How to Change Hollywood Bar Lighting to Two Light Fixtures

Turn off the power to the light circuit at the home's circuit breaker panel.

Loosen the thumbscrews on the front of the light bar. Pull the bar off of the wall. Unscrew the wire nuts connecting the bar's wiring to the in-wall wiring. If there are no wire nuts, cut the wire as close to the bar as you can with wire cutters.

Cut the drywall in both directions from the existing light fixture box with a keyhole saw until you reach the studs behind the new lamps' mounting locations.

Drill 1-inch holes in the studs intervening between the existing light fixture box and the new locations.

Nail a new light fixture box to the stud at each of the new light fixture locations.

Cut two pieces of 12-2 electrical cable long enough to reach from each of the new boxes to the existing box. Remove 1 inch of insulation from the black and white wires at each end of each cable. Run a cable from each box to the existing box, using the holes in the studs.

Match the black wires of the two new cables with the existing cable and slide a wire nut over the end of the bare wires. Twist the wire nut until it is tight. Repeat with the white wires.

Cut a piece of drywall to match the hole in the wall, leaving openings for the new light fixture boxes. Place the drywall onto the wall, nailing it to the studs. Place joint tape on the seams. Cover the tape with drywall joint compound. Let dry and sand until smooth. Prime and paint the patched area.

Screw the new light fixtures' mounting hardware onto the new light fixture boxes. Match the black and white wires of the new lights to the wiring. Connect with wire nuts.

Place the new lights onto the mounting plate and attach with the lights' thumbscrews. Turn the power back on to use the lights.