How do I hang a pendant light from a vaulted or sloped ceiling?
How Do I Hang a Pendant Light From a Vaulted or Sloped Ceiling?
One of the most frequently asked questions we get at Bicycle Glass is how to hang pendant lights from a vaulted or sloped ceiling.
Hanging pendants from a sloped ceiling
To safely hang a pendant light from a vaulted or sloped ceiling, you’ll need a hang straight (also called a sloped-ceiling adapter). This small joint allows the cord to hang straight down, preventing kinks and long-term stress on the electrical cord.
- Without a hang straight: the cord bends at an angle and can kink.
- With a hang straight: the cord drops vertically, keeping the pendant secure and level.
One of the most important things to consider when hanging a pendant light is making sure the cord does not experience unnecessary stress.
Even subtle, long-term strain on the cord can lead to wear over time, which is why proper installation matters just as much as choosing the right fixture.
The Problem
As the cord comes out of the canopy, it passes through a strain relief. This component is designed to hold the cord in place and set the desired hanging height of the pendant.
In a typical installation on a flat ceiling, the junction box sits level. The cord hangs straight down, and an internal collet inside the strain relief grips the cord evenly.
On a vaulted or sloped ceiling, however, the canopy sits at an angle. Without any type of adapter, the cord exits the canopy at that same angle. As the weight of the pendant pulls downward, the cord can kink where it passes through the strain relief.
Over time, this bending and tension can compromise the cord and is not considered a safe long-term solution.
The Solution
The solution is a simple mechanical device called a hang straight.
A hang straight is installed between the canopy and the strain relief. It acts as a small swivel joint that compensates for the slope of your ceiling.
The cord passes through:
- The ceiling canopy
- The hang straight (which adjusts to the ceiling angle)
- The strain relief, where the cord hangs perfectly vertical
This allows the pendant to hang straight down, regardless of the ceiling pitch, eliminating kinks and reducing stress on the cord.
Hang straights can be easily added to standard canopies and are compatible with most pendant installations.
A Safe, Long-Term Hanging Solution
Using a hang straight is the safest and most reliable way to hang pendant lights from a sloped, vaulted, or cathedral ceiling.
It ensures:
- Proper cord alignment
- Reduced electrical stress
- A level, professional-looking installation
If you’re planning a custom lighting installation or working with a ceiling that isn’t flat, this small detail can make a big difference.