closet lighting

11 Most Practical Closet Lighting Ideas

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A good closet is a necessity in any home, and the larger the closet, the better. The only drawback is that with some of the larger closets, it can be difficult to see everything you have inside. While lighting in a closet may not be a priority for some, it is definitely worth considering. Firstly, you’ll be able to see everything with more clarity, and the colors of your wardrobe essentials will be more vibrant and appealing, which also means you will be more likely to get more wear out of your clothes.

Let’s take a look at some awesome closet lighting ideas so you can dress to kill every time you step out of the house.

Walk-In Closet Lighting Ideas

There are many different options you can implement when choosing walk-in closet lighting ideas. The first thing you need to do is take a good look at the interior of the closet to see the dark spots that could benefit from the lighting. To get you started, we’ll look at some of the most popular and practical ideas for you to consider.

Ceiling Lights

As with all rooms, the most obvious place to install closet lighting is the ceiling. It makes sense too because the light shining from the center of the ceiling is often enough to illuminate the entire closet. Of course, this depends on how big the closet is as well as the shape of the closet. While choosing an LED light is the first thing you need to consider, you also need to look around and see if there are still any dark spots in the closet.

flush mount ceiling light

Pendant Lights

Many people don’t consider a closet to be anything more than a place to store their clothing. However, this space can look just as stunning as any other room in your home. If you want to have more than just a light bulb in the middle of your closet, why not consider hanging pendant lights in the closet? Not only will this improve the look of the closet but also, with the lighting coming a little lower into the closet, you can shine light more effectively where it is needed. There are many different types of pendant lights you can choose from so you are certain to find a design that suits your tastes and the decor of your closet and your bedroom.

Chandeliers

Fancy lighting may seem over the top for a closet but if you have enough ceiling height, a chandelier can turn your closet into a beautiful dressing room. There are many benefits to installing a chandelier in your closet. Firstly, it looks decadent and very luxurious, so you’ll feel like a celebrity every time you enter to choose your outfit for the day. More importantly, all the crystals on the chandelier reflect light which means your closet will be better lit. While a chandelier may seem a little too extravagant for smaller spaces, the good news is that you can choose smaller chandeliers if your closet is a smaller-sized one.

sputnik chandelier

Strip Lights

Not all closets have the same layout, and, in some cases, you may be looking at different areas of the closet and realizing they are poorly lit. One of the best solutions that ensure you can illuminate all areas of the closet is with strip lights. Strip lights can be installed on various shelves, including shoe shelves as well as inside cupboards, above hangers and anywhere else you need to shine a light. You can also choose strip lights that change colors for a dramatic look as well as lighting each different section in a different color.

strip lights in closet

Track Light

Smaller closets don’t necessarily need a lot of lighting but you may still need to direct lighting to different areas of the closet. This is where a track light is a winner. Track lighting is available in a range of stunning designs and you can choose to have anything from two to six light fixtures on a rod of track lighting. Track lighting is versatile and practical which makes them ideal for a closet. They also take up very little space and, with most designs, the bulbs are pivotable so you can direct each one toward each different section of your closet.

track light

Spotlights

Another great lighting idea for the closet is to install spotlights. For a smaller closet with cabinets on either side, you can install 2 spotlights on the ceiling and direct them to either side or, if you have a larger closet, you can install multiple spotlights to ensure each different section is well lit. You can get extra creative by also installing different light switches for each spotlight so that you only turn on the ones you need. There are many designs you can choose from so you are certain to find the right one for your closet.

Recessed Lights

For a clean, modern look for a closet, recessed lights always look great. They are also ideal for closets that are narrow, and you can install them along the ceiling, in different cupboards or shelves or anywhere along the wall. They are practical and you can also configure the lights to different light switches for an ultra-modern look.

recessed lights

Closet Lighting Ideas Without Wiring

Closet lighting that is installed by a professional is often the best way to go when it comes to choosing the best closet lighting ideas, but it’s not always the best solution. Firstly, there is usually a lot of construction involved with having lighting installed and connected to the electrical supply in the home. Besides, for a small closet or a wardrobe, it is not possible to follow the lighting ideas mentioned above.

If you’re not quite willing to go that far, there are closet or wardrobe lighting ideas that don’t need wiring. These are usually battery-powered which makes them easy to install without needing the services of an electrician. This makes these options ideal for those that are renting or those who don’t want to renovate the entire closet.

Some of these ideas include:

Battery Powered Motion Sensor Lights

A great solution for closet lighting that doesn’t need wiring is motion sensor lights. These are awesome as they turn on automatically when someone enters the closet or opens the wardrobe. You can also install them on the partition panel so that you can see all clothes clearly. You can choose different designs and many battery-powered motion sensor lights are available in multi-packs so you can add as many or as little as you need in the closet.

battery powered motion sensor lights

Battery Powered Strip Lights

You already know the benefits of installing strip lights in a closet, so if you want this type of lighting in your closet without the messy installation, battery-powered strip lights give you versatility without the hassles. You can install the strip lights along the ceiling and any recesses as well as along shelving and anywhere you need the light. These are generally battery powered with some of the better designs also being rechargeable.

battery powered strip lights

Rechargeable Ceiling Lights

Ceiling lights in the closet are one of the simplest ways you can add lighting to the closet and rechargeable ones give you the convenience of having lighting without needing an electrician. Most of these designs are simplistic yet modern and they are easy to recharge when the lights start to appear dim. Rechargeable ceiling lights are also available with motion sensors which also eliminate the need for a separately installed light switch and also have the advantage of turning on when someone enters the closet.

rechargeable ceiling lights

Plug-In Ceiling Lights

If you like a minimalist-looking lighting solution that is also a winner in the convenience area, plug-in ceiling lights are a stunning addition. These have a pendant lighting feel and they are easy to install. The LED light is also economical to run and some models allow you to choose different color lights and other great features such as Bluetooth connectivity that allows you to synchronize the lights to music so you can have a music show in the closet while you get ready to hit the town.

plug-In ceiling lights

How Else Can You Improve Visibility In The Closet

Boost the lighting efforts in your closet by paying a little extra attention to the decor of your closet. While you can choose rich wood tones for some of the cabinetry and furniture there are a few other ways you can improve visibility in your closet.

  • Mirrors: Install mirrors at the back of shelves. Mirrors reflect light and this will enhance any lighting you have in the closet.
  • Light-Colored Walls: Paint the walls in the closet a lighter color. This will not only make the closet look bigger but it will also make the room look brighter.
  • Mix & Match Lighting Options: Make the most of the space you have for your closet and add different types of lighting ideas. You’ll create a space you’ll love getting dressed in and it will look fit for royalty.
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About the author

My name is Edward, the owner of this website. With over 5 years of experience in the lighting industry, I’ve worked extensively with both indoor and outdoor lights. I’m here to share my knowledge and experiences regarding lighting ideas and issues, providing inspiration and assistance for your lighting needs.

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