Let It Shine
Lately, I’ve been on a de-cluttering binge. When our guests left town, I felt the urge to clean everything in sight, and that included taking the time to sort through some serious piles of papers, gadgets and clothing.
Now that I can enjoy a little more walking space, I’m also noticing little dark corners. The last thing I want to do is add a standing or table lamp to a newly uncovered space. I just finished taking those things out! Instead, a wall sconce seems to be the best solution. It can add the perfect amount of accent lighting and decor without taking up extra space.
Before picking out a sconce, think about how much electrical work you are willing to tackle. A traditional sconce will require some wiring and even some hole cutting in your wall, but the good news is there is a wide variety of wireless sconces that run on batteries.
Electrical wiring and cutting holes into walls are not ideal DIY work when you live in a condo, so we’ll go the wireless route. First, determine where you’d like it to go and mark it with a pencil. The usual height for sconces is about 60 inches off the ground. Clean and sand the area, making sure to wipe up any dust.
Next, take some heavy-duty hook-and-loop tape and cut a piece to match the sconce’s mounting bracket. Hook-and-loop tape is a type of tape with sides that adhere to each other. The Velcro® brand made the hook-and-loop technology popular, and now many brands make the tape in both selfand non-adhesive versions. If you decide to go with a non-adhesive version, keep in mind that you’ll also need to use industrial-strength glue to make it stick. Because I’m working on getting rid of clutter, I’ll opt for the self-adhesive sort.
Remove the paper backing on the tape and place the “loop” section on the wall, in the spot you marked. Place the “hook” section on the sconce’s mounting bracket. Allow the adhesive to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Then, secure the bracket to the wall by matching up the tape and reconnecting it. Attach the sconce by sliding and locking the mount to the mounting bracket. Now you’re ready to light up.
One of the best things about the wireless sconce is that it requires no long-term commitment. It’s easy to hang, and won’t affect your electric bill. If you want to go the wired route, and you’re new to electrical work, it’s best to consult a professional.