Well, with all the projects done in this room, I have a big-picture archive. I went through all that pile, and here they are.
Ha, I saw some others that are good posts. I'll see.
But first, I want to let you know
I'm NOT an electrician
Far from it, I wish I were one, though. ;)
We hired a crew to run all the electrical wires and install switches, dimmers, and even some fixtures.
I was left with patching holes and making things look pretty. This post describes how I hid the cable on each side of the built-ins.
*This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.
Since the beginning of this room makeover, I knew I wanted to install a set of sconces on each side of the built-ins. I was also installing can lights and relying on them to provide a very well-lit area for reading while in bed.
Since the beginning of this room makeover, I knew I wanted to install a set of sconces on each side of the built-ins. I was also installing can lights and relying on them to provide a very well-lit area for reading while in bed.
The addition of the sconces was more of a decorative choice. However, I also like the nice mood this light gives to the room when it's on.
So, let's go back to the part when the guys were here running those cables.
So, let's go back to the part when the guys were here running those cables.
There's an outlet right there between the two built-ins. They opened a bigger hole, about a foot up to the left of that outlet, and from there, they opened holes through the 2 x 4s to run the cables up and to the sides.
The sconces have a dual switch, they can be turn on/off from a switch on the wall at the entrance of the room, and close to bed on the right side built-in. How to do that? I have no idea!
First, you need to decide how high you want to install the sconce. I used the lower part of the top shelf as my guide. Right there, a metal round wall electrical box was installed (outside).
As you can see in the picture above, the wire was brought to the other side of the bookcase and to the back wall. It didn't look pretty. :/
So, this is how I hid it because those guys don't usually do this. They run the cables and install lights, but you have to patch holes in the wall or hide ugly stuff like this.
Knowing that the width of the face frame is 1½" and that the thickness of the side of the bookcase panel is ¾," I had another extra ¾" to use. Pieces of ½" square molding were added around that side of the shelf (see the above picture).
You don't need the tape; I had to add it to keep my husband happy. He thought that I could drive a nail through the cable by accident. Even though I assured him, it was not going to happen. Oh well, he can sleep better! :)
Then, ¼" plywood was added to cover the whole thing. Paint and caulking did wonders afterward.
This is how it looks now. The face frame on the top shelf is flush with the inside, and you can see the difference with the lower shelf.
When you move to the front, it is not that noticeable.
Have you done this?
First, you need to decide how high you want to install the sconce. I used the lower part of the top shelf as my guide. Right there, a metal round wall electrical box was installed (outside).
As you can see in the picture above, the wire was brought to the other side of the bookcase and to the back wall. It didn't look pretty. :/
So, this is how I hid it because those guys don't usually do this. They run the cables and install lights, but you have to patch holes in the wall or hide ugly stuff like this.
Knowing that the width of the face frame is 1½" and that the thickness of the side of the bookcase panel is ¾," I had another extra ¾" to use. Pieces of ½" square molding were added around that side of the shelf (see the above picture).
You don't need the tape; I had to add it to keep my husband happy. He thought that I could drive a nail through the cable by accident. Even though I assured him, it was not going to happen. Oh well, he can sleep better! :)
Then, ¼" plywood was added to cover the whole thing. Paint and caulking did wonders afterward.
This is how it looks now. The face frame on the top shelf is flush with the inside, and you can see the difference with the lower shelf.
When you move to the front, it is not that noticeable.
 |
| Sconces |
Have you done this?
What other way have you done it?
As I said, I'm not an electrician. Please let me know if you have a better idea or if something needs to be corrected. Thanks!
For more DIY ideas, check these out:
For more DIY ideas, check these out:
I do love this light fixture and great idea to add it to the shelf.
ReplyDeleteLove that you took the care to hide the wires. A job well done!!
ReplyDeleteYou have really changed the whole look of that room with the built ins. I love the lights you chose.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for joining Thoughts of Home on Thursday. ;)
I need to add some sconces to a bedroom and I really appreciate your tips. Your post was truly a joy to read and I hope that you will continue adding your ray of sunshine every week on Thoughts of Home on Thursdays.
ReplyDeleteI think that is a brilliant idea to hide the wires!
ReplyDeletePlease post a link for these sconces. The one you have is no good. Thank you
ReplyDeleteThis is fabulous! You are so creative and handy:) Thank you for sharing and inspiring all of us! I know your son must be thrilled (as I know you are)! Great job and beautiful design: )
ReplyDeleteInstalling sconces on built-ins while hiding wires is a crafty task. Use wire raceways or channels behind the built-ins to conceal wiring neatly. Opt for battery-operated sconces for a wire-free solution. Ensure sconces are strategically placed for balanced illumination, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics effortlessly.
ReplyDeleteThanks for all the advice!!
Delete