Key Takeaways
- LED lighting is a top choice for closet lighting because of its bright illumination and low heat output.
- LED strip lights are wireless and easy to install under shelves and along drawers.
- Battery-powered puck lights offer a quick, easy and flexible way to bring lighting to your closet.
- Pendant lights and chandeliers lend a decorative touch and work well in larger walk-in closets.
- Wall sconces are ideal for framing mirrors or adding accent lighting to your closet.
- Recessed lighting brings modern, low-profile illumination to your closet and is easy to layer with other light sources.
- Track lighting helps brighten dark corners, shelves and other shadowy sections.
- Layer closet lighting to create an evenly illuminated space.
Choose LED Lighting for Your Closet
LED lighting is energy-efficient and long-lasting, making them a great choice for lighting all throughout your home — even in your closet. They're bright, which is exactly what you need when looking for the day’s outfit, and don’t get too hot, so they’re safe around your clothing. There are a variety of LED lights to choose from, ranging from strip lights and puck lights to the bulbs you put in a chandelier, and more. Browse specific closet lighting ideas below to find the perfect way to illuminate your space with LEDs and other lighting fixtures.
Strip, Rope and Tape LED Lights
Sleek and modern, LED strip lights are one of the best ways to illuminate your closet. They’re bright, wireless and generally easy to install. They’re perfect for adding lighting under shelves or along drawers. Some strip lights come with remotes to easily turn the lights on and off, are customizable for color and brightness, can be cut to size and are linkable with other strands to create longer strips where needed. Their low heat output also makes them a safe choice for lighting around clothes. Similar options include rope and tape lights, which also allow you to install them along edges, above hanging rods and more.
Puck Lights
Puck lights are a convenient source of lighting for closets for a few reasons. Many are battery powered, making it easy to stick them where you need them, like on closet shelving to spotlight specific clothing or accessories. Some puck lights feature motion sensors that turn on automatically when they sense movement, while others feature color changing lights to set the mood for whatever you’re getting ready for. Puck lights are a great choice for renters, or if you just need a quick lighting solution.
Pendant Lights and Chandeliers
Decorative fixtures like pendants and chandeliers take an ordinary closet and turn it into a space that feels luxurious — like your own custom dressing room or boutique. These lights work best in walk-in closets, especially those with high ceilings, or hung as a statement over a center island or large bench. Tiered chandeliers amplify the luxurious vibe. If you have a vanity or full-length mirror in your closet, consider hanging a chandelier or pendant to enhance lighting for makeup or seeing your whole outfit put together. With a variety of styles and finishes available, you can easily find a fixture that complements your closet design.
Wall Sconces
Like pendants and chandeliers, sconces are another light fixture that works well in walk-in closets. Use them on either side of a mirror or on a wall to add a warm glow to the space. For new builds or complete closet makeovers, plan for wiring in advance so you can ensure they’re perfectly placed for installation. If you aren’t able to wire sconces where you want them, look for wireless battery-powered options to achieve the same effect without worrying about rewiring.
If you’re ready to transform your entire closet beyond lighting, check out our guide on How to Design a Closet to get started.
Recessed Lights
New builds and closet remodels are the perfect candidates for recessed lighting. Installed directly into the ceiling, these fixtures create a clean, modern look while also distributing light evenly throughout the closet. Because of their low-profile design, it’s easy to layer other lighting into the space, like strip lighting and chandeliers — giving you a beautifully lit space that’s functional and stylish.
Track Lights
Track lighting features adjustable lights, so you can direct beams to specific sections of your closet. Use them to brighten dark corners or shelving, or to highlight shoe or handbag collections. As with other fixtures, you can pair track lights with different light sources to balance illumination across the space. Choose from various finishes and styles to match your closet’s look, as well as the number of lights on the track to suit the size of your closet.
Other Closet Lighting Ideas
Natural Light: If your closet has a window, play into that feature. Natural light is bright and makes it easy to see the true colors of your clothing. You can still layer in a light fixture or two but take advantage of sunlight being the main light source.
Lighted Mirrors: For closets with extra space, consider a lighted mirror. They give off a flattering glow, perfect for trying on outfits, and can make your closet feel bigger and brighter. Hang a pre-lit full-length mirror or outline one with strip lights.
Table Lamps: Table lamps bring additional lighting to your closet. Set one on a dresser or vanity to cast a softer, warm glow into the space — perfect for lighting first thing in the morning or as you unwind in the evening.