DIY dimmer switches - easier than you think

Payless Decor — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 16:07:00 GMT

Have you ever found yourself seated at the dining room table with a bunch of guests wishing there wasn't so much bright light in the room ruining the mood? Many houses are wired to provide homeowners with the option to switch lights on or off - nothing in between. But if you think softer light would flatter your décor and create a cozy ambiance, you'll need to install a dimmer switch. Before you start looking up the number for a local handyman, read on to discover how easy it is to install dimmer switches yourself!

First, you'll need to decide which rooms are best suited for medium light. This could be the dining room, the breakfast nook in the kitchen or your master bath (just imagine how relaxing it would be to take a bubble bath without bright lights in your face!). The spaces you choose should have cellular shades to block out the natural light when you're using the dimmer. If they don't already, it's easy to find discount window treatments online.

Now, open the rectangular wall covering around the light switch known as a breaker box. You'll need to figure out whether you need a single switch outlet (if one switch controls the light) or a 3-way dimmer switch (if 2 switches control the light). After you purchase the right dimmer, just turn off the power and get to work removing the old light switch and disconnecting it from the wiring. Attach the wiring to the screws on the new dimmer and attach the dimmer's ground wire to the wall socket. For a detailed step-by-step, check out The Home Depot's project guide.

When you're finished, you'll be able to control the lighting of the room with the slide of a switch. This'll make relaxing at your house a lot easier - you may just find yourself installing dimmer switches in every room!

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DIY dimmer switches - easier than you think