Wiring My Walk-In Closet Cabinet For Lighting
I told y’all in yesterday’s post that I had to be away for a couple of hours yesterday afternoon, so I wasn’t so sure how much I’d get done on the closet, but I was going to do my best to get the other two closet cabinets built for the right side of the room before I went to bed last night. Well, I didn’t get them built, but I did do a pretty important thing yesterday. I got the center cabinet — the one that will have the pretty wallpaper and mirror — wired for lighting.
This is only one part of what will be a very long series of posts on my biggest built yet — my walk-in closet and laundry combination. If you missed the previous post, you can find that here: Building My Closet Cabinets – Part 1
If you want to start at the beginning of this project, you can find the first post here: Closet Progress – Prepping All The Pieces For My Biggest Build Yet
I had been so focused on the building process that I got ahead of myself and hadn’t even given the lighting any thought. So at the end of the day on Sunday, after building two cabinet sections, I just shoved them together and screwed them to each other. And that’s what I showed y’all in yesterday’s post.
But after my mom read yesterday’s post, she texted me and asked, “Are you going to have sconces by your mirror? Just wondering about how you will run electricity.” Oh, yeah! Electricity! I’m definitely going to need some of that!
I’m so glad she said something because I was just so focused on building, and it would have been so frustrating to get any further along in the building process and have all of my cabinets attached to each other and then realize that I had overlooked the wiring. But since I only had two cabinets screwed to each other at this point, this was the time to make that final decision.
I knew I had two flower sconces that I bought a while back that I had purchased to use in the guest bathroom, but I knew that at this point, they would be much better suited for my closet. So I got them out of storage, opened the box, took out one of the sconces, and immediately got so excited. I thought to myself, “That’s not how I remember these sconces looking. These are so much cuter than what I remember!” And then I realized that the sconce right out of the box was missing a piece. There was a long piece that attaches to the bottom and adds about seven inches to the height of the sconce. So I screwed that piece into one of the sconces, and I didn’t like it nearly as much. I LOVE the shorter version so much more!
Here’s the side view of the shorter version…
And here’s a side view of the sconce with the lower piece attached…
That shorter version looks so much better to me. So then I got really excited to test it out with the wallpaper, and I absolutely loved it!
I tried to get a picture showing the sconce and wallpaper going the right direction. It’s an awkward angle, but this gives us a better idea of what it will look like against the wallpaper.
So then I needed to decide exactly where I wanted the sconces. Do I want them on the back of the unit next to the mirror? Or do I want them attached to the sides of the cabinet? So I took some time to mark off where the lower drawer section would go with the countertop height at 36 inches, and then where the mirror would hang with its center at 60 inches high.
And then I used those measurements to determine the placement of the sconces. Here’s the space they would have to fit into if I placed them next to the mirror…
And here’s what they would look like on the side…
I decided that I like them on the sides much better. So then I had to figure out how to get wiring to the sides. I ended up having to unscrew the boxes from each other. (Ugh! After I had gone to all that trouble to get them level, plumb, and shimmed so that they would fit together perfectly!) Then I cut six pieces of 1×2 lumber that I had on hand, and I nailed those pieces to the side of the first unit to create a space for wiring.
And then I had to venture up into the attic. Y’all know how much I hate going into the attic. I avoid going up there if at all possible, but this had to be done.
I had already drilled a hole through the ceiling in the closet above the center cabinet, so I cut a long piece of wire and went up there and poked the wire through that hole. Thankfully, I didn’t have to go very far because the attic access is very close to the wall where I was working in the closet.
I didn’t actually hook the wire up to anything to give it electricity yet, so for now, the end in the attic is just rolled up. I’ll daisy chain that to the rest of the lighting I add to the closet later. But for now, I just needed to get the other end of the wire in place. I pulled it down from the ceiling and between the cabinet sections.
And then I drilled a 1-inch hole in the side of the cabinet box where I want the sconce to go, and poked that wire through.
