There’s something new brightening our sunroom—no, not the fireflies Clara endlessly chases and insists should live in her room forever. That’s a different kind of glow. I’m talking about actual lighting: we finally added fixtures to the posts in the four corners of the space, and the change is immediately noticeable.
Last summer we planned to install light kits on the two ceiling fans, but never found fan lights we liked. Over time we warmed to the idea of wall sconces around the perimeter instead of overhead fan lights because they would add more charm and ambiance. Until now the room’s usefulness faded with the sun, but our electricians helped change that by installing the new fixture boxes we needed. They work hourly; we’ll share cost details once we have the itemized bill.
To have all four sconces on a single switch, the crew tapped into an existing switched outlet in the space, then ran conduit under the deck to reach the other three posts. The project was a bit complicated because the sunroom sits on a slab foundation, so wiring couldn’t be routed under it. That meant most wiring had to be run through the posts or under the deck. Had we decided on post-mounted sconces back when we had the room open during previous renovations, this would have been easier. Live and learn.
Now there’s conduit on the exterior of each post. Once painted to match the house, it should blend in nicely; if it still bothers us, Sherry plans to place planters in front of them. Small touches like that can make a big visual difference.
The sconces themselves were Joss & Main finds. We chose them because they complemented our other outdoor lighting, were the right size for the space, were available in a matching set of four, and fit our budget at $51 each with free shipping. They’re compact enough not to interfere with movement around the room, and the dark bronze finish gives a pleasing contrast against the fans and lighter surfaces.
While the electricians were here we also had them remove an old intercom and properly terminate the wiring. The wall was left in much better shape than we expected—just a small mark where the wires exited and a couple of subtle screw holes in the mortar—so no major patching was required.
The sunroom wasn’t the only area that received electrical attention. We also added a ceiling fixture box and a floor outlet under the floating desk in the office, among other updates. Instead of tackling each job separately, we grouped our wiring needs into a single visit to improve efficiency and save on labor—once we receive the detailed invoice we’ll share a breakdown of costs.
The new outdoor lights are the standout improvement. They provide just enough illumination without feeling harsh, create a cozier atmosphere, and extend how long we can comfortably use the space in the evening. Some nights that means a later bedtime and maybe a popsicle or two; other nights it simply means not stumbling around in the dark while the dog finishes his last walk. Either way, it’s a win.
Are you enjoying summer evenings outdoors? I’m even tempted to rent a projector and watch a movie out here—something about the new lighting makes the idea feel perfect, even though technically the movie wouldn’t need it.
P.S. Teddy’s weekly photo update is up; he’s stealing the show as usual.