DIY vs Pro: How to Install a Wall Sconce Light Fixture

There’s something instantly transformative about the flick of a wall sconce. The way soft light pools on a painted surface, sculpting gentle shadows—suddenly your hallway hums with invitation, or your reading nook beckons after dusk. If you’ve fallen in love with the idea of adding a wall sconce to your own space (and who could blame you?), you might be wondering: should you DIY this glow-up, or enlist the pros?

Where Wall Sconces Shine: Best Spots for Ambient Magic

Before we weigh your installation options, let’s daydream a little about possibilities. Wall sconces are the chameleons of lighting: refined next to a velvet headboard, tailored in a gallery-like hallway, unexpectedly chic in a powder room. Picture a matte brass sconce, casting a pool of amber as you peel off your workday layers at the entryway. Or a pair of sculptural, frosted glass sconces that flank your dining table, their warm illumination making every meal feel special.

“I always tell clients—think of sconces as jewelry for your walls,” shares Lena, stylist at Afralia. “They draw the eye without overpowering, and give you a tactile way to change the mood of a space.”

Curious how to find the perfect sconce for your room? Browse our curated sconces for inspiration.

DIY vs Professional Installation: What Actually Goes Into It?

Once you’ve chosen that perfect sconce—maybe with a natural linen shade or a geometric metal backplate—it’s time to get practical. Let’s walk through the key steps of wall sconce installation, and compare what’s involved if you go the DIY route versus hiring a professional.

For visual thinkers, scroll down for our Pinterest-friendly comparison chart that lays it all out side-by-side.

DIY: When to Roll Up Your Sleeves

If your chosen wall sconce simply plugs into an outlet (sometimes called a “plug-in sconce”), DIY is breezy. It’s akin to hanging a picture frame—you’ll locate a stud or use anchor hardware, measure twice, and drill once.

Hardwired sconces, on the other hand, require a brush with electrical wiring. That means:

• Turning off power at your fuse box (first and always!)
• Carefully removing the old fixture, if there is one
• Connecting the new sconce’s wires (matching color to color)
• Securing the mounting plate and neatly nestling the wires behind the plate
• Fastening the sconce and switching on to bask in the glow—if all has gone well!

The pleasure here is in the tactile satisfaction—screws turning snug, the sconce fitting flush, the first glimmer of light. Many design-lovers say it’s a bit like finishing a puzzle: everything just clicks. An Afralia customer once told us, “I was nervous, but after watching a video tutorial and taking my time, I felt so accomplished seeing my new sconce light up next to the bed.”

Why Go Pro?

Even if you love a good project, certain situations—like homes with older wiring, or an awkward placement above a staircase—make a compelling case for calling in a professional electrician. It’s also advisable if you’re installing multiple sconces at once (think gallery wall in the dining room) or want to hardwire switches onto separate circuits.

Hiring a pro means:

• They assess the wall and wiring
• All connections are done to code, with safety checks
• Disposal of old fixtures (sometimes with zero mess left behind!)
• You can relax, knowing every detail is handled—even patching up that bit of drywall or paint

It’s the peace of mind approach—come back at day’s end and your sconce is glowing, as if by magic.

Which path feels best? Is the thrill of the DIY adventure calling, or would you rather soak up the afterglow while a pro handles the wiring? Here’s a quick side-by-side to help you decide.

Your Lighting Dilemma, Solved: DIY vs Pro (Comparison Chart)

Pin or save this chart for your next lighting project!

Which Route Should You Choose for Your Sconce?

Here’s what it comes down to: If you relish a project, feel at ease turning off breaker switches, and are adding a simple plug-in or replacing an existing fixture, DIY can be a satisfying afternoon. You’ll get that tactile thrill as the fixture fits snug, and you can tweak the height or angle as you like. If the thought of handling wires (understandably!) makes you anxious, or the setup is complex, a professional will deliver peace of mind and perfect results.

As noted by Dezeen, layered lighting creates dimension and elegance—and with wall sconces, that layering is both practical and poetic. The glow might highlight an abstract canvas, or create a reading nook as inviting as a Parisian café.

Whichever route you choose, a beautifully mounted sconce transforms space. Imagine the moment you flip that switch and see your favorite matte black or hammered bronze fixture come alive—doesn’t it feel like the room takes a soft, relieved breath?

Tips for Your Best Sconce Experience

• Measure before you drill: For bedside sconces, consider 6–12 inches above your shoulder when seated or laying—aim for glow, not glare.
• Choose finishes that sing: Polished nickel is timeless near marble; black or aged brass works especially well in entryways and dining rooms.
• Let it layer: Sconces work magic when paired with overhead lighting or candles for a cocooned effect.
• Don’t forget the dimmer: This small addition makes your lighting infinitely more versatile.

Looking for your ideal inspiration? Explore our wall sconces to layer in style.

So—how will you hang your new sconce? Whether you’re wielding a screwdriver or calling in the experts, you’re not just installing a fixture. You’re customizing the way you feel when you walk into your home. That’s the real design magic—personal, poetic, and, yes, beautifully illuminated.

Find your glow.