How can we replace off-center vanity lights in our bathroom without being able to find ones with wide enough bases to cover the holes?
Asked by Gabriella Lemoine 
2 months ago
Last Updated: October 21, 2024
Hey, quick question for you about our bathroom renovation – we’re looking to swap out the vanity lights, but it turns out the electrical and tile work on the current setup is a bit wonky. The holes are off-center and we’re having trouble finding new lights that can cover them up. Any ideas on how we can work around this?
We did reach out to the builder, who mentioned they’d fix it if they could find the same tile, but it’s been discontinued. We’re actually the second owners of this four-year-old house – the original owners only lived here for six months before moving out. Any advice on how to tackle this predicament?
How about using a stone plinth block or a similar item to fill the space between the hole and the mounting bracket?
Perhaps all we need are some lights with a wider base to hide the holes.
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Do you think we could adjust the mirror on the right a bit?
Has mirrors glued to the tile and they are centered with the sink.
Hey , got another idea for you. What if you make a large metal baseplate for each light, matching the width of the mirror? Then you can attach the light to the baseplate and the baseplate to the wall. Some websites offer affordable custom metal fabrication services.
What if we try sliding the fixture mounting plate over and attaching it directly to the tile instead of the junction box in the wall?
Consider creating a detailed trim piece that resembles a chandelier medallion, but on a smaller scale.
Head out to find a light, any light, with the right wide base and color that you need. Remove the base and discard the rest of the light. Attach the new base to your light instead.
Hey , I’ve actually tried that in the past.
One possible solution is to add a trim piece to the design, as some have already suggested. Keep in mind that this may affect the overall look. Alternatively, be prepared for the fact that achieving the perfect alignment may require removing tiles and sections of drywall. In our home, none of the fixtures are centered, but Hollywood style lights help to mask any imperfections. The reason for the lack of centering can be attributed to issues behind the wall – either the walls were framed without considering a centered box over the sink, or the vent pipe was installed before the electrical work, causing interference and resulting in off-center placements.
Opt for an alternative fixture
We’ve tested out various types, but it’s tricky to fully capture the challenge with just photos and a written explanation. Rest assured, we have considered numerous fixture options.
You could consider switching out the lights as well as the mirrors with tall LED mirrors that have lighting on both the front and back, making sure they are tall enough to cover the existing junction boxes and mirror areas. These mirrors typically cost around $250 each. You can search for the “Toolkiss TK19066 mirror” model as an example. Installation is simple: (1) attach a mounting bracket to the wall just below where the new mirror will be placed, (2) hang the mirror on the bracket, and (3) wire the mirror into the existing junction box similar to how you would wire a regular light fixture (or you can install a standard outlet in the junction box and plug the mirror in).
Isn’t it funny how modern construction works? My house is only 4 years old and everything besides the studs is already discontinued 😂😂😂😂
Let’s start by building the base or switching up the fixtures
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You can easily create ‘goof plates’ using different materials. Let your imagination run wild!
Ask them to relocate the box and then find a tall mirror with a hole specifically cut out for the light to be attached to the front. A glass company is usually able to cut the hole for the mirror. Another possibility might be to buy a backlit mirror that is tall enough to hide the holes.
Try searching for a collar option. You can find a large plastic or metal ring with the center removed that can work perfectly for this issue. I use this solution frequently and you can adjust it to suit your needs.
That’s the main purpose of trim plates.
‘t bother trying to find an exact match for the tile, it’s nearly impossible from a different dye lot. Your best bet is to look for a trim plate or backing plate to hide the imperfection, luckily there are many options available.
You might want to consider getting a piece of plexiglass or acrylic mirror that matches the width of the mirror, around 10-12 inches high. Then, carefully drill a hole in the center of the new mirror to access the wires. It has the potential to look really cool. Best of luck with it.
I grabbed a rectangular piece of Barnwood and you can attach that to the tile. Make sure to drill a hole first for your wiring and you should be all set 👍🏻