Recreate This Ridiculously Simple LED Wall Sconce Lighting

A sconce is a wall-mounted light fixture intended to provide soft, ambient light. It can be practical or purely aesthetic, adding elegance to a room, or highlighting architectural features. LED wall sconce lighting can beautifully uplight a mantle or bedside, while also saving energy.

Wall sconce light mounted above mantle with diamond-shaped bulb

Before electricity, the wall sconce was illuminated by candle light. This is why they were hung on a wall within arms reach—so a person could light the candle! They were later reinvented to utilize modern electrical wiring when it became available. Many older homes still have functioning sconces or wall-mounted junction boxes still in the wall from where a sconce light once was.

Upgrading an Existing Wall Sconce

In our home, I purposely created a spot for two wall sconces when we designed our fireplace ‘bump out’ to house our gas fireplace. I hardwired two junction boxes so that the new sconce lighting could hang just above the mantle, on either side of a decorative mirror I bought second hand. But when I connected the LED wall sconce lighting that I bought for the space, I wasn’t completely happy with it.

The glass shade collected dust and was hard to clean, always looking a bit cloudy. After living with them for a couple years, I decided it was time for a refresh. When I found these LED bulbs online, I knew they would be just the thing to revive my sconces.

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This project ended up being a super simple way to update an old wall sconce into something sleek and unique. So before you buy new, try upcycling an existing light fixture to DIY it into something special!

Step 1: Remove Existing Sconce Shade

While every fixture will be different, removing the shade usually just requires you to first unscrew the bulb, and then twist off the threaded ring or nut. Some fixtures also use a shade fitter with three adjustable screws that would need to be loosened to release the glass shade.

Removing the clear glass shade of the wall sconce

Wall sconce light with glass shade removed and exposed threaded ceramic socket

Step 2: Covering the Threaded Socket

Removing the shade exposes the threaded ceramic socket, which doesn’t always look too nice. That’s where the DIY magic comes in! A handy way to cover the socket is by using a piece of ABS drain pipe. A piece that is 2 inches in diameter seems to fit perfectly. If you aren’t comfortable cutting the drainpipe, you can also check the plumbing section of your local hardware store for other fittings that might work, like this coupler shown below.

A piece of ABS plumbing less than 2" in diameter

ABS plumbing fitting that can be used to cover the threaded ceramic socket of the wall sconce

If you do choose to cut a piece of ABS, you can do so using a miter saw or a jig saw. I cut mine 2″ in length, which was just slightly taller than the socket. Use a file or sandpaper to smooth any jagged plastic edges.

Step 3: Painting the Socket Cover

Next, spray paint the piece of black ABS pipe to match the finish of your sconce. I used Rustoleum metallic gold spray paint to match the faux brass finish of the rest of the sconce. When spray painting, lightly coat everything once and let it dry completely before repositioning it to get a second coat from a different angle. Make sure you only ever use spray paint outside or in a well-ventilated space.

Two 2" pieces of ABS plumbing spray painted gold next to a can of spray paint

Step 4: Assembling Your Sconce

Once the socket covers are dry, pop them over the socket, twist in a new bulb and Voila! You have brand-new LED wall sconce lighting.

Wall sconce light with spraypainted piece of ABS plumbing covering the threaded ceramic socket

I love the look of these diamond shaped LED bulbs, and there are others that are also visually interesting like this gem shaped LED, or this multifaceted LED.

Installing a Sconce

Just like ceiling light fixtures, you install sconces using a junction box, mounting it to a stud. Circular or cross bar mounting brackets attach to the junction box, which screw in to the decorative cover plate of the sconce. You can read more about DIY electrical, installing a light fixture and staying safe while doing so here. Remember: only ever attempt electrical work if you feel comfortable and confident doing so, and if you are sure the power to the circuit is off.

Wall sconce light junction box with round mounting plate.

Final Thoughts

If you are looking for a super quick project to transform the look of an existing wall sconce or light fixture, be sure to try this one out! It is an easy refresh you can do to upcycle a second hand sconce or reimagine the one you already have.

This quick DIY could also work for chandeliers or other light fixtures with a removable glass or fabric shade. Try it yourself and let me know how this easy DIY hack works for you!