How to Install a Bathroom Vanity Light | Remove, Wire, Mount

Installing a new bathroom vanity light is a straightforward DIY job that transforms the look of your bathroom without an electrician’s bill. The task comes down to turning off the right breaker, removing the old fixture, wiring the new one color-to-color, and mounting it level. Before you start, you will need a voltage tester, a screwdriver, wire nuts (often included), and about an hour of time. For help choosing the right fixture for your space, our tested roundup of the best 2-light bathroom vanity lights covers top-rated options.

What You Need Before You Start

Gather your tools first so the job goes smoothly. You will need a circuit tester, a flathead and Phillips screwdriver, wire strippers, and a voltage tester. Most replacement fixtures ship with a mounting bracket, screws, and wire nuts, but it is smart to confirm before you begin.

A heavy fixture mounted to a loose box will sag or pull away over time.

How to Remove the Old Fixture Safely

Go to your breaker panel and switch off the circuit that feeds the bathroom light. Do not rely on the wall switch alone, since the wiring at the fixture stays live even when the switch is off. Flip the wall switch off too, then confirm the power is dead with a non-contact voltage tester held near the wires.

Loosen the decorative nuts or screws holding the fixture base to the mounting plate, then carefully pull the fixture away from the wall. The wires will still be attached. Loosen the wire nuts and disconnect the wires one at a time, noting which color goes where. Remove the old mounting plate if your new fixture uses a different one, and check the junction box for any loose connections before proceeding.

Wiring and Mounting the New Fixture

Attach the new mounting bracket to the junction box using the screws supplied with your fixture. Level it with a bubble level before you tighten it fully, since a crooked bracket will leave the finished light hanging at an angle.

Wire the new fixture by matching the colors: black to black, white to white, and the bare copper or green ground wire to the ground screw on the bracket or the ground wire in the box. Twist each pair together and cap them with a wire nut, pulling gently on each connection to confirm it is secure. Tuck the wires neatly into the junction box, then lift the fixture into place over the mounting screws.

Secure the fixture body with the decorative nuts or screws, install the bulbs and shades per the manufacturer’s instructions, and restore power at the breaker. Flip the wall switch on to test your work. If the light does not come on, check that each wire nut is tight and that the breaker did not trip when you restored power.

How to Avoid Common Installation Mistakes

Most problems come from skipping the basics.