By now, everyone is well aware that the longer lasting, energy efficient LED bulbs are taking over. However, when it comes to closets, fluorescent lighting is still a top choice because it is the coolest running light. Use of halogen bulbs is not recommended because they get too hot. A surface mounted fixture with LEDs must be at least 12 inches from a storage area. The same fixture with fluorescent bulbs only has to be 6 inches away. Therefore, if you don’t have a ton of space and want to maximize storage, you are better off going with a CFL bulb. By code, single bulbs are not allowed (although it used to be pretty common). If you only have a bulb, you want to make sure that you get it fully enclosed with a globe or similar housing. You also want to find the right wattage and color bulb. Do you want a warmer bulb with a yellowish hue or a cool, bright white? It may depend where the closet is located. If your closet benefits from some of the natural light in the room, you may not need a bright light. If you have a walk in closet, located far from windows, you may need something that better illuminates the space. You may even find a single fixture is not sufficient enough. No one wants to be in their closet trying to guess if they are picking black or navy. In that case, we have some other helpful lighting suggestions.
First of all, without adding much expense, you can install a track light to direct light toward the darker areas of the closet. If you really want to add decorative lighting, you can install ribbon lighting along the rods or recessed puck lighting in the shelves. Why not put a spotlight on the shoes or bags you want to showcase?? It’s a popular trend these days to make a statement with your closet lighting. A chandelier or pendant lighting can make you feel like you are in a high-end dressing room. Although it is fun to incorporate some style in your lighting choices, we still recommend making sure function leads your decision making. Lastly, there are options if your closet currently has no lighting and you don’t want to get an electrician involved. You can easily find battery powered lights that are wall or ceiling mountable and work by touch or motion sensors. They typically won’t be as bright and they will require you to replace batteries more often than you would need to replace a bulb but they are still a good compromise. With better closet lighting you may even find some new outfits you had hidden in there!