I was SO excited when I figured out how to make a sconce have LIGHT without having to do anything with electrical wiring. Basically magic. A light trick! I had ordered some sconces for the Nursery we just completed for my Sister-in-law on my last blog post. I wasn’t sure if we could easily change them to have a plug or figure out how to run electricity to them. Well I came up with a solution that involved none of the above and that cost under $20, done in 2 minutes! We recently removed the header that was above our window seat. Creating the perfect spot to add a sconce above our window seat too! I have coined this little project the “Magic Light Trick”!
Really thrilled with how it turned out! Ready to see secret?
This trick will complete any space. Just look at the window seat and built-in below!
Ready for the EASY instructions??
DIY Sconce Lighting-
Order some “Quick Lights” or I call them “hockey puck lights”. Make sure you get the set with the REMOTE! You can order them HERE. See below for a brighter option!!
With some wire, wrap the wire around the light socket- where the lightbulb would normally go.
TIP- Make to do this step before the sconces are on the wall!
Weave the back of the Quick Light through the holes.
Then attach the front (the part with the batteries) to back of the Quick Light.
Hang your sconce and you are set! Lights!! There is a video at the end of this post just incase it wasn’t clear….fun to see in action too. When it comes time to change the batteries the top part easily comes off.
You can attach the Quick Light one other way if your sconce as holes on top of the sconce.
Weave wire first to the Quick Light so it comes out the back.
Then take the Quick Light with the wire and poke it up through the holes and loop wire so it stays.
Simple!
Another option is to use magnetic strips on the back of the Quick Light if your light is magnetic.
Or Industrial strength Velcro works too. If your sconce is big enough you could leave the light bulb in WITH the Quick Light!
I just hung THESE for our upstairs family room I will share the rest soon! (Mine are showing out of stock, find similar HERE)
You can find the exact Sconce light we used above our window seat HERE.
This non-hardwired sconce trick is a nice soft glow. It does not project a ton of light. If the area that you want to light up is within 12″ then yes, it will be a source of light. For our window seat it is just a way to give it that Hygge vibe- that I love. Kind of like a candle.
BTW- find the tinkle lights we have with remote in the glass jars HERE
- I did find THESE that say they are 50 Lumes and have adjustable brightness. Also the back does have holes for the wire
Read all about what Hygge is and how to say it HERE
Also find info on Window Seat Cushions HERE
Find the exact gold sconce we used in the Nursery on the Nursery Reveal Post HERE.
Below are some other options for affordable Sconces. Click on an image to shop it….
I shared this over on my Instagram and within a day I was getting photos of go-getters who duplicated the idea!
Tag @nestingwithgrace on social media when you share your sconces with our magic trick! I will share some on my Instagram Account!
Below is a video clip taken from my Instagram Stories showing you exactly how to recreate this Sconce light idea in your home
This is a GREAT tip!!!!!!!!!!!! I never thought to do this.
Thank you!!
Genius!!
Thanks!
Love the idea! Where did you get the cushion for your window seat? Thanks, kathy
Thanks! Cushion info is here- http://nestingwithgrace.com/cushions-banquette-window-seat-best-online-sources/
Thank you for the simple instructions, I can do this.
yes you can!
Do you have any suggestions for a battery operated light that DOES give off more light? My sons house has closets that have NO lights in them. Albeit, they are small, but one can’t find much in the dark. This is a 100 year old house and no wiring available….we asked. The 2 closets are in their daughters rooms and believe me one needs to see outfit! HA!!!
I just updated the post with a brighter option!!
Have to know where you got your bench cushion!! Just the perfect thickness!
Thanks! Cushion info is HERE- http://nestingwithgrace.com/cushions-banquette-window-seat-best-online-sources/
I love it! Thanks!
thank you!
Brilliant! I’m going to copy this! Yay! Thanks for sharing.
yay!!
What a great idea.
So smart! The only thing I would wonder about is the quick light fitting inside the shade. But you didn’t have that problem? Brilliant idea.
They are pretty small- I believe they would fit in most any sconce!
You are absolutely delightful! I recently stumbled across your Instagram account and seriously adore everything you do. Thank you for sharing your talents with all of us. Cheers! Diane
oh thank you so much Diane!!
What a great idea!! I have been searching all morning for a place to put a sconce now!!
Great idea! Iām mostly excited to see the pics of people who do this!
yay!! ME too!
I just loved this idea when I saw you do it for the nursery! It is quite brilliant-as you’ve already been told. š Btw, I had ordered that gold candle from Antrhopologie and it just came and I’m in love….thanks for all the little things that bring so much joy.
thanks!! And that is so exciting!! A candle from Anthropolgie is on of best little joys!
What is the battery life of these lights?
not sure- I didn’t see that info. I haven’t had mine too long. I just turn them on for about an hour or so.
Absolutely fantastic idea! Thank you for sharing it.
thanks!!
Precious picture of your kids in the window seat! š
thank you!!
Oh my gosh!! What a genius idea! Thanks so much for sharing š
thanks!!
Brilliant idea!! Iām wondering if this trick would work on a pendant light, something similar to the light you have hanging in the LEGO room? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.:)
Thank you!!
worth a try! You would be able to see it, but not sure that is awful….
Love this!!!!!! Iām looking around my house to see where I can do this ASAP!!! Thanks for the tutorial!
yay!! Glad it helped!
When doing Velcro or magnets, why do you show the Quick Light off centered in the sconce shade? Sorry if thatās a dumb question…š
I can’t get it centered over the light socket because the Velcro won’t attach to nothing….is that what you mean?
I think you could do it flat, I was just trying it with a light bulb too for fun:)
Love! Love! Love! I so have to do this. Thank you!
yay! Thanks!
The exact solution to add light to my pantry! Thank you!
yay!!
Can I buy any hard-wire sconce and do this trick?
yes!!