WALL SCONCES
Wall sconces provide general, task or accent lighting with equal effect. Most wall sconces complement other lighting fixtures, such as chandeliers and ceiling fixtures rather than being the main source of light. As a result, they can be used in areas all over the home.
Typically, wall sconces are smaller fixtures that are lighter and easier to lift and handle. As a result, this is a relatively easy project you can do by yourself, probably within a day (not including any walls you may have to patch up). The one thing you do have to watch out for is the fact you’ll be working with electricity. But, if you take the necessary precautions and safety measures, you’ll be enjoying your new wall sconce(s) in no time.
PLACEMENT
Whether you’re planning to install wall sconces along a hallway or in a bathroom or foyer, the American Lighting Association (ALA) suggests they’re mounted no lower than five or six feet from the floor (any lower and you’ll risk bumping your head or shoulders into them), and spaced roughly six to eight feet apart. But as a room’s height increases, so should the mounting height. Keep the height of the wall sconces proportional to the height of the ceiling.
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CUT HOLES AND RUN CABLE
FIRST AND FOREMOST: Shut off the power. Find a junction box or a receptacle with power you can use. Cut a vertical hole for the switch box and horizontal holes for the sconce boxes. Run cable from the power source to the switch and from the switch to the openings cut in the wall for the sconces.
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WIRE IT UP
Fasten cable to the boxes, allowing an extra eight inches of cable to protrude at each box. Attach the boxes to the walls. Strip the sheathing and the wire insulation, and make the electrical connections. Note that wires travel both into and out of the first sconce fixture box. Wire the switch.
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INSTALL THE SCONCES
Tuck the wires into the box, screw a mounting strap to the box, and attach the sconce to the mounting strap. Secure the switch and its cover plate, and test.
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