From DIY to Design-Forward: How to Change a Light Fixture and Elevate Kitchen Island Lighting

Upgrading your lighting doesn’t have to mean hiring a contractor or buying specialized tools. Even for first-time decorators, light fixture installation is a manageable DIY project if you follow safety protocols and design best practices. Let’s start with the basics of replacing a light fixture.

If you’re wondering how to change out a light fixture safely, here’s a simple roadmap:

1. Cut the Power - Shut off electricity at the breaker panel, not just the switch. This is non-negotiable.
2. Take Down the Existing Fixture - Unscrew the canopy, lower the fixture, and disconnect the wires. Label wires if needed.
3. Connect Light Fixture Wires - Wiring a light mixture means carefully matching the black (hot), white (neutral), and copper/green (ground) wires. Twist them securely, cap with wire nuts, and wrap with electrical tape.
4. Install the Mounting Bracket - New fixtures typically come with a mounting plate. Attach this firmly to the junction box.
5. Secure the New Fixture - Once wired, tuck the wires into the box and screw in the canopy. Add bulbs and test power.

Changing a light fixture in your kitchen is equal parts about function and impact. Swapping out a flush mount for a globe pendant or updating hallway lighting can completely shift the tone of your space. In other words, replacing light fixture is a high-impact, low-effort update that renters or homeowners can easily tackle. Not to mention, it’s also a great way to explore different lighting temperatures or dimmable setups that work with your lifestyle.

Before you begin, consider these key factors:

Proper placement ensures light is distributed evenly across work zones. Leave at least 24–30 inches between pendants and 6 inches from the island edge to avoid overcrowding.

Match pendant size to island length—larger pendants make a bold statement in pairs, while smaller fixtures work best in threes for visual balance.

Choose fixtures that complement your kitchen’s materials and color palette. Consider one with sculptural details or artisan-crafted finishes to make even the simplest space feel intentional.

When it comes to kitchen island lighting, the choice between pendant lights and globes for lighting fixtures comes down to your preferred style and how the light performs.

Pendant lights often feature sculptural forms or layered materials that act as focal points. They’re ideal when you want lighting to anchor the kitchen visually while making a bold design statement.

Globes for lighting fixtures, on the other hand, shape and soften the light itself. Clear globes offer bright, direct illumination for prep work, while frosted or textured options diffuse light for a more ambient, intimate feel.

Both styles serve a purpose, and the best kitchen lighting blends elements of each. At 54kibo, options range from handblown glass to intricately beaded statement pieces, giving you flexibility to balance form and function with global craftsmanship.

Designed in Brooklyn, NY, and handmade by master beadsmiths from Zimbabwe, this sculptural fixture combines clean lines with a minimalist silhouette, making it a subtle statement piece above a kitchen island. The matte white finish adds a soft, modern touch that plays well with both neutral and colorful interiors.

Bold angles meet refined elegance in this geometric pendant, ideal for kitchens that embrace modern architecture. Hang two or three over an island to create strong visual rhythm with an artistic edge.

Handwoven for texture and warmth, this ceiling light softens the hard lines of a modern kitchen. Its subtle grey tone and organic shape make it a beautiful choice for layering above island prep areas.

This trio of bold, black pendants is effortlessly dramatic—perfect for high-impact kitchen island lighting. The clustered design offers balanced illumination while anchoring the space with sculptural form.

Warm copper tones and a classic silhouette give this pendant timeless charm. It’s a standout choice for farmhouse-inspired kitchens or islands that benefit from soft metallic contrast.

With its clean dome shape and warm woven detail, this ceiling light blends modern simplicity with artisanal character. Ideal for low ceilings or minimalist kitchen islands in need of texture and focus.

Sleek and refined, the Alula Pendant adds polish with its brushed brass finish and minimalist profile. Use it in pairs over a kitchen island for understated elegance and directional lighting.

Petite but powerful, this copper mini pendant adds focused light and refined warmth to compact kitchen islands. Its hand-formed design brings a handcrafted feel to even the most streamlined spaces.

For an 8-foot island, your layout depends on scale. Use two pendants if they are oversized, statement-piece types (12–15” in diameter) and can provide enough light for the entire island. For medium-sized (8–10”) pendants, use three pieces to provide well-distributed lighting.

With a 7-foot island, two pendants usually offer the most balanced look. If your pendants are particularly slim, three can work—but be cautious with spacing.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Two pendants, especially large, bold fixtures, are ideal for a clean, modern, or minimalist aesthetic. If you’re working with slim or narrow fixtures, go for three pendants to layer with recessed or under-cabinet lighting. As a rule, you should let the design of the fixture and the scale of the room guide your decision. That way, you’re not only creating a well-lit and functional space but also enhancing the room’s rhythm and symmetry.

Proper spacing is essential not just for aesthetics but also for function. When hanging new pendant lights, measure from center to center of each pendant. Allow 24–30 inches of space between fixtures, and leave at least 6 inches from the edge of the island. This spacing helps prevent harsh shadows while maintaining visual flow.

If you're still unsure what size pendants for 8 foot island settings are best, here’s a quick cheat sheet:

• Large statement pendants (12”–15”) – Use 2 evenly spaced
• Medium-sized pendants (8”–10”) – Use 3 for balance
• Mini pendants (6” or less) – Use 3 to 4 depending on shape and style

Knowing how to change a light fixture is a small but empowering step toward creating a home that feels more like you. From learning how to replace a light fixture safely to fine-tuning pendant light placement, you’re not just improving your lighting—you’re elevating your environment.

So whether you’re replacing a light fixture in the hallway or installing pendant lights over your kitchen island, lean into the artistry. Ready to give your kitchen—or your entire home—a well-deserved glow-up? Explore 54kibo’s collection of luxury African light fixtures, from hand-beaded pendants to sculptural globes crafted for lasting quality and visual impact.