How to Hang Lights That Plug in the Wall

According to Info About Lighting, swag lamps were first introduced in the 1950s as a novelty lighting fixture. By the 1970s, swag lamps were produced and designed in great numbers. Several other styles of portable lamps that can be hung on walls are being produced today. They vary in design but are meant to be hung from the wall and plugged into an electrical outlet. Being able to hang a light on the wall or from the ceiling without running electrical wire gives you more options on where to hang your lights.

Things You'll Need

• Stud finder
• Drill
• Assorted drill bits
• Swag hooks
• Picture hangers
• Self-drilling drywall hanger
• Hammer
• Phillips or flat head screwdriver
• Decorative cord cover

Instructions

Swag Lamps

1. Mark the location on the ceiling for the swag lamp installation. Center your swag lamp over a table or an area in your room where you need additional lighting. Verify that there will be a receptacle close to your swag lamp installation location.

2. Use a stud finder to check for the presence of a joist. Install the first hook directly above where you will hang your swag lamp.

3. Drill a pilot hole and install a hook directly into the joist, if available. Use a 3/16-inch wood drill bit for your pilot hole and drill a hole into the location for your first hook. Screw the swag hook into the pilot hole. Twist it clockwise until fully installed.

   If no joist is available in the desired location, install a toggle bolt. First, drill a pilot hole the same size as the toggle bolt with the butterfly flaps closed. Toggle bolts vary in size from 3/8-inch to ¾- inch, so drill your hole accordingly. Slide the toggle bolt swag hook into the hole and hand-tighten clockwise.

4. Install your second hook in the ceiling where the wall and the ceiling meet. The hook should be installed directly above the electrical receptacle or as close as possible.

5. Hook the swag lamp chain onto the first hook, allowing it to hang from the ceiling at the length you choose. Attach the chain from your swag lamp to the second hook in the ceiling, allowing for some draping between the first and second hook. The draping of the chain between the two hooks is for aesthetics only and is not necessary. Plug the lamp into the electrical receptacle.

Wall Mount

1. Mark the location on your wall where you will mount your light fixture. Choose a location close to the electrical receptacle, preferably directly above the receptacle so that your cord hangs straight down the wall, giving you the opportunity to place a decorative cover onto the cord.

2. Assemble your wall mount light fixture according to the manufacturer's directions. Determine how many wall hangers and what types you will need to safely install your wall mount light fixture, either to mount to a wall stud or to drywall. Hanging a wall mount light fixture is much like hanging a picture. Use wall hangers that will hold the weight of your fixture.

3. Use a stud finder to locate the stud in your wall. Install the wall hanger either by using a hammer and striking it on the head or by screwing it into the wall.

   If no stud is available at your desired location, use a self-drilling drywall hanger rated to hold the weight of your wall light fixture. Install it by screwing it directly into the drywall clockwise.

4. Attach your wall mount light fixture onto the wall hanger and plug the cord into the electrical receptacle. Cover your cord with a decorative cord cover.

References

• Info About Lighting.com: Swag Lamps
• Wegman's: Helping Hand Swag Hooks, White
• Bob Vila.com: How to Hang a Picture

Resources

• Ron Hazelton: How to Use a Stud Finder and Expandable Level