Easy Fits as Easy Does: Quick and easy ways to change your ceiling lights with Easy Fit pendant lighting

4th February 2021 | Good to Know & Inspirations

Here at Dar Lighting we understand how complicated life can be, which is why we have designed an incredibly broad range of simple to fit Easy Fit pendant lighting for you. Easy to fit, easy to enjoy.

This article will tell you all about Easy Fits, and contains lots of tips to change your ceiling lights with easy-fit pendant lighting.

So, why choose an Easy Fit light?

Are you after a quick fix?
Are you in rented accommodation, unable/unwilling to make alterations?
Have you just moved house and hate looking at bare bulbs?
Do you want a temporary solution until a major decorative change?
Are you searching for the perfect finishing touch to a room?
Do you want to ring the changes each season, whether we are talking about the weather or the latest trends?
Will you need to make quick changeovers in a hotel or bed & breakfast room?

Then make friends with our Easy Fits!

What are Easy Fit pendants?

In a nutshell, Easy Fits are simply light shades that can be fitted in minutes by anyone to an existing light fitting – usually a pendant light fitting (known as a suspension in the trade) or a stubby fitting (known as a lighting batten). Although called ‘pendants’, many can be used on a table or floor lamp too. With no rewiring and no electrician’s bill, they are a quick and cost effective way to transform a room. And while you’re at it, why not switch to energy-efficient LED bulbs at the same time?

Easy Fit pendant lighting shades can be anything from a soft fabric drum lamp shade to a mini crystal ‘chandelier’ via folded paper, metal and pink feathers! This type of light is perfect for introducing the latest on-trend into a scheme and easy enough to change according to the season or a whim. Simply take them down and store in a cupboard until you fancy another change.

Easy Fits are often termed non-electrical or non-electric pendants, which says what it is on the tin. And they can be made of tin – though not often – or other types of metal, as well as fabrics, laminated card and so on. Of course, they can also be fitted to floor and table lamps too, which can be a simple way to connect disparate items in a room, bringing them together to create our own style.

Onza Easy Fit Pendant Black Wire Twin Pack

How to choose an Easy Fit shade

First, consider the shape, material and size from the point of view of the amount of illumination needed. The construction of the shade determines how much light is given out. A solid metal dome shade, for instance, only enables light to be emitted downwards. A fabric drum pendant shade has an equal amount of light upwards too, plus a small amount to the side. And a wire mesh, loose-weave fabric or pierced metal one will allow light to escape sideways too, for greater and more general illumination.

Shape matters

Domes direct light downwards, especially when they are made of a solid material like metal, which is just the thing for suspending over a dining table or kitchen work area.
Angled, ‘coolie’-hat shapes act like domes, but often over a wider area, so are good for larger tables or kitchen islands.
Drum-shaped shades allow light both up and down, so light can bounce down from the ceiling too. Perfect for living rooms.
Tapered drum shades have more light downwards then up, which is why they are the shade of choice for side table lights.

Akavia Grey velvet drum pendant light shade

Material matters

Cotton fabric softens light, according to the weave
Velvet fabric soaks up light
Ceramic transmits light; translucent ceramic glows
Glazed ceramic can also reflect light
Metal contains light, and can also reflect it
Clear glass maximises light
Smoked or coloured glass reduces glare
Faceted crystal refracts light, creating colour and shine.

Laura Ashley Vienna Easy Fit Shade Polished Chrome Glass

Size matters

Do you need a large pendant or a smaller one? Consider the proportions of the room and don’t skimp. Style has a place here too: Modern pendant lighting tends to the ‘oversized’, whereas the traditional look is more understated.

Bamboo Easy Fit Shade Green Leaf Print Large

Style matters

What it looks like is important too! Think about the decorative scheme of your room, as well as your preferences. Are you into the British eccentric look? Vintage industrial? Ultra-modern or classic?

Smokey Easy Fit Pendant Shade Graduated Chromed Glass

Texture matters

Lighting is a great way to introduce texture to a room. Patterns, pleats, folds and facets all add textural interest to your room.

Laura Ashley Pink Easy Fit Feather Pendant Shade

Colour matters

As with fabrics, colour can be changed to suit the season too. Heavier velvet in darker colours for winter, lighter cotton in brighter shades for summer – just like clothes!

Aisha Easy-Fit Pendant Shade

How to fit an Easy Fit shade

If you can change a lightbulb, you can fit a pendant shade. The only thing to know about Easy Fit pendant lighting is… that there is nothing to know! Not only is no electrician needed, but absolutely no technical expertise is required.

How to fit an Easy Fit pendant light shade in 7 steps:

Turn off the light at the wall (or, for total safety, switch off the lighting circuit at the mains)
Stand on a sturdy ladder (no, not on the nearest wobbly chair or your grandmother’s polished antique table)
Unscrew (for screw cap) or turn and pull (for bayonet cap) the existing bulb – always anti-clockwise; place it somewhere safe
Unscrew the shade retaining ring, again, anticlockwise
Fit the the shade’s central hole over the lampholder, then hold it up with one hand while screwing the retainer ring back on with the other hand (if you cross-thread it, simply unscrew slightly and try again)
Refit the bulb (wait a while if it is still hot!), turning clockwise this time
Step back down safely, turn the power back on, and admire your handiwork!

Twin pack of Onza black wire mesh pendant light shades (Image courtesy of Casa Rosa Interiors)

Dar Lighting’s diverse range of Easy Fit pendant lighting is stylishly simple and effective in both function and design. Take a look!

Enjoyed this article? Why not browse our full collection of Easy Fit Lighting or see more inspiration on Instagram?

Easy Fits as Easy Does: Quick and easy ways to change your ceiling lights with Easy Fit pendant lighting

What are Easy Fit pendants?