How to Change a Bathroom Light Fixture: The Complete Guide

It doesn’t matter if you’re renting or own your home – everyone eventually has to change a bathroom light fixture.

Maybe the old one went out and you need to replace it, or maybe you’re just wanting to switch things up a bit. Regardless of your reasoning, changing a bathroom light fixture can seem like a daunting task. But with this complete guide, you’ll be an expert in no time!

First, you’ll need to decide what type of bathroom light fixture you want. Are you after something ceiling-mounted? Wall-mounted? Or maybe a pendant light? There are a lot of options out there, so take your time and figure out what will work best for your space.

Once you’ve decided on the type of light fixture, it’s time to gather your tools and materials. For most projects, you’ll need a screwdriver, wire cutters, and electrical tape. If you’re working with an older home, you may also need a voltage tester to make sure the wiring is up to code.

Now it’s time to get started!

Quick Links

How to change bathroom ceiling lights
How to change recessed bathroom ceiling lights
How to change bathroom wall lights
How to change bathroom pendant lights
How to change a bathroom chandelier
How to change bathroom LED strip lights

How to change bathroom ceiling lights

Turn off the power to your bathroom at your breaker box. Remove the old light fixture by unscrewing the mounting plate from the electrical box. If the wires are attached to the light fixture, twist the wire caps clockwise to release them.

With the old light removed, hold up your new bathroom ceiling light against the electrical box and trace around the outside edge with a pencil. This will give you an idea of where to place the mounting plate for the new light.

Using a screwdriver (or drill), screw the new mounting plate into the electrical box. Be careful not to over-tighten the screws, as this could strip the electrical box threads.

Hook the wires from the new light onto the corresponding wires coming out of the electrical box. If there are bare wires, twist a wire connector (or pigtail) clockwise around all three wires, then tuck the pigtail back into the electrical box. If there are plastic wire caps, just twist each one clockwise until it’s snug against the wires.

How to change recessed bathroom ceiling lights

To change a recessed bathroom ceiling light, first, turn off the power to the fixture at your circuit breaker. Next, remove the trim and lens from the fixture. Then, disconnect the wires and remove the old light bulb.

To install the new light bulb, first, connect the wires, then screw in the new bulb. Finally, replace the trim and lens.

How to change bathroom wall lights

To change a bathroom wall light, first, turn off the power to the circuit at the breaker box.

Remove the old light fixture by unscrewing the mounting bracket and pulling the fixture away from the wall. Unscrew the wires from the back of the old light fixture and twist on wire connectors to the corresponding wires coming out of the wall.

Then, you can screw in the new light fixture, being careful not to over-tighten the mounting bracket.

Finally, turn the power back on at the breaker box and test the new light fixture.

How to change bathroom pendant lights

Pendant lights can add a touch of elegance to any bathroom. To change a bathroom pendant light, start by turning off the power to the light at the circuit breaker.

Next, remove the old light by unscrewing the canopy and disconnecting the wires. To install the new light, connect the wires to the new light fixture and screw in the new canopy. Finally, turn on the power at the circuit breaker and test the new light.

How to change a bathroom chandelier

Chandeliers can make a dramatic statement in any bathroom. To change a bathroom chandelier, first, make sure you have the correct tools. You will need a step ladder, Phillips screwdriver, and wire cutters.

Start by turning off the power to the chandelier at your circuit breaker box. Once the power is off, remove the old chandelier by unscrewing the mounting plate from the ceiling. Be careful not to drop the plate as it can break.

With the old chandelier removed, attach the new chandelier’s mounting plate to the ceiling using the screws that came with it. Once the new mounting plate is in place, carefully thread the wires from the new chandelier through the chain or loops on the mounting plate.

Be sure not to knot or cross the wires as this can cause a short circuit.

Finally, screw in the new chandelier’s light bulbs and turn on the power at the circuit breaker box.

And there we go! In terms of learning how to replace a bathroom light fixture, this was a simple one!

How to change bathroom LED strip lights

LED strip lights are an incredibly popular choice for bathrooms because they are both energy-efficient and can provide truly amazing accent lighting.

To change a bathroom LED strip light, first turn off the power to the light at your circuit breaker box.

Then, remove the old light strip by carefully removing the adhesive backing and pulling the strip out of the waterproof housing. Next, install your new LED strip light by following the instructions that come with the light. This will usually be as simple as placing the new strip light into the already installed waterproof housing!

Once the new light is in place, turn on the power and enjoy your new and improved bathroom lighting!

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