Your latent designer inside is dying to express itself, and you know just the spot. The first thing that came to your mind is lighting. You have seen some really beautiful lights at the store, but they were way out of your budget. So you decide to take matters into your own hands and design something unique for your home. The first step is removing the cover from your ceiling light.
Why do you remove the cover at all?
You might be thinking, "Why would I want to do that? Isn't it supposed to stay there?" Well, there are a few reasons why you might want to remove the cover from your ceiling light. Maybe you want to change the bulb or clean the fixture. Or maybe you just want to get a better look at what's going on inside.
Moreover, removing the cover from your ceiling light can be a necessary step in installing certain types of lighting, such as recessed lighting. There are a few different ways that you can remove the cover from your ceiling light, and the method you use will depend on the type of fixture you have.
What are the 3 types of ceiling light cover?
Covers with screws
This type of cover is attached with screws, which are located around the perimeter of the cover. In order to remove this type of cover, simply unscrew the screws and lift off the cover. They usually are used when the ceiling is made of plasterboard since these covers can be screwed directly into the material.
Clip-on covers
As the name suggests, this type of cover “clips on” to the base of the ceiling light. In order to remove it, simply unhook the clips and lift off the cover. These are often used for lights that are recessed into the ceiling, or for surface-mounted lights. Clips are much more convenient in the view of most people since they don’t require any tools for installation or removal.
Magnetic covers
This type of cover uses magnets to attach itself to the ceiling light. The advantage of this is that it can be removed and replaced very quickly and easily, without the use of any tools. However, the disadvantage is that it may not be as secure as the other types of covers and could potentially fall off if bumped. Some people use these types of covers in combination with other types, such as screws, to ensure that they stay in place.
Ceiling light covers come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and styles. They can be made out of different materials, such as plastic, glass, or metal. So, when trying to remove it from the ceiling, the best thing to do is to identify what type of cover it is and follow the corresponding instructions. With a little effort, you should be able to remove any type of ceiling light cover
How to remove cover from ceiling light?
Screws
When you have a ceiling light with screws, you should anyway have a head start. Prepare a ladder if needed, to reach the light easily. Always hold the glass with one hand before unscrewing the knob that holds the glass cover in place. If you don't, the glass cover might fall straight off the ceiling and hit you or shatter on the floor.
Next, unscrew the knob by turning it counterclockwise. If the knob is too tight, use a pair of pliers to loosen it up. If the glass knob is affixed tightly, there may be a washer preventing it from moving. Check for this before likely removing the entire fixture. If you have spotted a washer, remove it before unscrewing the knob.
Now that the knob is removed, gently pull down on the glass cover to remove it from the base of the ceiling light. If there is any resistance, check to see if there are any other screws holding it in place. Once you have removed the cover, set it aside in a safe place.
Without screws
This guide is devoted to those individuals who have a ceiling light cover without screws. The beginning part of this guideline is the same as in the screws' case. So, prepare a ladder if needed, to reach the light easily. Always hold the glass with one hand before unscrewing the knob that holds the glass cover in place. If you don't, the glass cover might fall straight off the ceiling and hit you or shatter on the floor.
You will need as much traction as possible to make it easier to rotate the cover. So, put both hands on the opposite sides of the glass cover. Then, you’ll want to rotate the glass cover left (lefty-loosey) or counterclockwise. In case the cover is stuck, slightly hit the glass with your palm to make it rotate. As you rotate the cover, it will eventually come loose from the base of the ceiling light. Once you have removed the cover, set it aside in a safe place.
Clip-on covers
This part is pretty straightforward since you just need to know how to work with clips. The best thing you can do is just follow the steps below.
The first thing you need to do is to identify where the clips are located on the cover. Once you have found them, use your fingers to squeeze each side of the clip until it pops off. You'll want the glass to stay in place once it's removed from the clips, so make sure you keep the glass cover on. One of the clips should be "loose," allowing it to be moved away from the glass. So first figure out which of the clips are movable.
Next, once you identify the clip securely holding the glass cover in place, use both hands to pull it apart from the ceiling mount. With enough force, you should be able to separate the glass cover from under the clip. As a result, the glass cover should come off easily from the ceiling light. If it's still stuck, make sure to check if there are any other clips holding it in place. Once you have removed the cover, set it aside in a safe place.
So, these are the general instructions on how to remove a cover from a ceiling light. Make sure to follow the specific instructions depending on the type of ceiling light that you have. With a little effort, you should be able to remove any type of ceiling light cover.
How do you remove an interior dome light cover?
Dome light covers are usually attached with small screws. To remove the cover, unscrew the screws and carefully pull the cover off. If the cover is glued on, you may need to use a putty knife or other sharp object to pry it off. Be careful not to damage the light fixture itself. Once the cover is off, you can clean it as needed and screw it back on when you're finished. For a more detailed guideline, you can watch the video below.
How do you open a flush mount ceiling light?
Flush mount ceiling lights are usually opened by unscrewing the base of the light. Once the base is unscrewed, the whole light fixture can be removed. Be careful not to drop the light or pull too hard, as this can damage the wires. To put the light back, simply screw the base back on and push the light back into place. Moreover, many flush mount lights have a glass cover that can be removed for cleaning.
To remove the cover, unscrew the base of the light and carefully pull the cover off. If the cover is glued on, you may need to use a putty knife or other sharp object to pry it off. Be careful not to damage the light fixture itself. Once the cover is off, you can clean it as needed and screw it back on when you're finished.
For a more detailed guideline, you can watch the video below.
Is it hard to install the cover from the ceiling light again?
Once you have done all you wanted (cleaned the glass cover or changed the light bulb), you'll need to put the cover back on. It shouldn't be hard if you follow these instructions.
First, take the glass cover and line it up with the base of the ceiling light. Remember to orient it so that the design is facing down. You may need to wiggle it a bit until it's in the right position. Then, start screwing in the screws that hold the glass cover in place. Make sure not to over-tighten them, as this can crack the glass. Once all screws are in place, give the glass a tap to make sure it's secure.
And that's it! You've successfully replaced or cleaned your ceiling light cover.
Conclusion
Now when you know how to remove cover from ceiling light, you can do it without any difficulties. Just remember to follow the specific instructions for your type of ceiling light and be careful not to damage the light fixture itself. With a little effort, you should be able to remove and replace any type of ceiling light cover.