Wall sconces are ideal for adding lighting to small spaces like hallways, staircases, and bathrooms. Since they’re installed on the wall, they can save your home some floor space.
Choose one with a unique design, and these wall lighting fixtures can even serve as interior decor. The right fixtures can offer plenty of ambient lighting or accent lighting.
What gives most homeowners pause about wall sconces is the installation. Wall sconces require electrical wiring, which makes them a larger project that most homeowners don’t want to tackle on their own.
But with these five tips, you can install all your wall sconces like a professional.
1. Gather Your Tools
You can’t start a wall sconce installation without the proper tools. Of course, you’re going to need the wall sconce you plan to install. Next, you’ll need a voltage tester, a utility knife, drywall saw, drill, and screwdriver.
You will also need wire strippers, long-nose pliers, and lineman’s pliers. Lastly, you’ll need fish tape, a ceiling box, a switch box with clamps, wire nuts, electrician’s tape, cable, and a switch.
2. Shut Off the Power Before You Start
Before you start the installation or cutting into the wall, you have to shut off the power to the circuit. You can do this by using the main electrical panel, usually located in the basement.
Shut the power off to the entire house by flipping the main circuit breaker. This is usually located at the top and usually a pair.
To turn off the power to a room or circuit, turn off the branch circuit breakers located on the lower panel. Once you’ve flipped the breakers, use the voltage tester to ensure there is no power flowing.
3. Install and Wire the Box
Some wall sconces will include instructions, so, in that case, you’ll want to follow those installation instructions. General instructions will have you make a hole in the wall to place the electrical box.
Push the box into the hole, and enlarge it with the utility knife if needed. Tighten the screws until the box is attached.
To wire, attach the white fixture lead to the white wire and the black lead to the black wire. Next, connect the grounds.
4. Attach the Wall Sconce
This is an easy step. With all the wiring done, you can attach the fixture to the mounting hardware. Tighten the base until it’s secure and level on the wall.
Restore the power and test that the light comes on.
5. Try Wire-Free or Plug-In Sconces
Alright, maybe you’ve tried to install a wall sconce with no luck. Maybe you’d rather have a professional, like this service, ensure that you connected your wires right. Maybe you’re renting and can’t cut holes in the wall.
If traditional wall sconces aren’t for you—for whatever reason—you have a few options. You can try a plug-in sconce. These attach to the wall with a hardware plate and plug into an outlet.
But if you want the clean look traditional sconces offer, try a wire-free or battery-operated sconce to get the look without the installation.
Install Wall Sconces Like a Pro
Flip through the pages or scroll through images of interior design, and you’ll see wall sconces in bathrooms, bedrooms, and hallways. Wall sconces make your home feel customized and stylish, but they can be tricky to install.
The difficult installation makes many homeowners shy away from sconces. But with these tips, you can install a wall sconce like a professional. And if you want wall sconces without the installation, you have a few options as well.
If you’re looking for more home decor and design tips, check out more articles on our site today.