I forgot to get a picture of the next step, but I also ran a second wire from that hole in the left side of the cabinet, up the side, across the top of the cabinet, and down the other side where I had drilled a second hole for the second sconce. I’ll be adding the same spacers to the right side of the cabinet as well.
Once the wiring was in place, I had to go through the whole process of screwing the cabinets together again, which required lots of shimming, pulling, pushing, clamping, etc. But at least it’s done! And now that section is ready for its cute little white flower sconces.
I don’t plan to add any more lighting inside any of the other cabinets. The room is in desperate need of more lighting, but the rest of the lighting will be added to the ceiling. I need to get all of the cabinets in place first before I determine exactly where I want the rest of the lighting to go. I’m planning on adding five recessed lights — four spaced evenly in the closet area and one centered between the washer and dryer. Plus, I’ll have a chandelier above the center island. But again, I’ll wire all of that once the cabinets are in place. This was the only wiring that had to be done at this point in the process.
I’m so thankful that my mom reminded me of this! I would have been so disappointed had I gotten this whole side built and screwed together only to realize that I had to redo all of it because I forgot to wire my sconces. Sometimes I forget things and get too focused on one aspect of a project. It’s good to have people looking out for me! 😀
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You can find the next post in this series — my walk-in closet and laundry room combination — here: Closet Progress – Two More Cabinets Built, And My Next Step Is Your Call
Addicted 2 Decorating is where I share my DIY and decorating journey as I remodel and decorate the 1948 fixer upper that my husband, Matt, and I bought in 2013. Matt has M.S. and is unable to do physical work, so I do the majority of the work on the house by myself. You can learn more about me here.
I’m going to disagree with you here Kristi – I think the sconces need the long piece at the bottom, that way the larger ring looks like it is holding the stem of the flower. The whole thing looks more elegant that way IMHO. I think it looks like there’s a piece missing without it (there is) and that would drive me crazy.
Your call though – and I’m excited to see the pace of your progress on this room. I’m betting that after this you’ll be champing at the bit to get your workshop set up – all that cutting on your hands and knees must leave you awfully sore at the end of the day.
I prefer it without because (you may not remember) these were the sconces I originally wanted, but at the time, they were over $400 each. I wasn’t willing to pay that price. https://radilum.com/products/alberto-wall-lamp?variant=50163378651436 Mine look much more like those without that bottom piece.
I agree. The sconces look more elegant with the bottom piece. It looks chopped off without it.
Kristi, do you have the link to the sconces you actually bought?
Yep! It’s this one: https://bit.ly/4c2vM9b (affiliate link)
What about trimming the bottom piece down to just a short piece, maybe an inch, to complete the look, but not have the long “stem”? Just a thought. They are adorable and a perfect look for that space.
Oops! Should have rather further down before I commented. 😉
I love it when something you’ve had, didn’t get to use, now shows up as a hero of the project, it was meant to be. I love that cabinet, I am giving my husband grief about our closet project, because now I want a mirror, with lighting, and some drawers for my jewelry. Wait till he hears that I want to wallpaper the ceiling, I’ll keep that to myself for a while. It’s looking amazing, can’t wait to see more, but it’s OK to slow down a little, make that list and check it twice.
Ever forward!
I love that you share these moments. So glad your mom intervened before you got to far along.
I agree, flower lights look better on the side. Great work!! I agree about the shorter tail on the lamp, but how about a little length. I understand about not having it too long which may interfere with the actual function of everything, but a little length would provide a little visual balance for the lamp. Just a thought.
Oh, I could do that! I could just cut them shorter. May cut them so that they’re just two inches long. I just really don’t like that super long bottom part. I didn’t even think about cutting them, though. Great idea!
I love Eileen’s suggestion
Love the lights! This closet is going to be so great! I wish I had your talent.
I love the short stemmed sconces! I prefer to trim my flowers to showcase them in a lovely, low-profile vase. 🙂
Is there a reason you put feet on each cabinet vs. building one long base and then just installing the cabinets ontop of the base? It seems like it would be easier to level the base and then all the cabinets would automatically be level on top of it.
Also, it looks like your attic is insulated at the roof deck instead of the ceiling. Did you have to make changes to your AC or ventilation to do that and have it work?
