How to Install a Wall Uplighter for Ambient Lighting
By Tom Raffield | Luxury British Wooden Lighting Designer | Published: 2026-10-23
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to install a wall uplighter for soft, warm ambient lighting. Step-by-step wiring and fitting guide, plus tips for mounting the Tom Raffield Urchin Wall Uplighter.
Quick answer
To install a wall uplighter for ambient lighting, first turn off power at the breaker, then connect the fixture wires to your household wiring using a junction box, and securely mount the uplighter following the manufacturer's instructions.
Why choose a wall uplighter for ambient lighting?
Wall uplighters cast light upward, washing the wall in a soft glow that reduces harsh shadows and creates a relaxing atmosphere. Unlike downlights, they don't create glare, making them ideal for living rooms, hallways, or bedrooms where you want indirect illumination.
The Tom Raffield Urchin Wall Uplighter is designed specifically for this purpose. Its curved ash, oak, or walnut strips allow warm light to escape through the seams, drenching the wall in a diffuse, inviting light. The sustainable wood construction also adds a natural, sculptural element to your decor.
Important safety and wiring considerations
Before you begin, ensure you have a suitable junction box (if one isn't already in place) and that your wall uplighter is rated for the voltage in your home. Always consult a qualified electrician if you are unsure about any part of the wiring process.
The Urchin Wall Uplighter is a hardwired fixture, so you'll need to connect it to a switched live circuit. If you're replacing an existing wall light, the wiring should already be in place. For new installations, you'll need to run cable from a nearby switch or power source.
Step-by-step installation guide
- 1. Turn off power and prepare the area: Switch off the circuit breaker supplying the light. Use a voltage tester to confirm the wires are dead. Remove any existing fixture and expose the junction box. Common mistake: forgetting to test wires after turning off the breaker. Always double-check with a tester.
- 2. Connect the wiring: Connect the fixture's live wire (usually brown or black) to the household live wire, and the neutral wire (blue or white) to the household neutral. Use wire nuts and secure with electrical tape. If your fixture has a ground wire, connect it to the ground screw in the junction box. Checkpoint: Ensure all connections are tight and no bare wire is exposed. Loose connections can cause flickering or short circuits.
- 3. Mount the uplighter: Attach the mounting bracket to the junction box using the provided screws. Then, carefully position the Urchin Wall Uplighter over the bracket and secure it with the included fasteners. Gently adjust the wood strips if needed to ensure an even fit against the wall. Common mistake: overtightening the screws can crack the wood or misalign the strips. Tighten just until snug.
- 4. Install the bulb and test: Insert a compatible bulb (check the fixture's wattage rating). Restore power at the breaker and flip the switch to test. For the Urchin, an LED bulb with a warm color temperature (2700K-3000K) will enhance the ambient effect. Checkpoint: If the light doesn't work, turn off power and re-check all wire connections before troubleshooting the bulb.
Product facts
- Urchin Wall Uplighter: Warm light gathers between strips of wood. 17 taut curves fused together with laser cut birch plates are carefully manipulated to create a useful uplighter formation. This design ensures the light is diffused and indirect, perfect for ambient wall lighting without harsh spots.
Urchin Wall Uplighter
