The right custom closet lighting is so impactful. It can elevate the aesthetics of your space and make it more functional, as you’ll be able to see every corner and crevice of your closet. That makes organizing easier and more efficient. What do you need to know about closet lighting as you get started?
This guide will cover all sorts of considerations for selecting lighting for your custom closet, including:
- Understanding closet lighting needs
- Key lighting options for custom closets
- Enhancing closet lighting with additional features
- Tips for optimal closet lighting design
- Choosing the right lighting for your custom closet
Explore the full selection of lights and all the ways to augment your lighting choice, so your closet is even more luminous!
Understanding Closet Lighting Needs
Closets might be cavernous because they’re spacious, but there’s no need to take that literally. Allowing light in is an excellent choice. Learn more about why that is below.
Functionality vs. Aesthetics
Closet lighting has more than one purpose. For one, it improves your closet’s overall look. You can truly appreciate the closet’s beauty when you can see all its features and functions, which lighting helps you achieve.
Secondarily, custom closet lighting provides practical levels of visibility that aid in everyday use. You won’t have to worry about tripping over a pile of shoes, nor will you have to waste time searching for what you’re looking for, as it will be organized and clearly visible.
Of course, it’s important to balance these aspects based on your closet design and your individual preferences.
Types of Closets
Bear in mind that your lighting needs may vary depending on the closet style you select. For example, reach-in closets are typically shallower, even if they have adjustable features to save space. They don’t require the same degree of lighting that you would want for a larger, deeper custom walk-in closet
Key Lighting Options for Custom Closets
Now that you’ve had time to mull over those considerations, you’re ready to choose the right type of lighting for your closet system. Here is a full overview.
Recessed Lighting
One option you should consider exploring is recessed lighting. This type of lighting is frequently installed in your closet ceilings, although wall recessed lighting is another possibility. You can select from canned or canless styles, with the former including a decorative trim.
Recessed lighting can provide illumination in corners of your closet that other lighting sources cannot since it’s mounted directly into the ceiling or the wall. Another benefit is that its placement is unobstructive, keeping your closet silhouette streamlined.
Depending on the size of your closet, you might opt for only one or two recessed ceiling lights or several more. Besides the ceiling, consider placement along the perimeter as well.
LED Strip Lights
As you weigh your options, LED strip lights should certainly be a top contender. LEDs have become the preferred lighting choice for many, as the lights illuminate beautifully. They are available in warm or cool tones, are much better for the environment, and last for thousands of hours.
LED strip lights attach to any surface within your closet that you wish. They typically have adhesive backing that you remove, then you stick that side to the wall or ceiling. It’s that easy.
Besides their fast and efficient installation, LED strip lights are also advantageous for their ability to fit into narrow, tight spaces. For instance, you can install them near closet rods, under cabinets, and along shelves.
You’ll have a higher degree of illumination, and your closet will look fantastic.
Pendant Lights
The ideal lighting solution for an upscale closet, such as a custom walk-in or wardrobe closet, pendant lights are single-bulb light sources with a decorative shade. Like a chandelier, pendant lights hang down from a metal rod, chain, or cord. They’re also known as suspender or drop lights for that reason.
You can add a single pendant light in the center of your closet to illuminate the surrounding corners or even opt for several in a row depending on the size of your closet (and your budget). Although they’re frequently used in bathrooms and kitchens, they’re also suitable for closets.
That said, you should be choosy about the style and size you pick, ensuring both complement your closet.
Track Lighting
Named after the track device the lights are affixed to, track lighting is a style of ceiling lighting. You’d get a track installed, usually in metal like polished chrome or oil-rubbed bronze. The track has electrical conductors, so you can install lighting along it.
The track lighting head, which is where the illumination emanates, can have three to six lights per track. You have many styles to pick from, such as:
- Pendants: an eye-catching but unconventional option
- Barn door: features rectangular panels around the lights
- Clasp-fingered: has wispy prongs around the light bulb
- Gimbal: a style with adjustable heads you can rotate 350 degrees
- Wireback: uses wire mesh around the light bulbs, leaving them exposed to offer more illumination
- Stepped: features a wider, funnel-like width for the lights
- Multistepped: a more decorative type of head that has several widths or steps
- Octagonal: with eight sides
- Cube: with four straight sides
- Cylinder: with a round shape
- Pinhole head: has a round back that exposes the light bulb
- Rounded back: a style of cylinder head that’s more modern
As you explore the various types of track lights and heads, consider how you can increase visibility within your closet with this form of lighting. For instance, there are L, J, and H styles of track lighting as well as straight racks.
