Wall sconces make wonderful decorations to any room. Both beautiful and practical, they provide decoration and lighting for tasks, pictures, reading and areas of the room missed by the main fixtures. Sconces are available for every décor and budget. Find them online, at auction sites, antique shops, big box stores and other places.
First, know what kind of wall you have. A wall with half-inch thick drywall is different from one with drywall five-eighths inch thick. Plaster walls can be over an inch thick, and in very old houses, the walls may be wood. Knowing the right hanger for the type of wall ensures the sconces will not pull out and hit the floor.
Second, decide how many wall sconces will be hung. Large walls will allow more than one sconce while short walls, such as those next to a closet door, may support only one.
Third, plan for wiring and power. If the sconces will be plugged into an outlet, the combined sconces, lamps and other electronics should not overload the circuit. Using too many extension cords for multiple sconces is a fire hazard. If the sconces are to be hard-wired into the house's wiring, meaning an electrician needs to open the wall, figure this in as well.
Fourth, if unsure whether a sconce would work in an area, obtain a battery-operated sconce and hang it temporarily with a removable hanger. If it does not work in the area, would require too much effort to hard-wire it for installation or too long an extension cord, move it to another area. This can save thousands in the end.
Fifth, once the number of sconces and their locations are selected, now is the time to find the sconce right for the house and décor. Spend time researching different magazines, books, online, and in big box stores for styles and ideas. Do not leave out used building supply businesses, and antique shops. Vintage styles are in vogue, and many artisans can duplicate more sconces using one as a pattern.
Some sconces only shine light down from the fixture while others light the ceiling and floor area at the same time. There are sconces with movable fixtures that allow the room's lighting to change for ambiance, or to help one see the task at hand.
Decide what type of light bulb will be utilized. LED lights, CFL's and halogen lights provide lighting while saving energy. Some bulbs are expensive while others are not. If the chosen sconce does not use the type of light bulb desired, check to see if the sconce can be reconfigured with the right type of bulb receptacle. If not, research to see if there are similar sconces on the market that use the desired bulb(s).
Vintage sconces can be rewired for modern lighting. Do not pass up sconces from the days of gas lighting- many are stunningly beautiful. Rewired with an LED light in the shape of a flame, they can add ambiance to a vintage home that is impossible for modern electronics.
Sixth, ask at the local DIY store what hangers are needed for the specific type of sconce and the wall. It helps to know the thickness, type of wall and the weight of each sconce. The associate will be happy to recommend the right hanger for the job.
Gather all materials and tools needed to hang the sconces. Set aside a weekend or two, and take the time to hang each sconce in the chosen spot. Friends, family and co-workers will all want to know if professionals were hired. When they learn the homeowner did the job his or her self, they will all want sconces hung in their homes.
Help them with their own projects step- by- step, or hang a sconce or two for them as a gift. For a housewarming gift, give sconces with mounting directions and offer to help with the installation.
