I can't tell without looking at the fixture. It depends on how the rod is fastened to the canopy. If it's threaded into place, it might be possible to remove the rod from the canopy, cut some off, rethread it, and reinstall. However, if it's welded or crimped into place, that makes modification tougher.

A reasonably competent metalworking artisan could probably do something. I don't think it will be cheap though.

Thanks for the reply! I got some more information from my contractor. The fixture comes in three pieces: Lights, 24inch chrome rod with a knuckle in the middle, and the base/transformer. The rod is threaded on both ends.

The electrician said he could easily rewire the fixture if I could get the rod shortened by about 12 inches.

Welding it may not be a good solution as it the welded area would look bad, but I'd be concerned that the weld would not be sufficiently strong to hold the weight of the light.

Cutting the rod and having it rethreaded seems to be the solution, but where does one find someone who can do it? Any recommendations would be welcomed as I may not be able to return the light, and I do love this fixture. Thanks!!

Check with local sheetmetal and fabrication shops. It shouldn't be that big of a deal, but you may have to get the rod re-chromed after it is cut and re-threaded. If so, you may actually be better off getting another fixture, and perhaps selling your old one on E-Bay to someone with higher ceilings.

I agree that cutting and threading is likely to damage the chrome, and re-chroming would be expensive. You could get a piece of stainless steel tubing, and skip the chrome altogether...

Just a thought... how is that "knuckle" in the middle of the rod attached? The straight rods wouldn't be threaded into it, would they?

The rod is one piece. The knuckle in the middle is welded to the two shorter rods to make one 24 inch rod. It is not threaded in the middle. That would be too easy! ; ) If I could get a stainless steel rod with threaded ends that would fit, that would also be a great solution. If anyone has any recommendations for any local NYC metal artisans who could do this, I'd appreciate any contact information. Thanks for all the good ideas.

You need to find a small machine shop that's willing to take on an odd little project. If you can find one, make sure they understand that the rod needs to stay as polished as possible - ask them to try not to scratch it with the jaws of their lathe chuck. Good luck!

Here is nickel piping from 4" to 18" in 2" increments. I don't know if the diameter (3/8") will work for you but it's a place to start. BTW, a 12" pipe, threaded on both ends is $2.75 I think.

http://mainelyshades.safeshopper.com/504/cat504.htm?684

Check to see if there is a lighting repair shop in your area. We used to do this for people on many fixtures and it is really not that difficult if they have the right equipment. They may even have the rod in stock. I know that we stocked many of these items due to fixtures having to be shortened.

Thanks for all the great suggestions!! I'm relieved to learn that there is a solution so that I can use this fixture.