While often overlooked, the right lighting for your closet can transform how you get ready each day. Who doesn’t want to easily tell whether a top is navy or black? Lighting is a practical addition to any room, especially closets.
Here’s an overview of closet lighting ideas, the latest trends, and advice from experienced professionals. Discover how lighting can turn your closet into a stylish and functional space you’ll enjoy organizing.
Pick a Pendant Light With a Character
Choose a chandelier with character to add style to your closet. A geometric design, for instance, instantly adds excitement to the room while providing plenty of brightness.
Go Antique
For an elegant touch, opt for an antique-style pendant light. Its charming and compact size is perfect for smaller spaces like closets.
Hang Sconces
If you’re designing your room from scratch, consider adding sconces. Plan for wiring and outlets to maximize every inch of your space. Properly installed sconces illuminate garments efficiently and stylishly.
Embrace Natural Light
If your closet has windows, enjoy the natural light streaming in. Natural lighting highlights clothes and accessories perfectly, casting fewer shadows and adding warmth to the space. A simple globe-shaped flush mount works well for minimal artificial lighting, adding elegance to the room.
Go Glam
Don’t hesitate to choose a bold, eye-catching light fixture that suits your style. A statement piece can make your closet feel like a luxurious boutique.
Try a Glass Pendant
Recessed lighting pairs beautifully with glass pendant lights. Glass fixtures occupy minimal visual space while maintaining a chic, stylish look. A small chandelier can also add a touch of personal design to your space.
Double Up on Chandeliers
Consider installing two chandeliers for a glamorous and evenly lit space if your closet is spacious. They’ll brighten both ends of the room, making it easier to locate items.
Try Puck Lights
Small puck lights are ideal for illuminating shelves, helping you easily identify items in storage.
Bring in a Wow Factor
Add a stunning pendant light to liven up a simple closet. Choose a design that reflects your personality and complements the rest of the space.
Don’t Forget a Table Lamp
A table lamp can serve as an extra light source. It provides a warm glow at night and can replace overhead lights during the day.
Make Use of Open Space
Use a corner, like the one above your dresser. You can also add a sconce for added luminosity. Whether you wire it electrically or choose an option that plugs in (ideal for those renting) is up to you.
Pick a style that will play to the color scheme you have in mind. For example, brass is a great choice for door handles, closet rods, and pulls for your dresser.
Under-Cabinet Lighting
Add under-cabinet lights to illuminate every corner of your closet. This option enhances visibility for shoes and lower-hanging clothes while maintaining a clean, uncluttered appearance.
Think Tall
A long chandelier can fill vertical space, drawing the eye upward and making the room feel taller.
Keep It Simple
Combine recessed lighting with an oversized pendant for a balanced look. Neutral tones prevent clashing with bold cabinet or furniture colors.
Color Temperature Control Lights

For the effect of skylights with no skylight (or natural lighting), Explore lighting that controls the temperature to make the perfect atmosphere within your closet. They allow you to modify the brightness or warmth of the lighting, which mimics natural daylight, or create the perfect evening glow. Taskers can aid you in selecting and implementing fixtures that will match your preferred color temperature.
A classic crystal light fixture is an ideal option for those who want to add a bit of elegance to the design of their walking closet. The mirror inside the closet allows light to bounce off this small space.
FAQs
What kind of light is ideal for closets?
Flush-mount lighting is probably the most commonly used closet light, and for good reason. Flush mounts emit diffuse white light that allows you to view your entire space uniformly.
How do I ensure I can light the room in my bedroom?
Closet Lighting Ideas
- Motion-Activated Lights. To make it easy, put motion-activated light fixtures inside your closet.
- LED Closet Lighting.
- Track Lighting.
- Smart Bulbs with Dimmer.
- Chandelier Lighting.
- Ribbon Lighting.
- Wall Sconces.
- Under-Cabinet Lighting.
How do you illuminate a closet?
Task Wardrobe Lighting Ideas:
- Under-Shelf Lighting: Place LED strip lights underneath shelves to light up the items stored below.
- Drawer Lighting: Include drawers with lights that turn on when opened.
- Spotlights: Use adjustable spotlights to emphasize specific areas, such as hanging areas and display shelving.
Do closet lights need to be cool or warm?
A color temperature of 3000K-3500K will give clear, white light, which is perfect for closets. This is the case for this particular situation. Anything higher than that can appear yellow. Anything less than that will create an unflattering, harsh light.