Pro Handyman Blog

Can I Replace One light fixture With Two?

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I often get asked if you can replace one light fixture with two fixtures.  I see this most often with master bathroom vanities where you have a long light bar over two sinks. The idea is to remove the single light bar and instead put a smaller light fixture over each sink. Yes you can do this.

There will be challenges with this. You will need to branch off from the single location to two locations, and you will likely have to go through wall studs to get there. You it’s not a quickie job, but it will totally change the appearance of a bathroom.

Use remodeling junction boxes and secure them to the drywall after you have centered them above the sinks. Another great look is to install wall sconces on either side of a mirror for a more indirect lighting approach. This is the same process.

Run the appropriate size NM cable from the new locations to the old, leaving enough cable so that you can strip the sheathing and make connections…usually about 8 inches inside the box, but you can trim it and gently fold the Romex into the box after making the connections. Use wire nuts at all locations until the connections are snug.

You will also have to repair the drywall, texture the patch and paint it to match or paint the entire wall to make the patch go away.