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If you open your closet doors to find an environment that feels like an interrogation room or a black hole — well, you can do better. The goal is to find a lighting solution that helps maximize your closet’s potential as useful storage and also makes it the most attractive space it can be within your home. The good news is that it’s easier than ever to make both of those things happen simply and at an affordable price.
To find the best closet lighting ideas, we reached out to the pros to learn how to choose closet light fixtures that make the space safe (i.e., not a fire hazard), bright, and functional. Here’s how to choose the best closet lighting, according to interior design experts.
Are fluorescent or LED bulbs better?
Fluorescent lighting is still a popular choice for closets because it runs cool and is energy efficient. Erin Strasen, an interior designer for the online home refresh resource Spoak, recommends them for those reasons — but with caveats. “With all the lightbulb options out there, fluorescent bulbs are a good middle ground if you’re looking for something that lasts but isn’t overly expensive.” However, she adds, “A consideration with fluorescent bulbs is what to do with them when they do burn out. You have to dispose of these at specific drop-off sites, so they’re higher maintenance in the long run.”
That’s one reason you might consider light-emitting diode bulbs (LEDs), she says. “If you own your home, or you’re willing to take your lightbulbs with you when you leave your rental, then LEDs are the way to go,” Strasen recommends. “They’re more expensive up front but they are better at mimicking a traditional incandescent bulb, which is by far the most flattering light because the warm glow prevents colors from feeling stark and washed out.”
Brittany Zachos of Zachos Design Group in Westchester, New York, also suggests LEDs — specifically, ones that allow you to select the color temperature. “I like to recommend a color between 2,500 and 3,500 kelvins,” she says.
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And what’s the best light fixture for closets?
While Strasen suggests battery-operated or rechargeable light fixtures in situations where hard wiring a light fixture is cost prohibitive. However, the added expense for hard wiring can be worth it. “A hard-wired light fixture offers more flexibility since you don’t have to depend on an outlet and it’s always nice to not be concerned with batteries or recharging a fixture,” she says.
Zachos agrees when considering the tradeoff. “I think a battery-powered light or pendant that is plugged into the wall is best in reading nooks or art accent lighting — an area where you aren’t using it every day,” she says. “Otherwise I think it is worth the investment to have an electrician install a hardwired light.”
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She also suggests another option that costs little but offers a great solution: LED tape lighting. “The color temperature can be selected, and it’s a very affordable option,” she says.
The tape can be run along a door frame or up above closet shelving — and some even come with remote controls. “Since it is LED, it can last a lot longer than a fluorescent or battery-operated light. And they can be concealed, so it is a nice accent for a smaller closet.”
Strasen is another fan of LED strip lights. “You can stick them anywhere and cut them to the length you need… Just make sure you secure the plug somewhere easily accessible so you can turn them on and off [easily]. They do require a plug, but the cables are often thin so you can snake the cord outside your closet to the nearest outlet.”
How to make sure your lighting is safe:
Of course, no matter which choice you make with bulbs and fixtures, you’ll want to keep safety a top priority. “Although the regulations vary, it’s always a good idea to allow at least 12 inches of space between a light fixture and the items being stored if you want to play it extra safe,” Strasen says. “Most building code regulations require that you stay away from exposed or bare bulbs as well. When in doubt, consult an electrician or the latest version of the National Electrical Code.”
Zachos gives a simple rule of thumb. “Any fixture that has an exposed bulb can get too hot,” she says. “It is best to use a light fixture that is concealed with a glass or cover.”
And before you buy …
… consider functionality, Strasen advises. “If you’re lucky enough to have a walk-in closet, then you probably want two options for lighting: a dim option for when you’re winding down for the night and just need enough light to find your way around, and a brighter option that lets you double-check that the sweater you’re wearing is, in fact, navy and not black.”
But form matters just as much, she says, and closet lighting should be pretty and appealing, too. “Flattering light is always nice in larger closets with mirrors. Downlights directly overhead cast unflattering shadows so make sure your light is well placed and ideally coming from more than one source to avoid looking ghoulish,” she notes. “If you have a dresser in a large closet, consider styling it with a light both for functionality purposes and to make the space feel cozy.”
Ultimately, you’ll want to choose a safe set of lights that appeals to your design sensibilities. “Lights are just objects when they’re turned off,” Strasen says, “and they’re a great opportunity to show your personality.”
