Software
Houzz Logo Print
tvq1

Adapting a linear light fixture to a sloped ceiling

6 years ago

I'm shopping for a new dining room light, and I have my heart set on a rectangular fixture like the one pictured below:


However-the problem is the mounting plate. We have a sloped ceiling in the dining room, and the mounting plate will need to be placed along the slope instead of across the slope. The light fixture needs to hang the "long" way above the table, not across it.


Here is a picture of the mounting plate:


Any idea how I can adapt this plate so the fixture hangs level? My only idea would be to drill a new hole in the middle of the rectangular plate and gather both chains and insert in to the new center hole.


Any other suggestions?

Thanks in advance!

Comments (21)

  • 6 years ago

    Wayfair has 346 square or rectangular chandeliers that are sloped-ceiling adaptable. See if any of these float your boat: https://www.wayfair.com/lighting/sb2/sloped-ceiling-square-rectangular-chandeliers-c215419-a71517~465841-a71523~263979.html?itemsperpage=96

  • 6 years ago

    I'm probably not explaining the issues correctly--if the fixture is hung as designed--it will not hang evenly, as the ceiling is sloped. In other words--it will hang lopsided. If we hang it the other way, the long dimension will be oriented across the table and not along the length of the table.

    I've looked at about 500 pictures--any that I like have the same rectangular plate with double chains.


    Any other ideas?


  • 6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    You have several solutions:

    1. The best and easiest solution is to find a lamp held by only one chain or pole (example).
    2. You could also choose a lamp that does not use a single canopy (example).
    3. You could use several pendants whose cord lengths could be set independently (example)
    4. Use the lamp you've selected and adjust the chain lengths so that the lamp is level and live with the fact that the chains will not be parallel.
    5. Use the lamp you've selected and, given the slope of the ceiling, calculate the distance between the canopy holes required for the chains to be parallel and the lamp level. Then drill two holes in the canopy and attach the chains there.*
    6. Do as you suggest however, I fear that the lamp will not remain parallel to the table -- for example, if there's a breeze -- because it will be attached to the canopy at only one point. Also, the canopy material may be too thin to support the lamp at one point.

    *Depending on the slope of the ceiling, the canopy may not be long enough.

    tvq1 thanked wdccruise
  • 6 years ago
    We just hung a very similar light from Ballard in our dining room. It came with long lengths of chain to adapt to various applications and could be hung as you are describing.
    tvq1 thanked curlycook
  • 6 years ago

    Extra chain can usually be ordered from manufacturers.

    tvq1 thanked clt3
  • 6 years ago

    You can always add extra chain, but is it ever going to loook level?

    tvq1 thanked Springroz
  • 6 years ago

    Change the mounting plate to 2 adjustable Adapters?

    Search ‘sloped ceiling lighting adapters’ for lots of options.

    tvq1 thanked maddielee
  • 6 years ago

    Very easy. The plate is mounted flush to the sloped ceiling and you will adjust the length of the wire and chain on the longer side so that the light hangs level.

    tvq1 thanked flyr4fun
  • 6 years ago

    Thank you all for the ideas--really helped me think through the issue

    .

    I think I have solved the problem! I've found a few fixtures like this that come with hanging rods instead of chains. I think we can cut each rod to the correct length easier than fussing with chain.

  • 6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    The rods won't be parallel unless the points where the rods enter the lamp can be adjusted to match the distance between the rods on the angled canopy.

    Then, if the rods enter the lamp at fixed angles (i.e., 90 degrees) this won't work.

    tvq1 thanked wdccruise
  • PRO
    6 years ago

    OMG the chain is going to be easier because you simply have a different number of links for each side of the fixture. The rods are likely threaded for connection & will require a pipe cutter for adjustment and you'll likely have to figure the angle for proper cutting.






    tvq1 thanked BeverlyFLADeziner
  • 6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    Bev is right -- rods require special treatment for alteration. Even if you can cut one end of one section and not have to deal with threading, you need a clean cut or you will have a mangled rod and/or a messed up finish. The chains will be much easier. You installer should be able to shorten one side on almost any chain. If the available info doesn't tell you that it can be adjusted, contact the manufacturer or have the seller investigate it for you.

    tvq1 thanked lascatx
  • 6 years ago

    Good points--thanks to all that responded. Guess I'm back to the one with chains. My concern is that the level & plumb length might not be at exactly one link on the chain. Guess we could change one link of the chain if needed.

    Beverly--thanks for the pictures. I see they are mounted along the line of the slope.

    I'm determined to have those light fixtures--they are just perfect for our dining room!

  • PRO
    6 years ago

    Your other option is to build an electrical box to accommodate the slope of the ceiling, but that could be awkward.


    tvq1 thanked BeverlyFLADeziner
  • PRO
    6 years ago

    In Galilee lighting we specialize in custom lighting for sloped ceiling.

    If you would like to receive our catalog by email contact Sales@GalileeLighting.com visit www.GalileeLighting.com

    We offer free design consultation you can call 305-807-8711

    Bliss modern blown glass chandelier by Galilee lighting · More Info


  • 5 years ago

    I'm bringing this thread back because I'm in the same predicament. Groveraxle, what did you wind up doing?

  • 5 years ago

    Ann Marie--I was the original poster in this thread. Sorry to say, I gave up on this particular light fixture--just too many issues! I did find another fixture locally that I really liked, It's square and hangs from a single chain. Problem solved! I'll see if I can find a link and post it here.


  • 5 years ago


    We found it at our local Home Depot, and they have it online also. It's quite large, but fits our space nicely. Here's the link: (and it's on sale now!)


    https://www.homedepot.com/p/Home-Decorators-Collection-Weyburn-8-Light-Bronze-Caged-Chandelier-BOR-86201/308680201


    Hope this is helpful to you.........


  • last year

    Aren’t electricians supposed to adapt fixtures?

  • last year

    Our new home is out-of-state. They neglected to tell me the dining room and kitchen have sloped ceilings that are 15’ high. My fixture goes to 61”. Ugh