How to Make a Wall Sconce
How to make a wall sconce using a simple wood dowel and decorative metallic sheet. This step by step tutorial with video shows you how to add an easy DIY wall sconce to your room. It can be used as an industrial wall sconce shade or a plugin wall sconce.
Making a DIY wall sconce has been on my long list of projects for 8 months now…
Basically ever since we moved into this house…
Because this is what I see every time I look up from my computer screen –
I am quite sure you went through the exact same emotions I go through every time I look at it… which is at least 10 times every single day…
No more!!!
DIY Wall Light
I love looking up at it now!! Well actually, I better stop looking at it so much cause I am not getting any work done here at all…
Wait till you see what it looks like when turned on… but for that, you have to wait till you get to the bottom of this post 🙂
I knocked out this project during spring break week by stealing a few minutes here and there and I am so so glad it is done and checked off my to-do list!
If you are looking for more inspiration on DIY Lighting projects, be sure to follow my DIY Lighting board on Pinterest!
M-D Products had sent me the metallic sheets when I attended a conference last summer. I am so glad to finally use it in a project!
RELATED: DIY Jewelry Organizer using a decorative metallic sheet.
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Material Needed to Build the DIY Wall Sconce –
- ¾” square dowel – total 9′
- Decorative metallic sheet (I used union jack)
- Wood glue
- Brad nailer or hammer
- 1¼” finish nails
- Miter Saw or miter box
- Stain or paint of your choice.
- Tin snips or very sharp scissors
- Protective gloves.
- Staple gun
- If replacing a hardwired fixture – this one is a great option and its what I used.
- If creating a plug-in version, you need a corded lamp kit
Before we get started, make sure to follow me on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Pinterest to keep up with all my latest builds and projects!
Cut List –
- ¾” Square Dowel 4 @ 12″
- ¾” Square Dowel 4 @ 8½”
- ¾” Square Dowel 4 @ 5″
- Decorative sheet 1 @ 12″ x 8½” (check fit before cutting)
- Decorative sheet 2 @ 12″ x 5″ (check fit before cutting)
How to Make a Wall Sconce
I have a video with the step by step tutorial to show you exactly how I made this light sconce. Written instructions follow below with pictures.
- Build the cage by joining the wood dowels together using wood glue and finish nails.
Tip – I use a 3/4″ plywood edge to help with support and to keep the joints square. 
- Once the cage is built, paint or stain it with the color of your choice. I went with a dark brown to match my DIY modern farmhouse desk.
- Measure and cut the decorative metallic sheet using tin snips or sharp scissors.
- Attach the decorative metallic fil to the inside of the wood frame using a staple gun.
- Hang the wood and metal wall sconce cover or shade on the wall. It is very lightweight and I used 3M Command strips to mount it.
How to Attach the Wall Sconce
Since I was changing out an old hardwired light fixture, I simply switched out the fixture with a simple low profile version minus the shade. Then I attached my DIY wall sconce to the wall using 3M Command strips. You can also use picture hanging hardware for this.
DIY Plug-in Wall Sconce
If you want to create a corded plugin version, you can simply attach a corded light kit to the inside of the wall sconce before hanging it on the wall. I tell you how you can do this towards the end of the video above.
Of course, as promised, here it is turned on…
Isn’t it gorgeous?!! 
Isn’t it super cool!!
Ok… now I will get back to staring up at my wall light 🙂
Ok… now I will get back to staring up at my wall light 🙂
Anika's goal is to inspire and empower beginners with woodworking, DIY, home improvement, and home decor ideas.
She wants everyone to unlock their creative potential and experience the feeling that comes with making something. Nothing feels better better than seeing something and saying "I can make that!"
Oh my gosh, I love this new sconce!! That metal sheeting is perfect and it creates a beautiful cast on the wall. Such a huge improvement over that very dated version you inherited when you bought the house.
Oh super cool! I think this would make a great door bell cover. ‘Thanks Anna
Also love your sconce. Few months ago bought a sheet of that metal at Habitat for $7.50. Had no idea at time what would do with it but figured somebody on blog-land would post about making something with it. Mr. Furry asked me why was buying it.
So glad you did, have printed out your post for future reference. Sometime soon will make something similar to your sconce. Also noticed post using wire basket for light shade, love look of it. like little different things/ideas.
Enjoying your blog much. Great tutorial.Happy daze
Hi JaneEllen! Thank you so much!! I buy things all the time and wait for inspiration to strike 🙂 I hope you have fun making the sconce!
This is adorable & what a great DIY for the home. I will be featuring this in my 16 Stylish DIY Home Decor Ideas at Merry Monday on Sunday at 6 pm pst. Hope to see you at the party!
Thank you so much Jenny! I will be there!
I’d love to have you link up every week at Talk of the Town! It’s every Tuesday at 18:00.