How many guides does it take to change a lightbulb? Just this one we hope. With a plethora of different light fittings, designs and bulbs, it’s hard to figure out exactly how to change a bathroom light.
We’ve created this guide to cut through the confusion of changing bathroom lights, helping you to find the correct bulb and fit it safely. It’s always important to note that, as the case with any electrical work, even changing a lightbulb can be dangerous. Always make sure that the switch is turned off before you get started and wear appropriate safety gear if you feel it’s needed.
Here’s our breakdown of how to change a bathroom light, whatever your home’s style:
Spotlights
What are spotlights?
Probably the most common type of bathroom lights, spotlights are those bulbs placed up into your ceiling. They can appear fiddly to remove, but don’t have to be.
How do you change them?
- Turn the light off at the wall
- Gently push the bulb up to release the clip inside and ease the bulb out
- Detach the bulb from its cable or fitting
- Attach the new bulb
- Gently push it up into the ceiling and pop the clip back in to secure it
Don’t forget to turn on the light to check it’s working!
Pendant lights
What are pendant bathroom lights?
Pendant bathroom lights are singular decorative lights that hang from the ceiling. These are usually highly decorative and hung in pride of place – be this over a bath or in the centre of the room.
How do you change pendant bathroom lights?
Pendant lights are usually fitted with a candle halogen or short tubular bulb. Here’s how you fit them:
- Turn the light off at the wall
- Check what the fitting looks like, then either unscrew or twist out the bulb
- Buy a new bulb, take your old one with you if you’re not sure
- Twist or clip the new bulb in, in the same way you removed it
- Turn on the light to check it’s working.
LED strip lights
What are LED strip bathroom lights?
Often referred to as ‘strip lights’ because of their uniform shape, LED strip lights are flexible circuit boards filled with small bulbs that you can stick almost anywhere. In a bathroom they tend to be either around the coving or fittings and fixtures, for example a bathroom mirror.
How do you change LED strip bathroom lights?
- Switch off your lights at the plug and disconnect them
- Grab a hairdryer and loosen the adhesive
- Peel your strip lights off the surface
- Replace with the new strip light
- Connect them to the adapter and electricity mains.
Wall sconces and vanity lights
What are wall sconces and vanity bathroom lights?
These are decorative bathroom lights, usually around your bathroom mirror. They’re used to provide more light when getting ready in the bathroom, for example when doing your make-up. Vanity lights usually refer to bulbs attached to the mirror, whereas wall sconces are attached to the wall around the mirror.
How do you change wall sconces and vanity bathroom lights?
- Turn the light off at the wall
- Check what the fitting looks like, then either unscrew or twist out the bulb
- Buy a new bulb, take your old one with you if you’re not sure
- Twist or clip the new bulb in, in the same way you removed it
- Turn on the light to check it’s working.
Chandeliers
What are chandelier bathroom lights?
A chandelier is a highly decorative light fitting that may have multiple bulbs. They’re originally modelled on designs featuring multiple candles, and may use diamante or glass to reflect light. They look great in the centre of the room, or as a feature over a bath or vanity unit.
How do you change them?
- Turn the light off at the wall
- Check what the fitting looks like, then either unscrew or twist out the bulbs. There may be a few bulbs on a chandelier that need replacing, so be mindful of safety when removing multiple bulbs at once.
- Buy a new bulb, take your old one with you if you’re not sure
- Twist or clip the new bulb in, in the same way you removed it
- Turn on the light to check it’s working.
And that’s how to change a bathroom light. If you’re still having difficulty or need more help, just get in touch with our team online or pop in-store.
