Lighting Ideas That Will Elevate Your Closet

Lighting is everything. Lighting sets the mood, tone, and atmosphere in a home. Lighting creates a relaxing space, an escape, and a respite from our busy, digital-filled lives. Lighting is also organizational.

We often forget that organization can be a key component for laid-back vibes in our homes. Being able to see well, or even creating serene pockets of light in a bedroom, a living room, and yes — even a closet is essential. Closet lighting is sorely underestimated and makes a world of difference between a sanctuary and a house. After all, a great closet will change your life. From giving you more time on your hands to better organization, a well-lit closet is priceless.

Want to elevate your relaxation levels and your organization game in one fell swoop? Then it’s time to add in closet lighting to your abode. Now, follow these two points before diving headfirst into the world of closet lighting:

Safety Always Comes First

Your wardrobe has probably one of the highest concentration of fabrics, textures, and materials anywhere in your house and it’s in a very small space. From natural silks and fibers to manmade materials, any of these items can be extremely flammable in no time. Lighting should be a minimum of 12 inches away from clothes, shoes, accessories, storage boxes, or other stowed away items. That way, heat will not be dangerously close to fabrics and the space will have optimal, organized lighting.

Remember, safety is paramount. If you already have recessed lighting, it must be enclosed to prevent fires. Recessed fixtures cannot be properly enclosed. If a partially enclosed fixture is in your home, we recommend renovating that lighting style as soon as possible.

Consider Sustainable and Environmentally Friendly Options

Moving forward with an eye for safety, consider adding LED or compact fluorescent lights for sustainability. Halogen lights aren’t forward-thinking for the environment as they use gas. Plus, these bulbs are known to heat up quickly, which can be dangerous. Rechargeable LED lights are safer and energy efficient, making them a win-win option.

After keeping these two points in mind, you’re ready to radically change your closet lighting. Refer to these tips below to transform your closet into an organized, bright, and efficient asset in your home.

Small Closet Space? No Problem

If your closet is on the cozier side, you can still install smaller, decorative lights and even battery-powered fixtures. Many lighting options fit easily onto walls or screw in with ease. Not to mention, there are so many stylish options that range from colorful to minimalist.

More isn’t always more. You don’t need tons of lighting in order to illuminate dark corners. Mix-in a single strip of tape lighting or under-the-cabinet door lighting for easy access and brightness.

Hard-Wired Fixtures Aren’t Hard to Add

Seriously. Installing an LED or fluorescent fixture isn’t difficult, and you’ll be able to add a switch just outside the closet door.

Check the Temperature

What makes lighting so pleasing and flattering? Color temperature! White lighting between 3000k and 3500k is optimal for a clear, organized closet space. But if you want something a little more fun, don’t shy away from colored lights for a warmer, cozier, or playful mood.

Experiment With Custom Track Lighting

If you have an ample sized closet or a walk-in (lucky you!), low-wattage track lighting sets the mood and tone. Plus, the lighting is warm but powerful enough to illuminate hard to see areas while keeping a laid-back feel.

Dim the Lights!

Many of our homes have dimmer switches, and our closets should, too. Dimmer switches are an essential element that add organization and ambience. And, these switches are a great asset for getting ready day or night since you can control the light and warmth levels.

Add Automatic Switches

It’s good to be green, and to save a little green, too. Automatic switches will help you save energy and stay safe, as the light will automatically shut off when a closet or cabinet door is closed.

Or, install an LED sensor. Your closet will light up when the LED light detects motion.

Light Up Your Shelves

Under-the-shelf lighting is a clever addition for walk-in closets big and small. If you already have an artful chandelier as a focal point in the closet, adding touches of light under shelves is a must-do. Shelf lighting is a good way to illuminate shoe racks, cubbies, and bins.

Declutter to Let as Much Light in as Possible

Get rid of long forgotten, unused, and broken items or items that no longer serve you. The less clutter, the more light will be reflected in your space. A crisp, clean, and clutter-free closet will be even brighter. If there’s a window in your closet or walk-in, once you declutter, you’ll notice the natural lighting and installed lights even more!