How To: Replace a Light Fixture (DIY Style!)

$30
30 Minutes
Easy
Seriously, don't live with a hideous light fixture you do not like just because you are too afraid to try to replace it yourself. We can tell you first hand that replacing a light fixture is easier than you think. We recently redid our whole fireplace (so many fun DIY projects involved there) and one of the main issues with the original were the horribly dated sconces - yuck! Within less than an hour the ICK has turned into WOW! We can't wait for you to see the before & after!
The before and after! The after is SO much better, don't you think? Modern with flair!
The before (we can hear the creepy ancient music in the background).


You may be thinking to yourself...I am no electrician. That's ok! You don't need to be in order to replace your own light fixture.


IMPORTANT SAFETY STEP: Turn off the power before you get started! The last thing you want to do is get fried right before your big project!
Step 1: Remove the old light. All lights are different but there will typically be a few screws to loosen and the light should come off from there. There should be a few wires still attached to the interior of the electrical component. Remove the bracket and wire connectors at this point to access the inner workings of the light.
Step 2: Install the new bracket for the new light. Screw in the bracket and pull the wires through.
HELPFUL TIP: Make sure to install your bracket in the correct orientation as this will determine how the light is displayed.
Step 3: Locate the ground (indicated by GND), and a sticker with a screw. This is where your ground wire screw will go. Screw the ground wire screw partially into the hole and wrap the copper wire around the screw. Tighten the screw and now the ground wire is installed!


P.S. Ground wires are literally a life saver & ensure safety!
Step 4: You should have a couple wires left over. From here you just need to match the black wires to the black and the white to the white. Twist the wire ends together with the matching color as shown!
It should look like this when you're done.
Step 5: Are we done yet? Almost! Now you need to install the bracket for your light. Ours looked like this and all you have to do match the holes up with the brackets and screw it in.
That's it! Now if you're wondering why your light won't turn on...don't forget...TURN THE POWER BACK ON SILLY! Now you are all done!
Brittany | Sarah | Sam
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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