Beautiful and Practical Closet Lighting Ideas

No closet is complete without lighting. Becky Shea, the founder of Becky Shea Design, says there’s no hard and fast rule when it comes to closet lighting. She has tried pendants, high hats, spotlights, and integrated lighting. It’s all about what fits your space and style.
While natural light in a closet isn’t as common, overhead ambient lighting is the next best option. Rebecca Breslin, a senior design manager at Wayfair, says it will provide a soft, uniform light and cast less shadows.


Keep in mind that lighting temperature is key. Shea recommends 2700k bulbs in soft white or warm white for a true-to-life appearance of garments.


Below, we’ve rounded up 15 beautiful and practical closet lighting ideas to brighten up your wardrobe space.


Meet the Expert:


Becky Shea is the founder of Becky Shea Design.


Rebecca Breslin is a senior design manager at Wayfair.


Bryan Johnson is the CEO of Shades of Light.


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01 of 15: Pick a Pendant Light With Character


Casa Watkins Living suggests adding personality to your closet by selecting a pendant light with character. This geometric design provides ample brightness and adds instant intrigue to the space.


02 of 15: Go Antique


Erin Williamson Design recommends opting for an antique-looking pendant light if you prefer a storied look. Its petite size is well-suited to small spaces like the closet.


03 of 15: Hang Sconces


If you’re building a closet from scratch, consider including sconces. Shea emphasizes the importance of thinking ahead and planning for wiring or outlets. Especially in smaller spaces, maximizing every square inch within your millwork for illuminating your garments is key.


04 of 15: Stick on Some Strips


Add LED strips to your shelves so you can fully admire your clothing and accessories even when it’s dark outside. You’ll never lose track of what you have on hand when everything is easy to view and access.


05 of 15: Embrace Natural Light


If your closet has windows, your lighting can be more minimal. Take advantage of the natural sunlight streaming inside. Breslin says natural lighting is ideal if you’re lucky enough to have a window. It will highlight your clothes and accessories in perfect color and cast less shadows. Here, a simple globe-shaped flush mount is an ideal solution and one that experts appreciate as they deliver a touch of style to an otherwise boring room, according to Bryan Johnson, the CEO of Shades of Light.
When it comes to lighting, a short pendant light or a flush mount fixture is a practical choice. Usage of space is crucial, especially when space is limited. People tend to store items as high as possible, making lighting a necessity.


Go Glam with a dramatic closet light fixture that turns your closet into a luxe boutique. This piece of art will make your getting area feel luxurious.


A glass pendant is ideal for those seeking minimal visual space while maintaining elegance. It pairs well with recessed lighting, as seen in Ashley Nicole Interiors’ Instagram.


Johnson suggests incorporating a small chandelier if you view your closet as a personal sanctuary. It adds a personal touch and enhances the space.


For larger closets, consider doubling up on chandeliers for glamour and illumination. Bria Hammel Interiors showcases this with two beautiful chandeliers lighting both ends of the space.


Small puck lights, like those featured by Taryn Whiteaker, brighten up closet shelves, making it easy to see every item.


Bring a wow factor to a simple closet with a unique pendant light. Let your lighting choices reflect your personality if no design alterations are possible.


A table lamp can be a great addition for extra lighting, casting a warm glow in the evening or serving as a morning alternative.


Utilize open space, like the nook above a dresser, for installing a sconce. Choose a style that complements your existing color scheme, as shown by Monika Hibbs.


Use a lengthy chandelier to fill empty vertical space and draw the eyes upward, as demonstrated by Home with Holley J. This contemporary and playful piece is attention-grabbing.


Keep it simple with a sizable decorative pendant that plays to the room’s contemporary style, as shown by Studio McGee. Neutral lighting is wise when the space already has a pop of color.


Let a classic crystal light fixture add a touch of glamour to your walk-in closet, as suggested by Lux Mommy. The mirror in the space will make the light sparkle and shine.


FAQ: What is the best type of lighting for a closet? Experts say that aside from natural lighting, ambient overhead lighting is the best solution in a closet.


How do you add lights to a small closet? Stick with flush mounts or short pendant lights so as not to fill precious vertical storage space. Incorporate sconces and puck lights for additional brightness.


What lights are permitted in closets? Designers recommend sticking to 2700k bulbs in closets for aesthetic purposes. Safety regulations are determined by the National Electric Code.


45 Closet Ideas for Better Design and Storage in Closets of All Sizes


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