Welcome to the ultimate guide on installing an LED mirror, crafted by a seasoned home improvement expert and interior design enthusiast, Kevin.
In this comprehensive article, discover step-by-step instructions, expert tips, and essential considerations to ensure a seamless installation process.
We cover everything from selecting the Best LED mirror to understanding wiring requirements and mounting techniques.
If you’re wondering, “Do LED mirrors use a lot of electricity?” the answer is No.
LED bulbs are not only the most efficient way of lighting a room, but LED Bulbs last up to 50,000 hours or 42 times longer – than a standard incandescent light bulb and use 1/6 as much electricity to run.
Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a homeowner seeking to enhance your bathroom aesthetics, this guide will empower you to quickly achieve a sleek and modern look.
Let’s illuminate your bathroom and elevate your space to new heights of style and functionality – by First ensuring you have proper electrical power at the new LED Mirror location – and Then providing simple LED bathroom mirror installation instructions.
How to Wire an LED Bathroom Mirror
Suppose you’re wondering how to install an LED bathroom Mirror without an electrical outlet behind the new mirror location. In that case, you must install a new electrical outlet and connect it to your electrical circuit to power the LED Mirror.
For this step, and unless you’re trained, we recommend hiring a professional electrician to complete this work.
Step1) Determine the “Best Location” For Electrical Outlet
Determine the electrical outlet location by measuring the wiring harness on the back of your LED Mirror. Next, transfer that location onto the wall where you intend to install the mirror.
This wall mark will be the approximate location of the new electrical outlet.
Step 2) Install the Electrical “Outlet Box” for the Mirror
Using a stud sensor, locate the nearest wall stud to your wall mark and install a single outlet electrical box to the wood stud.
3) Run “Wiring” To The Electrical Outlet
To wire (with no wall switch) the new LED mirror, an electrician must install wiring from the home’s electrical circuit to a new outlet box (located behind the LED Mirror).
This allows the LED mirror to be plugged into the outlet during installation.
Note: if you are “hardwiring” the electrical circuit directly to the LED mirror – you will not require the new “outlet” (shown below). Refer to the manufacturer’s power cord, as some provide LED mirrors as plug-in vs. hard-wired applications from the factory.
Step 4) Test Power to Outlet
Finally, the power supply and outlet voltage are tested with a voltage meter.
Note: If you intend to use a Light switch (Wall) to operate the LED Mirror independently from the existing Wall Light, the wiring to the LED Mirror must be connected to a separate light switch.
Please read carefully (disclaimer)
- Products in this DIY article should be installed by licensed and registered tradespeople.
- To Guard against electrocution – Always disconnect the power at the circuit breaker before putting on or taking off parts.
- Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s specific instructions for installing and safely installing LED mirrors.
- Check with your local building department to see if you need a permit.
- Observe applicable building and electrical codes.
- Contact a licensed electrical contractor if you have any doubts or questions about the connections or if your home’s wiring doesn’t appear compatible with the electrical wiring you plan on making.
- Some LED mirrors include anti-fog capability by heating the mirror and requiring additional electricity. Another reason you should hire an electrician is to ensure proper wiring and voltage to the mirror.
How To Install an LED Mirror:
Step1). Gather Tools & Materials To Install LED Mirror
Here is a list of items you must gather – before installing an LED bathroom mirror.
- Drill
- Two or Four-foot Level (or Laser Level)
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Stud Finder
- Phillips Screwdriver
In addition to these items, you will need a few miscellaneous materials, such as screws and brackets. Most often, these accessories are supplied with the mirror that you purchase.
Step 2) Take accurate measurements.
- To get accurate measurements, Remove the LED mirror from all its packaging. This is the first step.
- Take measurements of the mirror’s overall width and height to ensure you have proper clearances and that the mirror size fits your wall.
- Verify the best LED Mirror location – and whether the mirror should be installed Vertically or Horizontally. *Note: A small sink vanity (24- 30″ wide) will require a vertical LED mirror installation, whereas a wide sink vanity (42″ or wider) typically requires a horizontal mirror installation and a much wider LED mirror.
