How to Hardwire Wall-Mounted Bedroom Lights

Light is the single most important factor in defining the mood of a bedroom, and wall-mounted fixtures—or sconces—are the gold standard for reading and ambiance. Installing them properly eliminates the clutter of messy power cords and provides a clean, professional finish that makes any room feel custom-built. Getting this job done well requires careful planning to ensure the light lands exactly where you need it relative to your headboard. You will be working with electrical circuits, so patience and precision are your best friends. If you follow these steps, you will end up with a secure, code-compliant fixture that looks like it has been part of your wall for decades.

  1. Kill the Power First. Locate your home's main service panel and flip the breaker corresponding to the bedroom circuit. Use a non-contact voltage tester on the switch or outlet you plan to tap into to verify the power is off.
  2. Mark and Cut Precisely. Hold your new junction box template against the wall at the desired height and trace the outline with a pencil. Use a drywall saw to cut the hole, keeping your cuts tight to the line so the box flange has plenty of drywall to grip.
  3. Thread Cable Through Wall. Run your 14/2 or 12/2 Romex cable from the existing power source to the new junction box location using a fish tape. Leave at least 6 to 8 inches of slack extending out of the hole to allow for easy wiring connections.
  4. Seat the Junction Box. Insert the cable through the strain relief clamp on the back of your 'old work' electrical box. Push the box into the wall cutout and tighten the mounting screws until the wings pull tight against the back of the drywall.
  5. Connect All Wires Securely. Strip the cable casing to expose the individual wires, then connect the black (hot) wire to the fixture's black wire, white (neutral) to white, and copper (ground) to the green or ground screw on the mounting bracket. Use wire nuts and give each connection a gentle tug to ensure they are locked in.
  6. Mount Fixture and Test. Tuck the wires neatly into the junction box, mount the fixture canopy to the bracket using the provided hardware, and attach the bulb and shade. Return to the service panel, flip the breaker, and test the light with the switch.