Motion Sensor Lights
Yes, that’s right. You can have motion sensor lights in your closet. They’ll turn on automatically whenever you open the door and step inside. These types of lights are less for security in this instance and more for convenience.
Today’s motion sensor lights are energy-efficient, so they’re a great choice for a greener planet. Experiment with placements, testing the lights to ensure they go on reliably whenever you access your closet.
Enhancing Closet Lighting with Additional Features
Who says you have to stop there? You have many options for elevating your closet lighting even further. Take a look.
Dimmer Switches
Sometimes, you want full brightness, while at others, you want to tone down the lights to create a soft aesthetic. Dimmer switches are designed for just this purpose. They control light intensity, allowing you to change your closet’s mood on a dime.
Further, dimmer switches are handy for functionality. If you typically like mid-level lighting but can’t find your favorite bracelet in the closet, you can crank up the lights until you track it down. Then you can turn the lights back to your preferred level of brightness.
Color Temperature
LEDs aren’t the only illumination option on the market with color temperature. Other light sources let you select between cool and warm bulbs.
So which is right for your closet? That depends on your mood, your tastes, and how you like to use your closet.
For example, warm light is the softer of the two and can foster relaxation. That makes it excellent for a bathroom or bedroom closet. Cool light is brighter and can energize you, so it’s a good option for a custom wardrobe closet. You’ll feel ready to start your day.
Integrated Lighting Solutions
Built-in lighting solutions, like those that integrate into your closet’s drawers or shelves, are worth talking more about. These light sources control clutter, as the light itself doesn’t take up valuable closet space.
Moreso, you can enjoy focused lighting where you need it most, usually in areas where other light sources would not fit.
Tips for Optimal Closet Lighting Design
As you finalize your lighting preferences for your closet, bear in mind the following pointers. They’ll help you use closet lighting even more efficiently.
Layering Light
Are you familiar with layering light? It refers to combining several lighting styles, such as accent, task, and ambient lighting.
Layering light is an awesome idea for your closet. Use task lighting at varying heights and then add overhead ambient lighting in cool white tones. The color gives the lighting a feel like daylight, which already makes your closet feel wider and more welcoming.
Additionally, the light layering introduces more dimension and depth, which is also valuable if yours is a small closet (but truly suits closets of any size).
Positioning and Placement
The only way to find the optimal placement and positioning for your closet lights is to test them out. The key when selecting where to put your light source is to avoid shadows. You don’t want any corners of your closet shrouded in darkness.
Another consideration is the evenness of the light. Is it all concentrated toward the center, or does it filter out to the corners of the closet? You want consistent light, so you can find anything you need in your closet.
Don’t forget about closet features, like drawers, shelves, and rods. They can be obstructive to your lighting aspirations. In those instances, it’s best to consider a stick-on or ceiling light, such as LED strip lights, recessed lighting, or track lighting.
Maintaining Lighting
Keeping your light fixtures in usable shape requires time, care, and maintenance, just like the rest of your closet. You should clean the light fixtures about weekly, removing surface dust (just make sure the lights are off, so you don’t get burned).
Watch for signs, like flickering or dimness, as these indicate your lights are likely to burn out soon. No lighting source works forever, so be ready to replace yours when the time comes.
Choosing the Right Lighting for Your Custom Closet
Selecting lighting for your closet is no easy feat. Keep these pointers in mind as you make your choice, as they’ll help you select with confidence.
Evaluating Your Space
Remember, no two closets are alike. You should consider factors, such as your design, layout, and closet size, especially its dimensions and existing features, when selecting the ideal light source.
Budget Considerations
You also can’t proceed without drawing up a budget first. The price point for lighting varies, with more advanced or complex types of lighting having higher costs. For instance, you’ll pay substantially more for a pendant light or track lighting than you would for simple LED stick-on strips.
Consulting with Professionals
If you’re still torn, consider consulting with a lighting contractor or designer. They can offer personalized recommendations based on your closet design, layout, and specs. Also, a lighting contractor may be able to assist with installation.
At the very least, you’ll get a second opinion – and one that holds a lot of water considering it’s backed by professional expertise.
Conclusion
Custom closet lighting is designed to improve your closet’s style and functionality. With so many types of lighting at various degrees of brightness and temperature to select from, it’s important to evaluate your own closet lighting needs when implementing the tips provided.