- Follow the LED mirror manufacturer’s instructions, locate and drill holes for wall brackets or anchors
*In most cases, installation of an LED mirror requires attaching a removable backplate – located on the back of the LED Mirror- or they may use Two individual angle wall brackets – depending on the LED mirror manufacturer.
Note: Be sure to use a four ft. level or laser level when marking bracket locations to ensure an adequately leveled mirror, and once confirmed, install the wall brackets permanently:
Step 3) Install Wall Brackets for the LED Mirror
These basic steps for installing LED mirror wall brackets are valid for most LED mirrors. Refer to the instruction manual included with your mirror in case there are any product-specific recommendations.
- Place the mirror appropriately and in the center above the sink vanity.
- Locate and mark the point of the wall studs where you will fasten your mirror. Make sure it’s correctly aligned.
- Once you have double-checked everything, drill the wall for anchors. Note: If installing the mirror on a tiled wall, drill in the grout joints between the tiles.
- Insert the dowels and screws on the bracket and lock the clamps.
- Test the anchors by temporarily placing the mirror on the wall brackets and confirm the mirror is correctly positioned.
Step 4) Test The Electrical Power to the LED Mirror
With the help of an assistant, carefully set the LED Mirror on top of the vanity and connect the mirror’s wiring to the electrical power source.
Test the LED Mirror lights to confirm the mirror is lighting and operating correctly.
Step 5) Test Mirror Installation
Temporarily, hang the LED Mirror on the wall and confirm it is level, secure, and set in the proper location.
If the mirror is level and the anchors appear secure, remove it and set it aside. Remove and replace wall bracket locations to ensure they are safe and level if it is not level or secure.
Step 6) Final Installation of LED Mirror
If the LED Mirror appears to be working correctly, you are ready to hang the LED Mirror permanently on the wall brackets and complete the installation.
Assuming the wall brackets have been appropriately installed, the LED mirror has been hung and shown to be “level,” and the electrical wire has been completed and tested, You can now enjoy your new LED mirror!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is it Difficult to Instal an LED Bathroom Mirror:
A: Installing an LED Mirror is a relatively straightforward DIY project. Once you read through the How-To Install and LED Mirror article (above), you can decide whether you have the skills or desire to do it yourself or hire a Pro.
Q: How Do You Connect Power to an LED Mirror in the Bathroom?
A: Two methods exist for connecting power (electricity) to an LED bathroom mirror.
The first method uses an existing plug on the wall below the existing light fixture. From there, you can plug in the new LED mirror.
The second method involves the installation of an electrical outlet and running power to the new outlet from the existing light fixture or wall switch.
Q: How Do You Hang an LED Bathroom Mirror?
A: After determining the right location, you can easily hang an LED mirror in one of two ways. First, attach the factor-supplied metal wall brackets to wood studs or use heavy-duty wall anchors, such as 50lb—wire hooks.
Q: Do LED Mirrors Require a Switch?
A: While it isn’t critical to wire an LED mirror to a light switch, a light switch will make using an LED mirror much more convenient. LED Mirrors include settings located on the face of the mirror; however, LED mirrors cannot turn on by themselves 🙂
Conclusion
We hope this simple guide proves helpful and makes the LED bathroom mirror installation easy for you.
We can almost guarantee that the soft illumination and the aesthetic yet modern look of your new LED mirror will transform the lights in your bathroom into one of the most beautiful spaces of your home.
And I almost forgot – If your bathroom tends to run warm, LED lights will significantly cool your room down over traditional lightbulbs!
Thanks for visiting BesthomeGear.com. Don’t forget to leave us a comment below. Check out our other DIY guides for homeowners like you!
Additional Resources & References:
- Ten Best LED Mirrors for Bathroom – Besthomegear.com
- 8 Reasons Why You Should Have a Backlit LED Mirror – Contemporist.Com
- 50 LED Mirror Room Ideas – Houzz.com
- How Do You Remove an Old Dishwasher – Besthomegear.com
- What are the 10 Most Efficient Space Heaters You Can Buy? Best Home Gear.Com
