Tired of Dressing in the Dark? These 10 Closet Lighting Ideas Will Help

Walk In Closet Ideas

Eat/Sleep/Wear

Whether your closet is more like a designated corner or a generous walk-in, it’s of utmost importance to make it feel like an elite shopping experience. Because let's face it, no one should have to fumble in the dark on an early morning to find matching shoes. The first place to start is by highlighting the strong points of the room, and we mean with light fixtures, of course. When it comes to the task of choosing the right light bulb, there are a few things to keep top of mind.

Number one being that the most generous lighting is natural—if this isn’t something you have on hand, no worries, it can be mimicked in a few seamless ways. The next thing to remember is all of the worst dressing room memories you ever had (sorry) and then do the opposite. The best way to counter that unflattering look is to understand that not all light sources are created equal. It’s important to pay attention to the temperature of your bulbs (warm is better than cool), the placement of the fixtures. Having controlled pools of luminescence allows for a consistent set-up that you can always rely on.

To ensure we’re on the right track when it comes to illuminating your dressing area, we’ve enlisted Lisa Adams, founder of LA Closet Design, to share her very best tips with us. Without further adieu, let’s blaze into the wardrobe closet of your dreams with these 10 closet lighting solutions.

01 of 10

LED Bulbs

West Elm LED Light Bulb, Amber
West Elm LED Light Bulb, Amber $18.00
Shop

LED bulbs are your best friend when it comes to choosing the most visually-pleasing effect, whether you’re looking through your clothing or in the mirror. Adams directs us towards a warmer, cleaner glow—it’s more forgiving and calming to the eye. When purchasing the perfect LED for you, seek a brand with a color temperature of 2700k and a color accuracy rating of at least 90.

02 of 10

Wall Fixtures

IKEA HEKTAR Wall/clamp sptolight with LED bulb, beige
IKEA HEKTAR Wall Clamp Sptolight $16.00
Shop

Having sources of light that come from varying heights is much more flattering than just relying on the overhead.“Front-facing light is a necessity for mirrors and vanities.” says Adams. Peripheral lighting is a great way to incorporate sources that illuminate your features. Don’t hesitate to reconsider the heights of the fixtures, so they are most flattering to you.

03 of 10

Track Lighting

IKEA BÄVE LED ceiling track, 5 spots, white
IKEA BÄVE LED Ceiling Track, 5 Spots, White $60.00
Shop

If you see your clothing collection akin to that of art, then illuminate them with track lighting. With adjustable heads, you can bounce light in any direction that’s best for the space.

04 of 10

Under-Cabinet Lighting

Sea Gull Lighting Vivid LED Undercabinet 30 Inch 2700K
Sea Gull Lighting Vivid LED Undercabinet 30 Inch 2700K $150.00
Shop

“Lighted rods are key when it comes to making a dark closet more functional,” Adams informs us. Camouflaging your light sources with light bars can be a great way to give that effortless feel to your walk-in. If you have cabinets or shelving, tuck lighting under the shelves to provide a shadowless effect—you’ll be grateful you did when it comes time to look in the mirror.

05 of 10

Flush Mounts

Wrought Studio Mullet 6-Light Dirctional & Spot
Wrought Studio Aldgate 6-Light Modern Linear Chandelier $140.00 $106.00
Shop

While solely depending on overhead light may not be the most complimentary, completing the space with a flush mount can tie your style into the structure of the closet. This is a great way to make the room feel finished and not like an afterthought.

06 of 10

Dimmers

Lutron MA-600-WH
Lutron Maestro Digital Fade Dimmer, MA-600-WH $33.00
Shop

Lighting that is one-size-fits-all may work for some rooms but not in your closet. You want something that feels more tailored to you. Dimmers are a great way to create ambient lighting that you can edit depending on the time of day.

07 of 10

LED Tape

WAC Lighting InvisiLED LITE 2 Inch Tape Light in 2700K Warm White
WAC Lighting InvisiLED LITE 2 Inch Tape Light in 2700K Warm White $7.00
Shop

LED tape is another great way to achieve the aforementioned look and an alternative to light bars.

08 of 10

Pendant Lights

CB2 Firefly 5 bulb pack pendant light
CB2 Firefly 5-Bulb Pendant Light $199.00
Shop

Pendant lights are a great way to fill your closet space—big or small—with warm luscious light. Chic Edison bulb pendants lend a contemporary aesthetic. "Decorative fixtures are also nice to disperse light throughout a space," Adams adds.

09 of 10

Motion-Sensor Light Stick

URPOWER Motion Sensor Light
URPOWER Motion Sensor Stick-On Light $23.00
Shop

If you aren’t the only keeper of the said closet, then preferred lighting can vary—a good way to ensure everyone is happy is with motion sensor light sticks. These are battery-powered and simple to install (no wiring needed) and allow areas of the closet to be illuminated, similar to spotlights.

10 of 10

Chandelier

Swoop Arm Chandelier
West Elm Swoop Arm Chandelier $499.00
Shop

Add to the joy of dressing up by making your closet feel like somewhere you want to spend time. If you have the room, why not install an intricate chandelier that enhances your style, just as you would any other room in the house.