Installing new bathroom vanity lights simply requires an existing electrical box above the mirror or medicine cabinet, or on either side. It is important to make sure that the new bathroom vanity lights will fit in the current space without overlapping into mirror or wall space. It is also important to find light fixtures that compliment the design of the current bathroom vanity set; otherwise the whole room will look disjointed and unpleasing.

In order to install new bathroom vanity lights, the power to the existing fixture at the electrical service panel must be turned off. This is very important. Once the power is off, remove the globe or diffuser and the bulb from the existing vanity light fixture. Then unscrew the retaining nut that holds the cover plate onto the electrical box. If the old vanity light fixture doesn’t come off easily, run the blade of a utility knife around the edges. After disconnecting the wires and setting the old fixture aside, the space will be ready for installing the new bathroom vanity lights.

Today’s electrical codes require that a bathroom vanity light fixture be mounted to a flat metal bar secured to the box called a mounting strap. Most new bathroom vanity lights and fixtures include the mounting strap and screws. It is important to inspect the wires coming out of the box before installing the new bathroom vanity lights. If the ends are nicked or tarnished, cut them and strip off half an inch of the insulation with a wire stripper. Then attach the vanity light fixture’s wires to the circuit wires with a pair of nuts.

Bathroom vanity lighting should be properly grounded, since water is present in the bathroom and the chance of electrical shock is higher. When hooking up the ground wire it’s very important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Many bathroom vanity lights will hook the ground wire to the mounting strap. Do-it-yourselfers should mount the vanity light fixture to the box as directed by the manufacturer. The final step is to screw in the vanity light bulbs, which should not exceed the maximum allowable wattage for the fixture. Attach the diffuser and tighten just enough to avoid cracking the diffuser, and the job is done.

Adding new bathroom vanity lights can make the whole bathroom vanity set look new again. A poorly lit room will never showcase beautiful bathroom vanities, nor will it allow enough light to groom and wash up. Bathroom vanity lights can take a functional piece of equipment and make it beautiful. It is important, however, to properly read all instructions and use extra care, because working with electronics can be dangerous.