surface is smooth. Paint highlights imperfections, so sand and smooth carefully. Feather your paint out about 12 inches beyond the patched area and use two thin, even coats with long brush strokes to blend the repair into the ceiling.

Lighting choices and styling

The pendant we installed has a crisp white wire and canopy that makes it feel like it’s floating in front of the window. Another colorful shade from our lighting collection found a home on a small desk, adding visual interest and tying into colors already in the room. Swapping shades is an easy way to change the mood and coordinate with décor.

Cost and final thoughts

For this project we spent about $72 on materials (two recessed lights, trims, some wiring and junction boxes) and roughly $200 on labor. Considering the electricians corrected unsafe attic wiring, moved a fixture box to center the pendant, and converted two locations to recessed lights, we think that was a fair price. It’s a good reminder that investing in proper electrical work pays off in safety and peace of mind.

We regretted not doing this sooner—good lighting really does change a room. Between the recessed lights, the pendant, and our existing lamps, the living room now has functional layered lighting that works for everyday life and for special moments. If you’re thinking about upgrading your lighting, consider hiring a pro for anything involving attic wiring or complex circuits, and do the finishing touches yourself to save money.

What lighting projects are you tackling? Do you hire out the electrical work and handle the cosmetic finish? Share your experience—every project teaches something new.