How to Hang Light Fixtures From a Swag Hook & Toggle Bolt

A ceiling fixture can illuminate an area without taking up floor or wall space. One example is a recessed can that requires expensive modification behind the ceiling if it did not exist before. A simpler option, as long as the area is near a wall outlet, would be a light hung from a swag hook and toggle bolt.


Search for a ceiling location near a wall with an outlet, preferably one controlled by a wall switch. Locate a hollow area above the ceiling drywall and several inches from any ceiling joists with an electronic stud finder. Mark the area with a pencil.


Drill through the mark with a paddle bit sized according to the toggle bolt’s package directions, which typically call for around ½ inch. The appearance of the actual opening is not critical because it will be covered by the base plate of the hook. Wear goggles and a dust mask to protect yourself from gypsum dust.


Screw the hook onto the toggle bolt such that the wings of the toggle bolt point toward the hook. Squeeze the wings of the toggle bolt together and push them through the ceiling hole.


Turn the hook clockwise while pulling downward so the toggle wings engage the other side of drywall. Continue to tighten the hook until it is attaches snugly to the ceiling.


Hang the chain of the lighting fixture from the hook. The fixture itself should fall directly under the hook. If needed, attach another swag hook and toggle bolt to the ceiling closer to the wall. You can then also drape the chain from this second hook. The plug hangs from this part of the chain, which you can insert into the outlet.


Test the light spread by turning the fixture on. If the illumination is too wide, lower the fixture. If it is too narrow, raise the fixture. You may need to add or remove links from the lighting fixture chain to adjust its overall length.