HOW TO: Install a Cord Stay
Beau WynjaTakeaways:
- You can use a cord stay to manage your light fixture cords by attaching them more securely to the ceiling or walls.
- The cord stays at Color Cord Company come in a variety of finish options, so you can customize the final design of your fixture accessories.
- Plan cord stay placement before installation to ensure you’re happy with the look of the design before cutting any holes in your drywall.
- When you’re ready, you can use the included hex key and hex screw to set the cord stay firmly in place.
Cord stays are used to secure any cord to a wall that’s running from a wall sconce or pendant light. They’re ideal for cord management, functional aesthetics, and personalizing the design of your space. Learn more about cord stays and how you can use them in your home from the experts at Color Cord Company below.
Finish Options
We have six different finish options for our cord stays, including matte black, matte white, raw metal, solid raw brass, nickel, or polished copper. Please note that our raw metal and brass stays are designed for additional customization. You can paint them any color you like or let them naturally oxidize to enjoy a lovely patina.
When you purchase a cord stay, you’ll also get a wood screw and a hex key to make sure you have all the tools you need to install the stay with your fixture right away. Note that if you are placing fixtures in a wall with drywall, we also recommend purchasing drywall anchors (not included with cord stay orders) for strengthening the support for your project.
Benefits of a Cord Stay
At Color Cord Company, we recommend cord stays for managing the path of your cloth-covered cord. Whether you need just one cord stay or a series that runs along the ceiling or wall, you can create unique designs with your cord that also utilize the rounded cord stays as accents throughout the cord’s path. We love the aesthetic that cord stays can add to your color cord pathways!
If you’re looking for cord stay or swag hook inspiration, we have tons of articles to help you out:
Explore these blogs to learn more about how you can harness your cloth-covered cord for the design of any room in your home!
Using a Cord Stay
Your cord stay has two parts. The bottom, which you screw into the wall, and the top, which secures your cloth-covered cord into place – almost like a sandwich!
- Decide on placement for your cord stays and map out the path you want your cord to take with a very light pencil. You might just need one stay on the ceiling to create the perfect arch for your pendant light fixture, or you could plan an entire cord wall crawl in a wild zig-zag design.
- Use the hex key to adjust the anti-spin hex screw in order to set the bottom half of the cord stay into a wall or ceiling. Once it’s screwed in, the cord stay should not rotate at all. If it still does, continue twisting the screw until everything is secure.
- Next, you insert your cloth-covered cord into the divot and hold it in place as you screw on the top portion of the cord stay. You can just use your hands to screw the top all the way down, but if it doesn’t feel secure enough and your cord is sliding around, use some pliers for extra leverage.
More From Color Cord Company
As always, we’re here to help. In addition to modular and highly customizable light fixtures, we also offer assistance for people taking on all types of projects. Whether you’re a pro who needs to place a bulk order or you’re an enthusiastic DIYer redesigning their home, we have tools to help everyone get the job done!
Explore our blog, check out our gallery for inspo, and browse through our guides to find what you need!
FAQs
How do you map out cord stay placement?
Use a pencil to mark the areas on your ceiling or wall where you think a cord stay needs to go. Keep your marks small and light, so when you install the stay, it completely obscures the marks. Don’t be afraid of modifying your placement design until it feels just right by erasing and moving your marks.
Can a cord stay support the full weight of a pendant light?
No, you should use cord stays as decorative accents and organizational aids that keep your cloth covered cord out of the way. The maximum weight our cord stays can accommodate is three pounds when placed in a stud or joist. Use an appropriate weight-rated hook to support the weight of your light fixtures.
What are the dimensions of the Color Cord Company cord stays?
Our cord stays measure:
- Diameter: 25/32in
- Height: 9/16in
These products are compatible with any ¼” diameter cloth covered cord.
