How to Install a Wall Sconce: Surface-Mount vs. Side-Mount Guide

29 oktober 2026

Most wall sconces are installed in the same three stages: the wires are connected, the mounting backplate is secured, and the fixture is attached. What changes from one sconce to the next is how the fixture attaches to its backplate, and that small detail decides which steps you follow.

This guide covers two common mounting styles, surface-mount and side-mount. Each style has three steps, a video of the installation, and a full installation manual in PDF format.

1Connect the wires

2Secure the backplate

3Attach the sconce

Safety first Always turn off the power at the main circuit panel before installation, and confirm that the circuit has no power. Hardwired electrical connections should be completed by a qualified electrician, following the product instructions and local electrical codes.

Surface-Mount vs. Side-Mount: What’s the Difference?

Side-mount and surface-mount sconces differ in one detail: how the fixture is secured to its backplate. The position of the retaining screws decides which direction you tighten them from, and how the backplate looks after the sconce is installed.

Left: a side-mount backplate with its retaining screw on the side edge. Right: a surface-mount backplate with two retaining screws on its front.

Side-mountThe screw is on the side edgeSurface-mountThe screws are on the front

Where the screws areOn the side edge of the backplateWhere the screws areOn the front of the backplate

How you tighten themFrom the side of the backplateHow you tighten themFrom the front of the backplate

Once installedThe front of the backplate has no visible screwsOnce installedThe screws are visible on the front

Shown in this guideModulo Marble Wall LampShown in this guideOrli Purple Marble Sconce

The exact hardware and assembly process can vary by fixture, so always follow the instructions supplied with your wall sconce.

How to Install a Surface-Mount Wall Sconce

Shown in this guide: Orli Purple Marble Sconce

Connecting the wires of a surface-mount wall sconce

1 Connect the wires

Before any electrical work begins, switch off the circuit breaker and verify that the power is off. A qualified electrician should make the hardwired connections according to the fixture’s wiring diagram, which shows three wire labels:

LLive wireConnect to the live wire from the wall NNeutral wireConnect to the neutral wire from the wall ⏚Ground wireConnect to the ground wire, where one is provided and required

Wire colors can vary, so don’t rely on color alone to identify a wire. Follow the fixture’s wiring diagram.

Securing the backplate of a surface-mount wall sconce

2 Secure the mounting backplate

Position the mounting bracket or backplate according to the product instructions. Make sure the mounting hardware is suitable for the electrical box, the wall structure and the fixture.

On the surface-mount style shown here, the designated retaining screws are installed or tightened from the front of the backplate. Align the mounting parts carefully and secure them with the specified hardware.

Attaching a surface-mount wall sconce to its backplate

3 Attach and secure the wall sconce

With the mounting support secured and the electrical connections checked, align the fixture body with the backplate. Fit it into position and tighten the specified retaining screws or decorative fasteners as the instructions describe.

Check that the fixture is flat against the wall and that every part is secure. Don’t force the fixture into place or overtighten the fasteners.

Watch and follow along See the surface-mount installation from start to finish, then keep the manual open while you work.

Surface-mount installation manualThe complete step-by-step instructions in PDF format. The file opens in Google Drive.

Open the PDF manual

How to Install a Side-Mount Wall Sconce

Shown in this guide: Modulo Marble Wall Lamp

Connecting the wires of a side-mount wall sconce

1 Connect the wires

As with the surface-mount style, switch off the power and confirm that it is off before installation. A qualified electrician should complete the hardwired connections, matching each wire to the fixture’s wiring labels:

LLive wireConnect to the live wire from the wall NNeutral wireConnect to the neutral wire from the wall ⏚Ground wireConnect to the ground wire, where one is provided and required

Wire colors can vary, so don’t rely on color alone to identify a wire. Follow the fixture’s wiring diagram.

Securing the backplate of a side-mount wall sconce

2 Secure the mounting backplate

Position the mounting bracket or backplate as shown in the installation manual. Check the alignment, and use the correct mounting hardware for the wall and the electrical box.

On the side-mount style shown here, the designated retaining screws are tightened from the side of the backplate, not from the front. Make sure the mounting parts are aligned before you secure them.

Attaching a side-mount wall sconce to its backplate

3 Attach and secure the wall sconce

Align the fixture body with the installed backplate and bring the parts together carefully. Tighten the designated side-facing retaining screws or other specified fasteners according to the product instructions.

Once assembled, check that the fixture is straight and level, is flat against the wall and has no loose parts. Have the electrician complete the necessary electrical checks before the power is turned back on.

Watch and follow along See the side-mount installation from start to finish, then keep the manual open while you work.

Side-mount installation manualThe complete step-by-step instructions in PDF format. The file opens in Google Drive.

Open the PDF manual

Shop Radilum Wall Sconces

Whether you prefer a surface-mount or a side-mount design, the right wall sconce helps complete your lighting plan. Check the product specifications and installation instructions before you buy.