How to Light Your Walk-In Closet Like a Pro
There’s a reason we draw the curtains when getting ready and have that one specific area of the house for our final outfit check before heading out the door– lighting! And when it comes to a walk-in closet, we aim to create a space that not only holds an extensive wardrobe, but also a space that’s functional, stylish, and enjoyable for your morning and evening routines. Quality lighting will be the difference maker.
When you invest in the right closet lighting, staying organized, getting dressed, and creating a room you enjoy spending time in gets a whole lot easier. Here you’ll find all our lighting tips and tricks, but the major takeaway? You don’t have to choose between beauty and practicality.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Types of Lighting & How to Layer Them
Ambient, Task, Accent, Energy-Efficient, and Smart Lighting
Types of Lighting and How to Layer Them
Just like any other well designed room, closet lighting works best when you think in layers. By combining different types of light your closet will be bright, functional, and inviting.
Ambient Lighting
Consider this your base layer or the main source of lighting that will fill the space.
Options include:
Ceiling fixtures: a flush mount or semi-flush light will provide overall brightness
Recessed lights: a sleek option that spreads light evenly without cluttering the ceiling
Chandeliers: A lux wardrobe calls for a lux closet! Continue the elegant aesthetic with
Pro Tip: Regardless of what ambient lighting you choose, we recommend putting this light on a dimmer. You’ll be thankful for the dim light in the “up before the sun” mornings and peaceful evenings when getting ready for bed.
Task Lighting
Task lighting ensures that you visually highlight what’s important. There’s nothing worse than thinking a garment went missing when really it was at the bottom of a dimly lit stack of clothes.
LED strips under shelves to highlight shoes or folded items.
Motion-activated lights inside cabinets or drawers for automatic visibility.
Vanity or mirror lighting for makeup, grooming, or simply checking the entire outfit.
Accent Lighting
While this lighting isn’t necessary, it will elevate a closet to a true boutique feel. Popular ideas include:
Spotlights over special shelves or displays.
Backlit mirrors that create a modern glam.
Under-cabinet or toe kicking lights for subtle, luxury hotel-like ambiance.
Energy-Efficient and Smart Lighting
Today’s LED technology allows you to enjoy a controlled bright, flattering light without skyrocketing your energy bill. A few of our go-to options are:
LED Bulbs: Long-lasting and energy efficient that come in a wide range of color temperatures
Smart bulbs and automation: provides top tier customization with voice or phone controlled lighting
Motion Sensors and Timers: No more wondering if you turned lights off before leaving. Your lights will turn on when you enter and off when you leave.
Practical Tips for Choosing and Placing Closet Lights
Once you’ve nailed down what type of lighting you need, the next step is choosing the fixtures and placements you want. Here’s our tips from the pros:
Matching fixtures to your closet design: For a streamlined look, match any hardware in the room that attaches to the closet. Polished brass, matte black, or crystal are great finishes that can ensure a cohesive, stylish space.
Plan your placement for even coverage: Overhead lighting is typically not enough for walk-in closets. Using multiple layers of light will eliminate shadows, creating a balance of lighting throughout the space.
Choose the right color temperature: Warm white (2700-3000k) creates a cozy, moody feel, while daylight bulbs (4000-5000k) give the colors of your wardrobe a more accurate hue.
Consider your power source: Hardwired lights are best for long term use, but when wiring isn’t possible, battery powered or plug in fixtures are a great option.
FAQs About Walk-In Closet Lighting
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It depends on your goals. If you want a cozier aesthetic, soft white is the way to go, while daylight bulbs mimic natural light, helping you see the colors of your clothing more accurately. Overall, our homeowners typically opt for daylight for quality outfit checks.
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Battery-powered LED lights, remote controlled stick-on puck lights, or rechargeable motion activated lights are excellent no-wiring solutions.
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A general rule is one recessed light for every 4-6 square feet of space, but placement matters just as much. Getting the help from a professional can help create a custom plan to ensure full coverage.
Bring Your Closet to Life
Great lighting isn’t about making your closet brighter, it’s about making your closet more useful. The right setup means less squinting at labels, fewer mismatched socks, and utilitarian space that feels just as polished as the rest of your home.
If you’re ready to upgrade your walk-in closet, our team at More Space Place Asheville is here to help. We don’t just install shelving and storage, we create custom solutions designed for the way you live, working with local contractors for expertly chosen lighting that makes your closet shine.
Ready to have a closet designed specifically for you? Contact us today to get started.