How to Make Inexpensive DIY Wireless Light Sconces

by | DIY

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Check out how we turned thrifted vintage lights into functional and stylish DIY wireless light sconces. Make wireless wall lamps in a few inexpensive and easy steps!

Keep reading for more fun thrifted finds from the Thrifting with the Gals today:

Have you ever worked on decorating a space that just felt like it took a long time for it to come together?  Especially with the influence of social media, we are used to seeing decor happen at lightning speed.  We have limitless options for our home accessories and furniture at our fingertips.

At the same time, we can see so many different styles of design and decor.  While it is certainly wonderful to get inspiration from all of these places, I think it is more important than ever to remember that the best home decor is curated and collected over time.

We worked on our music room space for a few years before finally figuring out a design solution that was both aesthetically pleasing.  At the same time, it functions well for our family’s needs.  However, finding all of the right decor pieces required some patience.

Oddly, those that love me the most seem to think patience isn’t my best quality.  Haha!

The story behind my DIY wireless light sconces….

Have you ever had something super specific in your mind but it is nowhere to be found in real life?  That’s exactly how I felt about my DIY wireless light sconces.  I knew there must be the perfect sconces out there somewhere.  I looked at the really expensive ones, the dupes, the vintage, and everywhere in between.

And then…it’s always when you least expect it…I walked around the corner at an antique mall and saw the perfect lights.

 

Where can you find sconces?

Well, it took me a long time, but I finally found the perfect ones.  Even though I like to see spaces come together quickly, sometimes it takes some patience to find the piece that works the best in your space.

I immediately snapped this picture.  Then, I sent it to my husband.  He then sent it on to my dad and the back-and-forth began about how we could turn these into the perfect sconces!  They had everything I was looking for.  White, chippy, industrial feel, and true vintage.  At the same time, the size couldn’t have been more perfect for the space.  Plus, the price was right!

 

 

How do you hang sconces without wires?

They finally figured out how we could make them work for our space.  Keep reading for this simple tutorial!

After some discussion, the guys thought they could definitely figure something out and into my car they went!  I just loved them…and still love them…so much!  Isn’t it such a great feeling when you’ve hunted for months and the perfect thing comes along?!

No joke, I even had friends watching for sconces for me, whether they were working or not.  I knew with some creativity, we could turn them into DIY light sconces!

 

Be patient with your home decor and accessories!

Let me just insert here: If you’re hunting for that perfect piece, don’t settle!  It will come along and it is always worth saving and waiting for.

I got lucky (or blessed!) that these DIY light sconces ended up costing hundreds less than other things I’d found.  But sometimes, you have to save up and it’s always worth the wait!

Is there that “perfect piece” you’re always hunting for?  Tell me about it in the comments! I’d love to hear because I can totally sympathize!

 

Now…onto the actual DIY light sconces…

How to Make DIY Wireless Light Sconces

How do you make a light sconce?

Materials We Used:

 

 

DIY Wireless Light Sconces Step One:

Since our new sconces didn’t have a mounting plate, Robb had to re-create one.  Fortunately, we have quite a pile of chippy wood left from various projects.  We found an old piece of wood with enough thickness to hold the light in place.

Once we had our piece of chippy wood with the perfect patina, all we had to do was decide how tall we wanted the mounting piece, and cut it to size.

Vintage DIY Light (6)
Vintage DIY Light (8)

 

DIY Wireless Light Sconces Step Two:

We got the wood block cut to size for the wall.  Next, we had to drill a hole to fit the metal tubing.

Pro tip: A 7/8″ forstner bit cut the perfect hole to keep the lamp snug in the wood mount.

 

DIY Wireless Light Sconces Step Three:

With both wood blocks cut & drilled, it was time to move the operation inside & start hanging stuff!  We love using french cleats for all our wall hanging projects.  If you’ve never used them before, they’re a life changer!

Pro tip: a French cleat can help you hang almost anything more easily on the wall.  Check out THIS post to see how we use French cleats to hang our heaviest items, including the large mirror that is between these DIY light sconces!

To use a french cleat:

  • Using a level, screw one half of the cleat into a stud or anchor.
  • Attach the other side of the cleat to the back of your wood block (or picture, or mirror, or whatever else you need to hang)
  • Rest the cleat from the back of your object on the cleat screwed into the wall–and you’re done!

 

 

Vintage DIY Light (3)
Vintage DIY Light (9)

DIY Wireless Light Sconces Step Four:

Can you hang a sconce without wiring?

