Having installed a few bathroom vanity lights myself, I can confirm it’s completely doable with some basic DIY skills. You must disconnect the power from the breaker box, remove the old fixture, and securely attach and wire your new light.
With some patience, expect to finish installation in about one to two hours, depending on the type of bathroom vanity light and the condition of your electrical wiring. It’s important to take things slowly and step by step. Rushing can compromise your safety or damage the new light fixture.
| Project difficulty: Intermediate Estimated time to complete: 1 to 2 hours Project cost: $50 to $300, depending on the type of light fixture you choose and the tools you need to rent or buy. |
Step 1: Gather Your Tools and Safety Equipment
Photo Credit: francescomou / Adobe Stock Free / License
For this task, you’re going to need a few basic tools:
- Voltage tester
- Screwdrivers (flathead and Phillips)
- Level
- Measuring tape
- Wire strippers and pliers
- Wire nuts or lever nuts
- Anchors (if mounting directly to drywall)
- Work gloves
- Safety glasses
- Step ladder (optional)
- Power drill (optional)
- Mounting plate (usually provided with the new fixture)
Step 2: Turn Off the Power
Before you touch your old fixture, find the switch or your home’s electrical panel that controls it and turn off the power.
A helpful hint from my DIY days is to switch off the entire house’s power if you can’t identify which breaker controls the area where you’re working. Also, leave a noticeable note or sign on the breaker box to let whoever might be around know not to flip any switches while you’re working.
My Tip: As you inspect your wiring, safety remains a priority, even if you’ve already turned off the power. Place an electrical tester or a voltmeter on the wires just to double-check that no power is flowing through them.
Step 3: Remove the Old Fixture
Remove any light bulbs or shades from your old fixture first. Then locate mounting screws — they might be hidden under decorative plates. Keep a firm grip on the fixture while removing these screws.
Once loose, gently pull the fixture away from the wall to expose the wiring. Disconnect the wires, which are usually held together with wire nuts (twist counterclockwise to remove), and set the old fixture aside. Finally, unscrew the mounting bracket to access your junction box.
My Tip: If you spot two-wire systems without ground wires or aluminum wiring (identifiable by their dull silver color), stop and consult an electrician. Some older wiring systems require special attention and safety considerations.
Step 4: Inspect the Junction Box
The junction box is the small, usually square, metal, or plastic box inside your wall. This encloses your electrical wiring connections. Inspect your box, then:
- Clean the junction box area thoroughly (I use a dry paintbrush to remove dust)
- Inspect the mounting holes — they should be clean and rust-free
- Check that the box is secure and doesn’t wiggle
- Ensure it’s flush with the wall surface (if not, you might need an adjustable mounting kit)
My tip: A proper electrical junction box is necessary both for safety and by code. Never try to mount a light fixture without one. If it’s missing, now’s the time to install one, but it might require professional help if you’re not experienced doing electrical work.
Step 5: Prepare the Wall
Before attaching your new vanity light, prepare the wall area. I like to use a clean, damp cloth to wipe away dust.
If there are any traces of the previous fixture, such as marks or paint lines, now is the time to break out some touch-up paint. It’s much easier to perform any necessary painting before installing your new light.
Do you have a leftover anchor or a hole in your drywall from the old fixture? Check out our complete guides:
Step 6: Find the Right Location
Make sure to take measurements carefully. You’ll want to ensure your new vanity light perfectly aligns with the central point above your sink or the mirror top.
Next, determine the ideal placement for your new vanity light. For a fixture centered above the mirror, hang it 75 to 80 inches from the floor. For a side fixture, aim for eye level — around 65 inches high — and keep a 6- to 8-inch gap from the mirror.
Then, hold the mounting plate against the wall, centered above the mirror. Place a level on top of the mounting plate to ensure perfect horizontal alignment. While holding the mounting plate, mark its outer edges and the locations of the mounting holes with a pencil.
My Tip: For heavier fixtures, use a stud finder to locate wall studs for secure mounting.
Step 7: Drill Holes
For drywall installation, create pilot holes using a quarter-inch drill bit. If you’re mounting directly into studs, switch to an eighth-inch bit. Maintain a steady hand to keep the drill perpendicular to the wall — this ensures your anchors will fit properly and your fixture will hang level.
If you’re new to DIY home projects, you might need some extra info on studs, anchors, or patching holes in your drywall. Check out our complete guides:
- How to Find Studs Without a Stud Finder (A Beginner’s Guide)
- Different Types of Drywall Anchors: 5 Common Options
- How to Use Self-Drilling Drywall Anchors in 4 Steps
- How Do Drywall Anchors Work?
Step 8: Attach the New Mounting Plate
With one hand holding the plate in place, use a screwdriver and screws provided with your new fixture to secure the mounting plate. For heavier fixtures, I’ve found drywall anchors invaluable for extra support.
Keep alternating sides as you tighten each screw until they’re secure but take care not to overtighten and strip them. Ensure that once tightened, your mounting bracket or plate doesn’t shift around when nudged.
Step 9: Prepare the Wires
Gently pull all wires from the junction box through the hole in the mounting bracket. Carefully strip each wire end to expose around 5/8 to 3/4 of an inch of copper. If the copper looks dull or discolored, trim and strip again. After that, straighten the exposed copper if it’s twisted or bent.
Make sure to keep your cuts clean and even with no stray strands.
Step 10: Connect the Wires
Connect each wire from your new light fixture to its matching color in the junction box. This step is very important and requires your full attention. If your hands are shaky — like mine were the first time I did this project — take a break. These connections need to be solid, and there’s no need to rush.
Hot wire connection (black):
- Locate the black wires from both your new fixture and junction box
- Hold them parallel, ensuring the exposed copper sections align
- Twist them together clockwise until they’re snug
- Secure with an appropriately sized wire nut (usually orange or red)
- Twist the wire nut clockwise until it’s firm but not over-tight
Neutral wire connection (white):
- Repeat the same process with the white wires
- Ensure they’re twisted together firmly
- Secure with a wire nut
- Give a gentle tug to test the connection
Ground wire connection (green/bare copper):
- If your fixture has a ground screw, wrap the ground wire around it first
- Connect the green or bare copper ground wire
- Twist together with the house ground wire
- Secure with a wire nut
Step 11: Attach the New Light Fixture
Next, carefully tuck all wires into the junction box. Hold your new vanity fixture against the wall, and line it up with a mounting bracket or plate. Most fixtures will use screws or bolts that slide through holes in the base of your fixture into corresponding holes or slots on your bracket or plate. Secure them firmly, but don’t overtighten them.
Once the fixture is in place, install light bulbs and attach any shades or glass covers included with your new vanity light.
My Tip: Take a step back and review your work. Now is the time to make sure everything is level and in the correct place.
Step 12: Restore Power
Before declaring victory, you want to ensure your new light works correctly. Return to your breaker box and turn on the power. Next, clean any fingerprints from the fixture.
Finally, take a step back and admire your work — this is mandatory.
More About Bathroom Remodels
Installing a bathroom vanity light might seem intimidating at first, but with the right tools and some patience, it’s a task you can certainly tackle. From turning off the power to attaching your new fixture, each step is important for successful installation. I’ve done it myself, and the final result is always rewarding — a brighter space with your personal touch.
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Main Photo Credit: samiam2007 / Adobe Stock Free / License
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