Illuminating Your Reach-In Closet: Things to Consider

Mike Beard • May 06, 2024

When I work with my clients, one of the factors that can make their closet more appealing is the right kind of lighting. Most closets come with an overhead light already built into the ceiling, but this often doesn’t shine brightly enough to illuminate the whole space. Also, relying only on overhead lighting can cause shadows. Today, I’d like to talk about how to best brighten up your reach-in closets with the right type of lighting.

There are a few considerations you should keep in mind before deciding which type of lighting is going to be right for your small closet:

What’s the layout of your reach-in closet
What color temperature do your prefer
Would you like a motion sensor or a manual switch
What type of lighting appeals to you most

Let’s go through these factors to help you illuminate your storage space the best way for your unique space and circumstances.

What’s the Layout of Your Reach-in Closet?

The layout of your closet will matter when it comes time to decide exactly what type of lighting you need. Take a look at where everything is. Keep in mind that shelves, hanging rods, and drawers can create shadows or areas of poor visibility without extra lighting in place. You’ll want to assess where the dark corners are and whether there are any architectural features, like a sloped ceiling, that could affect the installation of lights.

The goal here will be to achieve even coverage and minimize (or eliminate) dark corners. If your closet is very small, you might only need one or two light sources, but if it’s larger, you may need multiple fixtures to maximize the visibility. Make a list of the places in your closet that need lighting; this will help you to buy everything at once, so you can lighten the entire space without having to add more lights later.

What Color Temperature Do You Prefer?

When looking around your house, you probably have chosen a certain color temperature for each room. Warmer temperatures give off a cozier, yellowish glow, while cooler temperatures are more like natural daylight, are brighter, and make colors appear more vibrant.

If you’re mainly using your closet for getting dressed in the morning, choosing a cooler temperature (or a brighter white) will help you wake up and more accurately see the difference between the different shades you have in your closet. On the other hand, some people find bright white lights to be jarring and prefer a softer approach when starting the day. A dimmer switch or LED lights that can be customized via remote control might be a good option if you aren’t sure which type of light temperature you want.

Would You Like a Motion Sensor or a Manual Switch?

If you haven’t had a motion sensor in your custom closet system, you might not have considered it as an option, but it can be a game-changer for busy mornings or when your hands are filled with clothes to put away. You step into your closet and the lights turn on.

Manual switches, on the other hand, give you the control over whether your lights are on or off. The lights won’t turn off when you’re spending a lot of time perusing your clothing options, for example, unless you hit the switch.

You will often have the choice with a motion sensor to use it as a manual switch when you want to. Read the manufacturer’s instructions to find out how to do this if you have a motion sensor, and you may find that it offers the best of both worlds.

What Type of Lighting Appeals to You Most?

A big part of choosing the right lighting for your closet will be your own personal preference. There are so many different types to choose from – from LED strips to recessed lighting, pendant lights, and flush-mount lights. You might even prefer something like a vintage table lamp sitting on a shelf or a floor lamp standing in the corner, possibly with an attached reading light to provide additional brightness to one area.

This is your closet, so don’t be afraid to mix and match different fixtures and lighting types for a customized look. If you want to avoid having to add wiring and don’t want to hire an electrician, The Ponds Farmhouse has some ideas for creative ways to add light to a space without having to worry about wiring.

Conclusion

Going through this list of questions as you decide on your best lighting strategy will help you save money and time you might otherwise spend on solutions that don’t end up working out. If you’re looking to revamp your entire reach-in closet, please contact me or my team. We’d love to help you by creating a customized solution to your storage woes.