The Easiest Way to Get Cozy Lighting in Any Room

Nothing makes a dinner with friends or a family movie night feel better than soft lighting. Bright overhead bulbs are great when you need to see, but they can ruin the vibe when you're trying to make the ambiance cozy and intimate. To get that soft, warm lighting, you can stock up on lamps or install smart bulbs, but those won't work unless you have the virtual assistant on hand to control them. Installing a dimmer switch is another easy method that will make it so anyone can easily adjust the lighting in the room. Plus, this is a DIY project even a novice can handle with a few basic hand tools. Ahead we take you step by step through how to install a dimmer switch.

How to Install a Dimmer Switch

Choose the Right Switch

The number of light switches that control the fixture determines the type of switch you need. If you are installing a dimmer switch for a fixture that's only controlled by a single light switch, then purchase a single-pole dimmer. If the light is controlled by two switches, you’ll need to purchase a three-way dimmer. 

Shut off the Power

Whenever you’re working with electrical wiring, it’s imperative to shut off the power. Find the breaker in your home’s electrical box that corresponds to the circuit and shut it off. Test to make sure you flipped the right breaker by flipping the switch on and off. 

Related: A Wobbly Light Switch Could Put Your Home at Serious Risk. Here’s How to Fix It Safely

Remove the Old Switch

• Use a small flathead screwdriver to remove the face plate. 
• With the light switch connections exposed, it’s a good time to make sure you switched the right circuit breaker. Use a voltage tester to confirm the connections aren’t hot before proceeding. 

• Use a Philips head screwdriver to take out the two screws holding the light switch to the wall. 
• Pull the old light switch away from the wall and disconnect all the wires from the old switch.

Connect the Wires

• Cut off any bent ends on the wires extending from the walls, then use wire strippers to remove about 3/4 of an inch of insulation from the ends of the wires. 

• Use wire nuts to connect each wire extending from the dimmer switch to a wire coming out of the wall. If you are installing a three-way dimmer switch, attach the black wire coming from the dimmer to the common wire, typically labeled “COM,” then attach the remaining wires to the two remaining wires coming from the electrical outlet box. 

• Connect the ground wire from the switch to the house ground wire, which is usually green or bare copper wire. If there is no grounding wire, connect the grounding wire to the switch box. 

Attach the New Light Switch

• Carefully push the new light switch and wiring back into the electrical outlet box. Use the two mounting screws to secure the new switch to the wall.
• Install the light switch plate over the outlet.
• Head to the electrical box and turn the circuit breaker for the light switch back on, then test the switch.