Fortunately, the answer is yes!  Even though we like doing home projects, we are definitely not electricians.  At the same time, we did not want the hassle and mess of cutting holes in the wall!

Once our sconce was mounted, we purchased these wireless puck lights.

Pro tip: We used heavy duty command strips to attach the lights in the sconce itself. 

I love how the lights came with their own remote and various light settings!  This helps me create a cozy glow throughout this room without having the brighter overhead lights turned on.

No wires, no mess, no fuss!

 

Vintage DIY Light (2)
Vintage DIY Light (1)

 

How do you decorate sconces?

Now that you have your DIY light sconces hung, it’s time to think about what goes under them.  I saved up and waited for the perfect piece and we absolutely love how this 10 foot apothecary balances out the large scale of the piano in our music room.

It makes amazing storage and you can read more about how I use it to store my home decor in THIS post!!

You could create a similar look with a console table, entryway table, or sofa table that is pushed up against the wall.

A few other ways to decorate with sconces are:

  • Combine sconces with a mirror.
  • Hang sconces on each side of a gallery wall.
  • Use them for bedside lighting instead of table lamps.
  • Flank a mantel space.
  • Space them evenly down a hallway to brighten the space.

 

Are wall sconces outdated?

In my opinion, not at all!  In fact, wall sconces have made quite a comeback in recent years and you can now find them in a wide range of prices and styles.

There are so many interesting ways to use sconces in your home.  Whether they are a budget-friendly purchase, a DIY, or an investment piece that you love, wall sconces can add so much beauty in how you style and design your home.

For example, a gallery wall is also a beautiful option and looks amazing when anchored between sconces.  I shared my favorite gallery wall tips and ideas on THIS post!!  DIY light sconces are a perfect choice to flank a fireplace or mantel as well.  You can find some ideas for mantel styling on THIS post.

I love creating gallery wall spaces for each season.  You can find 3 easy tips and ideas for decorating gallery walls in your home over on THIS post.  At the same time, you can see some home decor accessories, thrifted favorites, and layout ideas of how I enjoy decorating my gallery wall.

Where should wall sconces be placed?

Sconces are a great choice anytime you want to “bookend” your wall decor or add some symmetry. While my personal preference is to have asymmetrical decor for my mantel or gallery wall, the sconces add just the right amount of symmetry to balance out the rest of the wall decor.

There is something that I love about the traditional idea of sconces, also, even if you use your own unique touch by making them DIY light sconces!

 

 

Here are some budget-friendly sconces:

Even though I love my DIY wireless light sconces, you may find some that you love, ready to hang.  It is true that sometimes a DIY project can end up costing you more than purchasing something ready made!  If you’re on the hunt for beautiful wall sconces, here are a few options available online:

 

Thrifting with the Gals

If you love thrifting as much as we do, you’ll want to stay tuned to our monthly Thrifting with the Gals posts.  Rachel, Ann, Kristin, and I share our favorite thrifted finds, DIY ideas, how we use our thrifted pieces in our home decor, and much more!  We also have a guest host each month.

It is always so fun to see what everyone shares.  Since all of us are located in different parts of the country, the thrifting finds always have such a fun and interesting variety.

You can subscribe to my blog (and the other gals, as well) so you never miss a special thrifting post!

Check out the thrifting finds this month!

Today, make sure to click on over.  You’re going to love the thrifted finds the ladies are decorating with this month:

 

 

Dabbling _ Decorating
Rachel 10_20 - French Farmer_s Wife-5
Kristin _ White Arrows Home _ Wooden Totes
Thrifting-The-Tattered-Pew

What thrifted find will you be inspired by this season?

Even if you aren’t planning to hang DIY wireless light sconces anytime soon, I hope this post inspires you to keep your eyes and mind open when you go thrifting.  I also hope that you feel especially inspired to be patient with your home decor.  Wait for the right pieces to fit the right spaces!

It may take a few more thrifting trips (no complaints there from me!) and a little longer to curate the home you love, but it will be well worth it!

I hope this gives you a little inspiration as you work on creating the perfect lighting situation for your wall.  When you’re out hunting for those vintage lights, keep in mind that there are a lot of creative ways to create your perfect DIY light sconce.  If you love the sconces and they have all the elements you need for your space, grab them!  You can tackle the DIY challenge!

While your lights may have a totally different look, I hope you’re inspired to get creative and come up with your own way to make those sconces a functional part of your decor!

 

 

I’d love for you to follow me on social media!  You can find my home decor inspiration on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook!  

Blessings,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  Posts on Robyn’s French Nest may contain affiliate links. You can see our full disclosure details here.)

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