Replace A Medicine Cabinet and Bathroom Light Fixture

Two replacements that can easily update the look of your bathroom are to replace your medicine cabinet and light fixtures. Learn how as we walk you through this simple and inexpensive project.

Removing the Old Medicine Cabinet

1. Cover the vanity top with a drop cloth to prevent damage to the sink.

2.  Remove everything from inside the cabinet.

  • Also remove the adjustable shelves (if applicable).

3. Set up a work light powered from a source outside of the bathroom.

  • Use an extension cord to run power to the work light.

4. Turn off power to the bathroom light fixture.

  • Power to the light fixture is located at the main electrical breaker-box.

5. Support the cabinet for removal.
  • If you don't have someone to help you hold the cabinet, use something sturdy to support it from below.
image1

6. Remove the mounting screws from inside the cabinet.

7. Now you can remove the cabinet.

Removing the Old Light Fixture 1. Remove the light bulbs from the sockets.
2. Detach the face of the fixture.
3. Disconnect the wires.

  • Twist off the wire connectors or use wire cutters.

Repairing the Wall Surface

1. Now is a good time to repair any damaged wall surfaces. For information on repairing wall surfaces, watch Lowe's Prepping Paint Surfaces.

Installing the New Light Fixture

1. Determine where the light fixture will be positioned above the new medicine cabinet and sink.

2. With the mounting bracket in place, mark the new mounting holes. image2

3. Remove the bracket and install wall anchors on the marks.
4. Pull the wires through the mounting bracket.
5. Attach the bracket with screws.
6. Connect the house wires to the fixture wires with wire connectors and electrical tape.

  • Be sure to connect the existing colored wires to the corresponding colored wires on the fixture.

7. Attach the fixture face to the bracket with the included hardware. 8. Insert the light bulbs and globes.

  • Your fixture may accept energy-efficient Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs).

Installing the New Medicine Cabinet

1. Determine where the new cabinet will be located and make reference marks.

  • In most cases, it will be centered above the sink, at a height clear from the vanity and faucet.
  • The pop-up lever on the sink can be used as a guide for a center line.
  • To test the cabinet's position, use something sturdy to support it or get assistance.
  • Mark the center position on the wall where the bottom of the cabinet will sit.

2. With the cabinet on the floor, place masking tape on the bottom of the cabinet, approximately in the center.

3. Then, with a tape measure, determine the actual cabinet center and mark that on the masking tape.
  • The masking tape will protect the cabinet.
image3

4. Use a stud finder to locate studs in the mounting area.

  • Mark them with a pencil.

5. Line up the reference marks on the wall with the marks on the bottom of the cabinet.
  • Use something sturdy to support the cabinet or get assistance.
image4
6. Drill a mounting hole through the nailer along the stud line.
  • Also drill four additional mounting holes inside the cabinet.
image5

7. Remove the cabinet and install wall anchors for marks that don't hit wallstuds.
8. Reposition the cabinet using the reference marks and insert the mounting screws.
9. Remove the masking tape from the cabinet.
10. Add the hardware and shelves.

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Project Details
Materials
  • New Medicine Cabinet
  • New Light Fixture
  • Drill with Phillips Head Driver
  • Wire Cutters
  • Circuit Tester
  • Wire Connectors
  • Electrical Tape
  • Level
  • Pencil
  • Drill Bits
  • Wall Anchors
  • Work Light
  • Extension Cord
  • Drop Cloth
  • Safety Glasses
  • Wall Repair Supplies:
    Joint Compound,
    Sandpaper, Paint Roller,
    Paint Brush,
    Primer and Wall Paint.
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