Bathroom Light Not Centered Over Sink: 2 Answers (Explained)

Visions of fabulous bathroom décor and exquisitely finished sinks can be stifled by the realization that the light does not center over the sink.

This can be a big problem for mirror lovers or those using the sink for applying makeup or shaving.

Is it necessary for a light to be centered above the sink? When a lamp is centered, it provides just the right amount of light for the countertop and sink. You won’t have to worry about your face being too dark or too bright in the mirror as you shave or put on cosmetics.

This article provides useful information on what is needed to enhance the use of your bathroom wall or pendant fixture, correct it if it’s off to one side and provide a brighter, cleaner and sanitary environment.

Table of Contents

Does a light have to be centered over the sink?

Putting in an electrical fixture before cabinets are installed leaves you with the option of knowing the exact measurement of where the sink will fall.

This will allow you to place the vanity light directly above the sink regardless of how low or high your cabinets may be.

Everything should line up perfectly and your light should be squarely above the mirror and the sink.

There are a few reasons for that:

cast uniform light on the entire sink and countertop surface area
avoid glare from the mirror
keep your face illuminated while you brush your teeth, shave or apply makeup
reduce the need for a second source of lighting
create symmetry with the mirror

How do you fix an off center bathroom light fixture?

Find the circuit break that turns off the power to the light
Take off the bulb, glass, or any accessory around the light
Find and remove the filler screws that secure the lamp holder to the wall
With the light fixture removed, double check that there’s no power using a live wire tester to ground and neutral
Using a plastic remodeling box, mark where the light would be centered
Reinstall the light fixture to attach it to the wall
Reattach the light bulb, glass, or any other accessory on top of the light fixture
Cover the hole left behind by removing the fixture by using a plug-in circular hole cover plate or wood
Fill in any visible spaces left using expanding foam
Once you have a flush surface, sand it down to make it smooth and level, then prime and paint
Turn on the circuit breaker to restore power to the circuit that turns off access to the bathroom light