Step out of the shadows and into your favorite outfit with these clever closet lighting ideas
Our morning trip to the closet has the power to set a good day in motion with the flip of a switch. Proper lighting in your closet can determine whether you spot your favorite red sweater or that pair of pumps that will make you feel motivated to take on a difficult meeting.
But lighting in these spaces can be tricky, especially if the area doesn't easily link to your home wiring. We've gathered up everything from glam-style dream closets to diminutive spaces that all benefit from a bit of thoughtful closet lighting. And whether your installations are DIY-friendly or require the help of a local lighting installation expert, these designs will shed some light on the best pick for your unique space.
Jane Ko of a Taste of Koko stylishly opted for LED strip lights to finish off her extensive closet redesign. These intentionally placed strips of bright-white bulbs highlight individual areas of her closet, from her favorite handbags to her go-to tops and dresses. Strip bulbs typically run on battery power and require very little energy, prolonging their life without replacement.
The versatility of LED lighting makes it an ideal choice for closets with hard-to-reach areas that cast heavy shadows from the overhead ceiling lights. Square, rectangular, or circular LED panels can fit snugly beneath your modular closet. Many options run on rechargeable batteries, and some even feature movement-triggered sensors. Secure the panel with the attached hardware or an adhesive strip.
The pro home organizers at Organized Design, Krystal Thompson and Christina Milligan, encourage their clients to show off their most beloved accessories, especially your best handbags that tend to get stored out of sight. Add a single recessed light to the ceiling of your closer or modular unit, particularly above a glass display that can reflect the light and reach each shelf below.
Ambient lighting has the power to set the tone of a room, and this extends to the fashion hub of your home. Illuminate the area just above your hanging bars but keep the light in the rest of the closet low for a dramatic spotlight effect. For maximum flexibility, keep overhead lights on a dimmer to control the overall vibe and brighten the room when necessary.
Challenged to design a his-and-hers walk-in closet, Laura Hamburg of Willow Street Interiors created a designated space for viewing your outfit before heading out the door. The metallic sconce above the mirror ensures proper pampering light while reflecting on the mirror and its gold trim. The paint color—Coventry Gray by Benjamin Moore—pairs perfectly with the natural accents.
Be sure to check out the color temperature rating on your bulbs, especially when choosing LEDs for your closet. The higher the Kelvin—or K rating—the brighter the white hue. For glitzy closets like this one, a number from 5000-6550K fills the room with a splash of light similar to a high-end boutique.
Chandeliers are the fixture of choice in many of today's dream closets, but it's critical to choose the style that complements the space before adding your clothing and accessories. Susquehanna Closet and Garage Design's Katie McAllister sheds light on the design, "This small chandelier adds luxury to the space and coordinates well with the matte gold finish in the handles and closet rod."
You can still lean into the minimalist mantra of "less is more" while still adding a touch of glamour. Create that signature luxe look with multiple light sources—recessed lighting on the ceiling, a reflective hanging future, and target LEDs within your shelves. Keep cabinets organized and clutter-free to discourage shadows.
If you're transforming a small room into your closet space, embrace the natural light alternative as much as possible. Clothing color is best defined in natural light, not to mention the burst of sunshine to start your morning when picking out your work outfit. Opt for window treatments that still let in the light and do not filter its color temperature.
Sensor lights are ideal for closet spaces, whether you have a large walk-in layout or a more intimate space. While we commonly associate motion lights with your backyard, they can keep high-use areas like the closet safer and easier to access. Consider sensor lights for your pantry and nursery closet as well. However, you may need to hire a licensed electrician near you if your upgrades require hardwiring or additional electrical work.
