How much does it cost to install wall sconces on either side of a bathroom mirror including running new wiring in Toronto?

Installing wall sconces on either side of a bathroom mirror with new wiring in Toronto typically costs $400–$900 for the electrical work alone, plus the cost of the fixtures themselves, which range from $80–$600+ per sconce depending on quality.

The bulk of that cost is the licensed electrician's labour. In the GTA, electricians charge $75–$120 per hour, and this type of job usually takes 2–4 hours depending on how far the new wiring needs to run, whether the panel has capacity for the additional load, and how accessible the wall cavity is. Running wire through finished walls in an older Toronto home — particularly a pre-war or post-war bungalow with plaster walls or insulated exterior walls — takes considerably more time than the same job in a newer home with accessible stud bays.

The electrical permit and ESA (Electrical Safety Authority) inspection add $100–$200 to the total but are non-negotiable in Ontario. Any new wiring or circuit modification in a bathroom requires a permit and ESA sign-off before the wall is closed up. This protects you legally and ensures the work is safe — bathroom lighting near water sources is a genuine safety concern, and the ESA inspection catches problems before they become hazards.

What Affects the Total Cost

Fixture placement matters more than most homeowners realize. True side-lighting (sconces mounted at eye level, roughly 60–65 inches from the floor to the centre of the fixture) requires outlet boxes positioned precisely on either side of the mirror. If your existing vanity light is a single bar above the mirror, the electrician needs to run new wiring to two new locations — this is more work than simply replacing an existing fixture. The wiring typically runs from the existing vanity circuit, through the wall cavity, and out to the new box locations.

Wall construction is a major variable in GTA homes. Condos often have concrete or block walls behind the drywall, which means the electrician needs to run conduit along the surface or find creative routing paths — this adds time and cost. Older Toronto homes with plaster-and-lath walls require more careful cutting and patching. Post-war bungalows in Scarborough, North York, and Etobicoke with standard wood-framed walls are the easiest and least expensive scenario.

Switching is worth discussing with your electrician upfront. Sconces wired to the same switch as your vanity light are the simplest and least expensive option. If you want the sconces on a separate switch — or want dimmer control — that adds a bit of labour and materials but is absolutely worth doing while the walls are open.

Fixture Costs

Budget $150–$300 per sconce for a quality mid-range fixture with good light output and appropriate IP (ingress protection) rating for bathroom use. Fixtures marketed as "damp rated" are suitable for most bathroom locations; "wet rated" fixtures are required if the sconce is inside a shower enclosure, which is uncommon for mirror sconces. Avoid very cheap fixtures — the hardware and finish deteriorate quickly in a humid bathroom environment, especially in GTA homes during humid summers.

Practical Tips

Hire a licensed electrician — this is not a DIY project. Ontario requires licensed electrical contractors for bathroom wiring, and the ESA inspection is mandatory. Patching the drywall after the electrician runs wire is often a separate cost; ask upfront whether the electrician includes patching or whether you need to arrange a drywall repair separately (typically $150–$300 for a small bathroom patch and paint).

For a complete bathroom renovation where walls are already open, sconce rough-in is inexpensive to add — roughly $200–$400 incremental cost when the electrician is already on site. If you're doing this as a standalone project in a finished bathroom, expect to pay the full $400–$900 range for electrical plus fixture costs.

Need help finding a licensed electrician or bathroom renovation contractor for this project? Browse professionals through the Toronto Construction Network at torontoconstructionnetwork.com.