Easy Steps to Replace Wall Sconces

Okay, I love wall sconces. I think they add beauty and charm or a great focal point and they make an area look very well thought out and finished, in terms of decorating and welcoming. They are also great for adding light without taking up precious floor or table space. Unfortunately, so many of the wall sconces that come in older homes and even newer ones, do not live up to the potential that they could and they can even be downright unappealing. So, if you would like to replace the wall sconces in your home with ones that better match the look you are after, the following guide will help you to do so.

First, gather your supplies. You will need the following:

Wall Sconces and mounting accessories

Electricity Tester

Screw Driver

Wire strippers

Electrician pliers

Plastic wire caps

Your first step is going to be to remove the existing sconces that you have in place. To do this you want to make sure that the electricity is off to it from the circuit breaker or fuse box. Test the connection with an electricity tester. Once you are sure power is not going to the area, remove the sconce that is in place. If it has been painted tight to the wall you want to carefully unjar it by pulling firmly but gently. Do not be hasty or rough because you need your wires to remain intact.

Take your fingers and remove the wire nuts that are connecting your wires. Check the ends of the wires to make sure they are in good condition. If they are not, snip the ends off with your electrician pliers and strip the plastic back to expose the ends with your wire strippers. In the sconce mounting accessories you will find a mounting strap. You want to screw this in place in the junction box, simply using your screwdriver. Twist the threaded studs into the mounting strap as directed.

Now you want to reconnect your wires. Use your electrical pliers to put same colored wires together and twist the plastic wire caps over the ends. Tuck the wires into the junction box and put your sconce over the threaded studs, holding it in place with the decorated nuts that match the sconce (included in the mounting accessories). You now have a great additional touch to the room that can really help pull a desired look together. You can use painted or decorated sconces for fun areas, such as children's bedrooms or play areas, stainless steel sconces for office or work areas, antiqued or bronzed sconces for libraries or dens, soft ornamental sconces for bedrooms, etc. There is a huge variety of sconces available on the market today and they are sure to add just the right decorating touch to your interior design.