How to Install Wall Sconces Beside a Mirror

Lighting is the single most important factor in a bathroom's functionality, yet it is frequently installed as an afterthought. Sconces placed directly beside a mirror provide cross-illumination, which fills in the shadows created by overhead lighting and makes grooming tasks far more precise. When done well, the light hits your face evenly rather than casting harsh lines downward from above. Installing them yourself requires confidence with electrical wiring and a steady hand for layout. The goal is symmetry and height consistency; even a half-inch difference between the left and right fixtures will be glaringly obvious every time you look in the glass. Take your time with the measurements before you ever touch a drill.

Kill the Power First. Locate your home's main service panel and flip the circuit breaker corresponding to the bathroom light circuit. Use a non-contact voltage tester on the existing wall boxes to confirm that no power is present before proceeding.
Mark Symmetry First. Measure 60 to 65 inches from the finished floor to the center of your light boxes. Use a level to ensure the height is identical for both the left and right sides of the mirror.
Cut Precise Holes. Trace the outline of your old-work electrical boxes onto the wall at your marked locations. Use a drywall saw to cut the holes, making sure to stay within the lines for a snug fit.
Run the Wire Clean. Run electrical cable (typically 14/2 Romex) from the existing light source or switch to the new wall box locations. Use a fish tape to navigate through the wall cavity behind the drywall.
Mount Boxes Flush. Insert the old-work electrical boxes into the wall openings. Tighten the mounting screws on the tabs until the box is pulled tight and flush against the surface of the drywall.
Secure All Connections. Strip the wire ends and connect the copper ground, white neutral, and black hot wires using wire nuts. Tuck the wires neatly into the box and mount the fixture base plate using the provided screws.