How to install wall lights

If you want to install wall lights, you have two main choices. Hardwired lights need more work and connect directly to your home’s wires. Plug-in and battery puck lights are easier. Always stay safe—turn off power and use a voltage meter.

Many people rush and make mistakes like loose fixtures or using the wrong wires.

Sconce Type    Average Cost (All-In)
Hardwired    $300–$500+
Plug-in    $70–$300
Battery-operated    $30–$200
Key Takeaways
Pick the best wall light for your room. Think about hardwired, plug-in, or battery-operated choices. Choose what fits your needs and how you want to install it.
Safety comes first. Turn off the power before you start. Use a voltage meter to check for electricity. Follow safety rules to avoid accidents when installing.
Get all the tools and materials you need before you begin. You will need screwdrivers, wire cutters, and safety gear. This helps make the installation go smoothly.
Tools and Preparation
Tools and Preparation

Choose the right wall light
Picking the right wall light makes a big difference. Think about where you want to install wall lights. For outdoor spaces, you need fixtures that can handle rain and wind. Look for weatherproof labels and place wall sconces just above eye level to avoid glare. Indoors, match the light to the room’s purpose. Do you want a cozy reading nook or a bright hallway?

Choose between hardwired, plug-in, or battery-operated lights.
Decide if you want the light for main lighting or just to highlight a piece of art.
LED wall lights save energy and last longer than old-style bulbs.
Make sure the design fits your style and the space.
Tip: Energy-efficient LED fixtures use less power and help the environment by lowering greenhouse gas emissions.

Gather tools and materials
Before you start, gather everything you need. This saves time and keeps you organized. Here’s a quick checklist:

Wall light fixture and bulbs (LED is best for most homes)
Screwdrivers (flathead and Phillips)
Wire cutters and strippers
Voltage meter or circuit tester
Connectors and electrical tape
Safety glasses and gloves
Sturdy ladder
If you want extra features, grab dimmers or smart switches too.

Safety first
Safety comes first every time you install wall lights.

Turn off the power at the breaker box.
Use a voltage meter to double-check that the wires are not live.
Wear rubber-soled shoes and avoid wet areas.
Use insulated tools and a stable ladder.
Always read the instructions that come with your light.
Note: Never skip safety steps. If you feel unsure, call a licensed electrician.

Warranty Tip    What to Check
Warranty Period    How long the product is covered
Coverage    What problems the warranty includes
Exclusions    What is not covered, like damage from mistakes during installation
Install Wall Lights: Step-by-Step
Install Wall Lights: Step-by-Step

Remove old fixture
Start by taking down the old wall light. You want to make sure the power is off at the breaker box before you touch anything. Use a voltage meter to double-check that no wires are live. Take off the fixture cover and unscrew the mounting hardware. Carefully pull the fixture away from the wall. If you see wires, cap them with wire nuts for safety. Sometimes, you might find there’s no electrical box behind the old fixture. In that case, you can cover the wires with a blank plate or disconnect them and patch the wall with drywall.

The common challenges when removing old wall light fixtures include ensuring safety by properly handling live wires, deciding whether to temporarily or permanently remove the fixtures, and addressing the absence of electrical boxes. Solutions involve capping wires with wire nuts and using a blank plate, or disconnecting wires entirely and covering them with drywall.

Mark and cut for new installation
You want your new wall lights to look great and work well. Accurate placement is key. Here’s how you can mark and cut for your new fixture:

Measure from the floor and mark the spot for your sconce—between 60 to 72 inches is best for most rooms.
Space your wall lights about 5 to 7 feet apart for even lighting.
If you want a symmetrical look, use a level and tape measure to match both sides.
In hallways, balance brightness so the light isn’t too harsh.
Adjust the height if your sconces are large or small.
Once you’ve marked the spot, gather your cutting tools:

Chalk line
Drywall knife
Drywall router
Drywall saw
Drywall square
Dust mask
Jab saw
Pencil
Safety glasses
Tape measure
Work gloves
Now, follow these steps to cut the opening:

