
A cavernous custom closet is a godsend if you want storage space, but it’s not so great for seeing every square inch. Proper lighting can enhance visibility, thus improving organization while adding a touch of elegance to your already-regal closet system. Brighten up your custom closet with the best lighting option for your needs.
What is the right lighting for your space? Here’s how to find the ideal custom closet lighting for easier routines and an elevated look:
- Factors to consider when choosing closet lighting
- LED strip lighting for versatile, even illumination
- Recessed lighting for a clean, minimalist look
- Chandeliers and pendant lights for style and ambiance
- Motion sensor lighting for convenience and efficiency
- Under-shelf and drawer lighting for targeted illumination
- Puck lighting for focused, accent lighting
- Color temperature and brightness tips for closet lighting
Get ready to craft your dream closet with awesome illumination that fits your needs while driving up your space’s aesthetic value.
Factors To Consider When Choosing Closet Lighting
Before you explore the various types of lighting we recommend for custom closets, please review this list of criteria to keep in mind:
- Closet Size and Layout: Uniquely shaped and larger closets might not suffice with only one type of lighting. Instead, you may need to consider combining several types for more uniform illumination.
- Functionality Needs: Directing lighting to specific areas of your closet system, like drawers, shelves or hanging sections, could be worth doing if you want to expedite your organization.
- Style Preferences: Various types of lighting can influence the mood of your closet. For instance, some lighting drives up the sense of luxury, other types create a classic vibe, and others still increase the contemporary mood.
- Energy Efficiency: Bear in mind how energy-efficient your lighting choices are. LED lights remain the most efficient.
Ponder these factors carefully, as they’ll help you narrow down the best options to suit your custom closet needs.
LED Strip Lighting for Versatile, Even Illumination
Okay, so with that said, let’s jump into the first type of lighting to consider for your closets: LEDs. Specifically, we like LED strip lights, as you can put them just about anywhere in your closet, such as among hanging rods, around drawers, and near shelves. If you’re especially creative, you can even stick a few of these lights under shelves or along closet walls.
Better yet, you can expect flexible, even, and consistent illumination. Plus, you’ll recall that LED lighting has great energy efficiency since it consumes less electricity to operate. The benefits don’t stop there. LED lights can last thousands, sometimes hundreds of thousands of hours, notes Inline Electric.
Additionally, you can customize the brightness of LED lighting, making this a modern, energy-efficient option for the homeowner who wants to illuminate all corners of their closet.

Recessed Lighting for a Clean, Minimalist Look
Another smart option to add to your custom closet is recessed lighting. As a ceiling-mounted option, this illumination style offers focused lighting without taking up visual space. It’s especially great for small closets then, but recessed lighting suits any closet space that strives to achieve a streamlined, clean look.
Recessed lighting has become so popular due to its excellent traits. For instance, it’s easily combinable with other types of lighting for a brighter closet system. If you have high ceilings, this lighting style also tends to work quite well.
Chandeliers and Pendant Lights for Style and Ambiance
Explore the more luxurious side of illumination with pendant lights and chandeliers. These decorative, appealing options add character to your closet space. We recommend chandeliers or pendant lights for walk-in closets that already have a sufficient ceiling height. This way, you don’t have to worry about crowding the space.
The best thing about these lights besides their undeniable flair is how they’re available in multiple styles, including vintage and more contemporary designs. You can eke out your ultimate closet aesthetic while increasing brightness.
We recommend pendant lights or chandeliers for the homeowner who wants a personalized or upscale look that also doubles as their closet’s focal point.
Motion Sensor Lighting for Convenience and Efficiency
Are you more concerned about safety for your custom closet system? Then you must look into motion sensor lighting. As the name implies, this type of illumination only turns on when someone opens the closet door or enters.
Motion sensor lights are convenient and practical for scenarios where you need hands-free, quick closet entry, like smaller walk-in closets or entry closets. Plus, this lighting style is versatile, as you can purchase motion sensor recessed lights, battery-powered lights, or LED strip lights. These options make setup easy.
We suggest investing in motion sensor lights if you want to prioritize security, efficiency, and convenience and if your closet doesn’t require continuous lighting.
Under-Shelf and Drawer Lighting for Targeted Illumination
Use the most out of every square inch of your closet space with smart lighting that tucks in drawers or under shelves. You can use these lights to strategically focus on specific areas of your closet, so you can more easily see jewelry, accessories, or folded clothes stored on shelves or in drawers.
Most drawer and under-shelf lights are conveniently sized, available as small puck lights or LED strips. When you install them, you'll have a discrete, streamlined appearance in your closet. This lighting style is best for homeowners prioritizing precise lighting in specific areas.

Puck Lighting for Focused, Accent Lighting
The last lighting recommendation we have for custom closets is puck lighting. This round, small lighting option provides focused beams of light ideal for illuminating display sections or shelves in your closet. You can install these lights one by one or in groups in areas that need extra brightness, such as accessory displays or shoe racks.
Puck lights are available in two styles: wired or battery-operated. Depending on your preferences and closet setup, you can choose the option that’s right for you. We like puck lighting for its simple, focused lighting that highlights specific closet sections, and we think you will too.
Color Temperature and Brightness Tips for Closet Lighting
Now that you’ve chosen the ideal type of lighting for your custom closet, you’re only half done. You also have to consider the brightness and color temperature, which influence the look and mood of your closet. Here are some information to guide your decision-making:
- Warm White (2700K-3000K): Warm white lighting creates a cozy, inviting ambiance and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Cool White (4000K-5000K): We recommend cool white lighting for task-oriented lighting since it provides clear visibility of clothing details and colors.
- Brightness Levels: Choose between various brightness options you can customize according to factors, like closet use or the time of day.
Ultimately, the right brightness and color temperature settings will help you achieve the perfect balance between aesthetics and functionality.
Conclusion
You have so many lighting options for your custom closet, each beautiful and stylish in its own way. Whether you choose convenient and energy-efficient LED strip lights or gorgeous pendant lights, you can enhance different aspects of your closet. Consider your closet size, functionality needs, and style preferences to select the best lighting solution for your home.