How to make the illumination direction of an overhead LED light adjustable?

[Stephen Tashi]

TL;DR Summary

Is there a way to modify a thin overhead LED light fixture that fits over a ceiling box to make the direction of the light easily adjustable?

Is there a way to modify a thin overhead LED light fixture that fits over a ceiling box to make the direction of the light easily adjustable? Perhaps add some sort of adjustable shade to it?

In remodeling a bedroom, I'd like to install ceiling boxes ( e.g. https://www.lowes.com/pd/CARLON-18-cu-in-1-Gang-Plastic-Ceiling-Electrical-Box/50011806 ) for lights and, initially, install thin LED light fixtures over the boxes. (e.g. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Progress-Lighting-5-1-2-in-Round-1-Light-Metallic-Gray-LED-Surface-Mount-Light-P8240-82-30K9-AC1-L06/207096731 ) so the arrangement would resemble a room lit with small recessed lights. After the room has been lived-in for awhile, some lights might be changed to a different type of light fixture as the way people use the room becomes clear.

There are recessed lights that have an eyeball type shade (e.g. https://www.lowes.com/pd/Halo-White-Eyeball-Recessed-Light-Trim-Fits-Housing-Diameter-6-in/1093613?cm_mmc=shp-_-c-_-prd-_-lit-_-google-_-lia-_-143-_-recessedlighting-_-1093613-_-0&placeholder=null&gclid=Cj0KCQjwg8n5BRCdARIsALxKb94-XNRRDIRmU4DGrmuzPX93Pmfg8z3YErvwqJIB8-RFZJP3fwogD6QaAps2EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds ) or can gimbal about one axis (e.g. https://www.lowes.com/pd/Designers-Fountain-4-in-4000K-Remodel-Directional-Gimbal-White-Integrated-LED-Recessed-Trim/1001336518?cm_mmc=shp-_-c-_-prd-_-lit-_-google-_-pla-_-227-_-sosdecorationlighting-_-1001336518-_-0&placeholder=null&gclid=Cj0KCQjwg8n5BRCdARIsALxKb96cA_vSjioltUqi_ur0XdlimMEfft5Oa3Kyarc_y9oTq7wfC7-GZhYaAmyrEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds ) However, those recessed lights don't fit onto ceiling boxes.

 

[shjacks45]

Onstage, different lighting looks are by using multiple lights.

 

[AlexTheParticle]

There are a few potential solutions for modifying a thin overhead LED light fixture to make the direction of the light easily adjustable. One option could be to attach a swivel arm or bracket to the fixture, similar to what is used for wall-mounted reading lights. This would allow you to adjust the angle of the fixture as needed.

Another option could be to use a track lighting system, which allows for more flexibility in directing light. You could install a track over the ceiling boxes and then attach the LED fixtures to the track, giving you the ability to adjust the direction of the lights as needed.

If you prefer to stick with the recessed light look, you could also consider using a retrofit kit that would allow you to convert the existing LED fixture into a gimbal or eyeball style light. These kits typically include a new trim piece that can be attached to the existing fixture, giving it the ability to pivot or rotate.

Whichever solution you choose, it's important to make sure that the modified fixture is still safely and securely attached to the ceiling box. You may need to consult with an electrician or contractor to ensure that the modifications are done correctly and meet safety standards.

Overall, with a little creativity and some modifications, it is possible to make a thin overhead LED light fixture adjustable and more versatile for your space.