Feet required less lumber than framed bases, and I already had it on hand.
I have no idea about the ventilation required for the AC. I paid other people to have all of that done.
That is how my FL house is insulated. No change to normal HVAC installation. It is designed to keep the attic cool which is a necessity in FL and TX. All my metal ductwork is in the attic. The only difference is that I didn’t have to have any vents for attic ventilation.
YES, we just had that done in our new build too. Keeping the attic cooler should help with the A/C not having to work so hard I think…and I hope! Florida is tough.
Will adding space for wiring between the cabinets cause the total measurements to be off?
No. I had already allowed for three inches of space between the side cabinets and the door wall cabinet. Now there will just be 1.5 inches less space. It won’t be a problem.
I would need to have a full length mirror are planning for one in your closet?
The full-length mirror is going in the foyer, along with an upholstered bench where I can sit to put on shoes.
I totally agree with you about the sconces. They look so much cuter without the long bottom piece!
Oooh I’m getting excited too! I like the shortened version of the sconces by far. So great with the mirror and wallpaper. I’m sure you can glue a round bead or something where the bottom part was supposed to screw in for a finished end.
I am caught in the middle on the sconce. I definitely don’t like the bottom pipe but on the other hand, my first thought was how cute it would look with a faceted ball either screwed into the bottom or dangling from the bottom for a little bling.
The expensive sconces you wanted originally, look finished at the 90 degree turn upward. Your current ones look like they need some finishing or something added.
Oddly enough, the originals look like they were handmade with a paper mache finish. That might work for yours.
I think I like the sconce shorter also. But do consider adding maybe a short tail finished off with a small ball finial. Or simply a small ball finial. I think it might look more finished and intentional. I do LOVE that wallpaper.
So glad mom helped out…she is so good at looking at your projects and thinking about details. I love how some are improving on your sconces. I like all the ideas as I think it needs something to finish off the bottom…a large bead or series of beads, a crystal, a beaded tassel, or the short piece of that ending you are missing. This IS getting exciting!
I agree on the shorter sconces. But it does appear to need a couple inches on bottom to finish it off. It looks unfinished to me by just leaving that bottom piece off. Choppy, maybe? Anyway, I know it’s gonna be gorgeous when you’re done with it all. Can’t wait. 😁
Kristi, I was searching to find you ‘latest’ floor plan of whole house but couldn’t find it. Any chance you could repost it, or have a link to it on your website?
Thank you.
Barb
I have updated this page to include the final floor plan: https://www.addicted2decorating.com/house-tour
Thank goodness your Mom was on the ball! It didn’t occur to ME about the sconces needing wiring either! As for the sconces, I kinda like the long “stem” on them. Gives them a bit of elegance!
Thank God for Moms! I’m glad you didn’t get further along on your building, or you would have been so aggravated with yourself.
I have to tell someone this story. In 2012 I went to a quilt show where I bought a pattern and material for a quilt from Connecting Threads when we lived in Clarksville, TN. Slow forward to March 2025, now living in Waco, TX. My husband gets out the bag of fabric and a picture of the quilt. There was no pattern. I look all over the internet but can’t find anything. My smart husband emails Connecting Threads with the order number, price, date, etc. In less than 15 minutes they have emailed him the pattern. His lucky day 13 YEARS after I originally bought the pattern. I was amazed. And thankful.
Have a good rest of the week. You might not have gotten 2 more cabinets built, but what you did accomplish was very important.
Wow! You’re lucky the company was still around! So many have closed since the Covid outbreak!
Are you planning on putting any under-shelf lighting in as well, or just the recessed lighting?
Just recessed lights.
Love how this is all coming together. I love lamps for soft lighting vs/in addition to overhead lighting. I think it would look nice to have a lamp on your center island. Maybe keep that in mind for wiring through the floor in the center of the room?
If you have enough wallpaper, I think it would look nice to have it on the cabinet sides behind the sconces, so the area was like a little nook. The wallpaper is so pretty that I want more of it to show!