Mark your cutting line clearly on the drywall.
Make a small pilot hole for your saw blade.
Cut on the waste side of your line so your opening isn’t too small.
Push the pointed tip of the saw through the drywall at one end of your marked line.
Saw along the line using a back-and-forth motion, keeping steady pressure.
Hardwired installation
If you want a permanent solution, you’ll need to install wall lights with hardwired connections. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Turn off the breaker for the circuit where you’ll install wall lights.
Remove the old fixture and check the wires with a voltage detector.
Find the hot wire and neutral wire.
Decide how much slack you want in your hanging cord.
Mount the metal plate to the electrical box.
Strip the wire ends so you can twist them together.
Connect the neutral wire from the box to the neutral wire from the fixture, and do the same with the hot wires.
Twist wire nuts onto the connections and tuck the wires into the box.
Attach the fixture to the metal plate.
Secure the ground wire to the mounting plate.
Double-check all connections for tightness and insulation.
Turn the power back on and test your new wall lights.
Safety tips: Always turn off the power at the breaker box. Use insulated tools and make sure all connections are secure and properly insulated. If you feel unsure at any point, call a licensed electrician.

Non-hardwired options
Plug-in wall lights and battery-powered puck lights make installation easy. You don’t need to mess with wires or call an electrician. Here’s how you can install wall lights without hardwiring:

Turn off the power at the circuit breaker and use a voltage tester to make sure the power is off.
For adhesive-backed puck lights, clean the wall with isopropyl alcohol for better stick.
If the surface is tough, use mounting brackets or drill small pilot holes for screws.
Plug in your wall light and arrange the cord neatly. Use cord covers if you want a cleaner look.
Test your light to make sure it works.
Advantages of non-hardwired wall lights:

You get more freedom in placement.
These lights are easy to move, which is great for renters.
You save money because you don’t need an electrician.
Many stylish options are available.
Disadvantages:

You need an outlet nearby.
Managing cords can be tricky and may affect the look.
Non-hardwired wall lights work with many bulb types, including LEDs. They’re great for task lighting or adding ambiance. You can adapt them for different rooms and styles.

Troubleshooting
Sometimes, things don’t go as planned when you install wall lights. Here are some common problems and how you can fix them:

Inconsistent Lighting: If your light flickers or doesn’t turn on, check for loose connections or make sure your bulb matches your dimmer switch.
Complete Fixture Failure: If the light won’t work at all, check the bulb, fuse, and any ballasts or drivers.
Overheating: If the fixture gets too hot, make sure you followed the manufacturer’s instructions and that there’s enough ventilation.
Loose Connections: Turn off the power first. Remove the fixture cover and tighten any loose screws or mounting hardware. Check the electrical box for stability. If the fixture is old or damaged, consider replacing it. If you see wiring problems or a damaged box, call a professional.
Common Mistakes: Avoid improper wiring, poor planning, and using low-quality fixtures. Always plan your lighting design, use good materials, and keep up with maintenance.
Tip: If you ever feel stuck or unsure, don’t hesitate to call a licensed electrician. Safety always comes first when you install wall lights.

You can put up wall lights by choosing the right fixture. Gather all your tools before you start. Make sure to follow each step safely. Always turn off the power first. Use a voltage tester to check the wires. Follow your local codes for safety. If you are not sure, ask a licensed electrician for help. Look at the table below for code rules:

Type of Luminaire    Minimum Clearance    Location
Surface-mounted incandescent or LED    12 inches    Above door or ceiling
Surface-mounted fluorescent    6 inches    Above door or ceiling
Recessed incandescent or LED    6 inches    In wall or ceiling
Recessed fluorescent    6 inches    In wall or ceiling
Always read the manufacturer’s instructions. Keep your wall lights clean for the best results!

FAQ
How do I know if my wall can support a new light fixture?
Check if your wall has a stud or a solid anchor. Light fixtures need strong support. If you feel unsure, ask a professional for help.

Can I install wall lights without any wiring experience?
Yes! You can use plug-in or battery-powered wall lights. These options do not need wiring skills. Just follow the instructions and stay safe.

What should I do if my wall light flickers after installation?
First, check the bulb and connections. Make sure everything is tight. If the problem continues, try a new bulb or call an electrician.