How to light sconces without electricity!

November 01, 2018

Hey all! Thanks so much for all the love on our dining room transformation! I appreciate that you take the time to comment! 

As promised, I'm back with this super easy trick that allows you to put sconces just about anywhere. It's one of those ideas that you see and you're like, DANG...how did I not think of that?? This is why I love blogland!

I first saw this idea at Nesting with Grace -- she shared how to do it on sconces that hang down. This version is even easier because of the style I got:
brass sconces around white window seat

These fixtures come wired, but you will ignore that part. I hung them using the hardware they include:
Light up sconces without electricity

Here's where the fun starts! Instead of hard wiring them, I used puck lights. I've used these lights here and there for years, but this version comes with an awesome remote: 


Hang sconces anywhere without electricity

These are the kind (affiliate) Brooke recommends and after trying some others first, I agree that these are better. 

I didn't even attach them to the fixture -- they literally just sit on top where the bulb would be screwed in (you're seeing the underside here): 
Puck lights inside electrical sconces

I was going to use Velcro or something but there's no need -- we don't touch these so the lights stay put!

The remote is awesome -- it allows you to dim the lights, which is GREAT! You can also set a timer so they will go off on their own. That is especially nice because sometimes with things like this I forget to turn them off and the batteries are gone in a few days:
How to add sconces anywhere without electricity

Brooke shares how she makes them work with downward facing sconces on her blog. I have another sconce I'll be trying this on as well. 

I tried these puck lights first, and they work well too:
Puck lights with remote for sconces

Pay attention to the lumens number on the packaging. The version above are 20 lumens each and they were a little dim for me. The remote is more basic -- just on and off. 

I do prefer the Amazon lights to these because they are double the lumens, but still a soft light. And the dimmer and timer options are worth it. (AND you pay less per light for six compared to three!) You can also buy an additional remote so you can use the lights around the house and not have to walk around using one remote. :)

It works great! If you have an outlet below where you want sconces, it's actually a fairly easy project for an electrician to run electrical for a light. But this gives you the ability to do it yourself, with any light, anywhere you want! 

This a great option for renters because you can remove them easily. Such a fun project!:
Sconces around window seat built ins

There you go! Thanks for sharing this easy trick Brooke! Have you tried this in your home? 

If you missed the products, here you go again!:
Affiliate links included for your convenience! 


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Comments

  1. I love the look of scones and this DIY is life-changer! Might try it out myself. Thank you for letting us know!

    Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
    http://charmainenyw.com

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  2. This is the best idea I have seen in a long time! I have been wanting to add some sconces to my dining room but didn't want to go through the whole wiring process. LOVE this idea! Your dining room looks amazing too!
    Shelley

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  3. this is brilliant!... I reno'd my kitchen just before the whole sconce trend hit and I've been wanting to tear out my backsplash just to add one... but now this little secret solves my problem... I just ordered it... did I mention I think it's brilliant?... tks so much for sharing Sarah!..

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  4. Thanks a ton for this amazing tip ! There are places where I want to place sconces but the wiring makes me forget about it, such as in the fire place upper wall !
    Happy November. I will pin it !
    Fabby

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  5. Thanks a ton for this amazing tip ! There are places where I want to place sconces but the wiring makes me forget about it, such as in the fire place upper wall !
    Happy November. I will pin it !
    Fabby

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  6. Do they have that neon LED look? It doesn’t look like it from the pictures but it’s hard to tell without seeing them in person! I would love to use these in several places but I can’t stand the look of most LED lights.

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    1. They are definitely warmer than a regular LED! The lamp in this room is incandescent if that helps!

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  7. Are these bright enough for either side of the bed - bright enough for reading?

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    1. If you have it in a shade it will be diffused more so I don't think so. But if you have it in a sconce that directs the light it might!

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  8. Perfect for lamps that are away from the wall outlet where you would need some type of floor plug. Thank you! You have opened up the world of furniture re-arrangement for me!!

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  9. Is the light bright enough to use in a regular table lamp? We have a very large family room and there’s a space that desperately needs a lamp but there’s no electrical outlet near by. Wish the original owners would have thought of that when they built the house!

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    Replies
    1. I think it would help but it isn't super bright light. Not like a 60 watt, for example. In a regular shade the light is diffused more too -- in a sconce (not like mine) it's directed a little more so is probably brighter.

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  10. Holy crap! So amazingly smart!! I put up a board and batten wall in my entryway, and I've been kicking myself ever since because it could use a little light. Going to do this right away! Thanks for sharing!

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  11. Awesome!! With the extra remote, can it control some of the lights from a 6 pack and the original remote control the others? i.e. are they linked somehow?

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    Replies
    1. That's how I understand it -- I'm ordering one so I hope so! :)

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  12. That's awesome! Do you have any idea as to how long the batteries would last if you used the lights for say 5 hours each evening? I do tend to turn on all/most of my lamps after dark each night for the lovely cozy glow. And batteries are expensive!

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    Replies
    1. I don't, but these are LED so they should last a long time!

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  13. WOW WOW WOW SO AMAZING!!! I cannot wait to start hanging some sconces in my house now!! Never ever imagined it was that easy!!!

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  14. I love this idea! I've been wanting sconces on my stair wall, but the electrician warned me he would have to knock quite a few holes in the wall to make it happen. This is a great alternative!

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  15. Pure genius!!! Your house is really coming along, Sarah, you're truly turning it into a home! Love the foliage outside your window!!

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  16. This is an awesome idea! Thanks for passing it along.

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  17. Best idea! Great post! Thanks!
    Erin

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  18. Gah!! Thank you for this idea - I bought sconces and was hopeful I'd install electrical to hang them...but now I'm thinking I can do your approach while I hem and haw over the electrical portion;) THANK YOU!! Simple and do-able!!

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  19. I did this with my sconces that I didn't have electricity to except I used those led votive battery candle types. Mine may be too narrow to use the led puck but same effect. I'm all about faking it!!! Love your site. Keep up the great work.

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  20. Sarah,

    I love your rug and buffet in your dining room pictured above. Can you post sources for these?

    Thanks, you are amazing!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Donna! The rug was from HomeGoods years ago and the buffet was from a local store that has now closed. :( It looks like Target has a similar one though! https://rstyle.me/+_iuLwvnDYx9bk8jG9kHZXA

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  21. Love this idea, but also love the buffet in your dining room....can you post the source?

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  22. I just bought sconces but I don’t love the way the lamp shade has a hard line have you come across any puck lights that cast lights in the side as well??

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