DIY Industrial Modern Wall Sconce: Upcycling an Outdoor Light Fixture

Are you looking to add a touch of industrial chic to your home decor? Do you crave unique, personalized lighting solutions that stand out from the crowd? Look no further! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the process of transforming an ordinary outdoor light fixture into a stunning industrial modern wall sconce. This project is not only a fantastic way to upcycle and save money, but also allows you to unleash your creativity and create a truly one-of-a-kind piece for your home.

A few months ago, as we embarked on our kitchen makeover, we were brainstorming ideas for lighting that would perfectly complement our revamped space. While we considered traditional options like pendant lights, we ultimately wanted something more distinctive and handcrafted. We envisioned a fixture that would seamlessly blend style and functionality, adding a touch of personality to our kitchen.

That’s when inspiration struck! We stumbled upon a humble outdoor light fixture at a rummage sale for a mere $3. Despite its unassuming appearance, we immediately recognized its potential. With a little creativity and elbow grease, we knew we could transform it into something extraordinary. The result? A cool, industrial modern wall sconce that perfectly complements our Scandi-inspired paneled wall, creating a cozy and unique ambiance in our breakfast nook. Now, we’re excited to share our technique with you so you can create your own stunning wall sconce!

This project is perfect for DIY enthusiasts of all skill levels, especially those who enjoy upcycling and creating personalized home decor. With a few basic tools and materials, you can easily transform an ordinary outdoor light fixture into a conversation-starting piece that will elevate the style of any room. So, gather your supplies and let’s get started!

Materials You’ll Need

Before we dive into the step-by-step instructions, let’s gather all the necessary materials. Here’s a comprehensive list of everything you’ll need to create your own industrial modern wall sconce:

Outdoor light sconce (the foundation of your project!)
Junction box (provides a secure electrical connection)
Outlet box (houses the electrical switch)
1 1/2-in metal conduit pipe (forms the structure of the sconce)
1 1/2-in 90 degree metal conduit (creates bends in the structure)
1 1/2-in 2-hole conduit strap (secures the conduit to the wall)
Conduit connectors (join the conduit pieces together)
Lamp cord (for wiring the light fixture)
Cloth covered lamp cord with plug (adds a stylish touch and provides power)
Electrical caps (insulate wire connections)
Wire cutter (for cutting and stripping wires)
Drill and screws (for mounting the sconce to the wall)

Important Note: This project involves working with electricity. It’s essential to have some basic electrical experience. If you’re unsure about any part of the process, always consult a qualified electrician for assistance. Safety should always be your top priority!

Step 1: Design Your Fixture

The first step is to determine the desired shape and style of your wall sconce. Consider the overall aesthetic of your space and choose a design that complements your existing decor. We opted for a minimalist design with a simple vertical orientation and a single bend. This allows the sconce to blend seamlessly into our Scandi-inspired kitchen. However, feel free to experiment with different shapes and configurations to create a truly unique piece.

Think about the overall dimensions of the sconce and how it will fit on your wall. Consider the placement of the light bulb and how it will illuminate the surrounding area. You can sketch out your design on paper or use a digital design tool to visualize the final product. Don’t be afraid to get creative and explore different possibilities!

Step 2: Assemble the Conduit Structure

Now it’s time to assemble the structural framework of your wall sconce using the metal conduit pipes and connectors. Connect the junction box to the 90-degree conduit, then attach the 90-degree conduit to the outlet box. Finally, connect the outlet box to the straight conduit pipe. Secure all the connections using conduit connectors, ensuring a tight and stable fit.

This step is similar to building with Lego – it doesn’t require any special tools or skills! Simply connect the pieces together according to your design, ensuring that everything is properly aligned and securely fastened. If you’re having trouble visualizing the assembly, refer to the images for guidance.

Step 3: Prepare the Lamp Cord

Before wiring the fixture, ensure that your lamp cord is long enough to reach from the junction box to the light sconce, with a little extra length to spare. You want to avoid having too much excess cord, which can be difficult to manage. In our project, we used two different lengths of cord – a recycled brown lamp cord for the section hidden between the junction box and the light switch, and a black and white cloth-covered cord from the plug to the light switch. However, using one continuous cord will also work perfectly fine.

Consider the overall aesthetics of your sconce when choosing the type of lamp cord. A cloth-covered cord can add a touch of vintage charm, while a simple plastic cord provides a more modern look. Choose a cord that complements your design and personal style.

Step 4: Wire the Light Sconce

Carefully pull the recycled lamp cord through the 90-degree conduit that leads to the light sconce. Then, wire the recycled lamp cord to the light sconce according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Ensure that all connections are secure and properly insulated. If you’re unsure about the wiring process, consult a qualified electrician for assistance.

Double-check that the wires are connected correctly and that there are no loose strands that could cause a short circuit. Use electrical tape to insulate any exposed wires and ensure a safe and reliable connection.

Step 5: Pull Cord Through Outlet Box

Pull the other end of the recycled lamp cord through the outlet box attached to the opposite end of the conduit structure. This will allow you to connect the lamp cord to the power source.

Step 6: Prepare the Cloth Covered Cord

Pull the cloth-covered lamp cord through the bottom of the conduit pipe and up into the outlet box. Using your wire cutters, carefully cut the top of the cloth-covered lamp cord to expose the wires and separate them. Be sure to strip the ends of the wires to prepare them for connection.

Step 7: Connect the Wires

Connect the negative wire of the recycled lamp cord to the negative wire of the cloth-covered lamp cord inside the outlet box. Secure the connection with an electrical cap. If you’re using one continuous length of lamp cord, you can skip this step.

Step 8: Wire to the Switch

Connect the positive wires of both the recycled cord and the cloth cord to the switch in the switch box. This will allow you to turn the light on and off.

Step 9: Secure the Switch

Secure the switch to the outlet box using the provided screws. Make sure the switch is firmly in place and properly aligned.

Step 10: Attach the Plug

Wire the exposed end of the cloth-covered cord to a plug of your choice. Ensure that the plug is properly wired and securely attached to the cord.

Step 11: Mount the Fixture

Fasten the entire fixture to the wall using wood screws and anchors if necessary. You can screw in at the junction box, outlet box, and by using conduit pipe straps anywhere else along the conduit. Ensure that the fixture is securely mounted to the wall and can support its own weight.

Step 12: Attach the Sconce

Attach the sconce to the outlet box using the provided screws. Make sure the sconce is securely attached and properly aligned.

Step 13: Install the Switch Plate

Screw on the switch plate to cover the switch and provide a finished look.

Step 14: Add the Finishing Touches

Attach the light bulb and cover to the sconce. Allow a bit of the trendy cord to peek out of the bottom for a pop of pattern. Simply plug in the sconce and enjoy your new industrial modern wall sconce!

We love the combination of the shiny metal texture against the wood panel wall and are pretty much in love with the simple end product! Designing your very own lighting is a lot of fun and always rewarding, no matter how simple or complicated the task.

Congratulations! You’ve successfully transformed an ordinary outdoor light fixture into a stylish and unique industrial modern wall sconce. This project is a testament to the power of upcycling and the joy of creating personalized home decor. Enjoy your new lighting fixture and the compliments it’s sure to inspire!