Our Best Closet Lighting Ideas: 10 Ways to Illuminate a Space of Any Size

Practical and stylish lighting ideas for every closet size, style, and budget.

Lighting is an essential design component of a closet. Whether you have a spacious walk-in closet or you're working with minimal square footage, a light is not only necessary, it's also a great way to update, personalize, and accessorize the space. Plus, most closets lack natural light, so finding the right type of fixture is key for illuminating the room. There are several factors to keep in mind when selecting a light fixture for a closet: the size of the room, the height of the ceiling, and built-in furnishings such as shelves, cabinets, and hanging rails.

If you're tight on space and the closet ceiling is too low for a hanging fixture, recessed and track lighting offer a clean and clutter-free look. For a little more visual interest in a medium size closet, a semi-flush mount on the ceiling and decorative sconces on the walls make for a practical and stylish choice. And for maximum drama and sophistication, you can't go wrong with a statement chandelier above an island in a walk-in closet or elegant picture lights lining the tops of build-in shelves. Whatever the size of your budget, closet, or shoe collection, check out these closet lighting ideas to give your space a stylish and functional update.

Related: 12 Budget-Friendly and Clever Custom Closet Ideas

1. Semi-Flush Mount

A semi-flush mount offers the best of both worlds: It hangs close to the ceiling so it doesn't make a closet look cluttered, but it features a more decorative design than a recessed light which gives it visual interest. Slightly suspended from the ceiling, it's well suited for a medium size closet which could use a decorative detail but can't quite accommodate a pendant or a chandelier. Semi-flush mounts come in lots of different styles—some have metal or glass shades with exposed bulbs for a casual touch of industrial style, while others have fabric drum shades which diffuse light and bring in a timeless and elegant aesthetic.

Related: 7 Lighting Mistakes to Fix ASAP

2. Recessed Lighting

For an open and uncluttered look, opt for recessed lighting in your closet. Use it in a small closet which can't accommodate hanging lights, or pair it with accent lighting on the walls, whether sconces or picture lights. Most recessed lights are adjustable so you can angle them as you like and if you add a dimmer, it gives you the option of illuminating the space with a bright light or setting a calming mood with a soft glow.

3. Statement Chandelier

Dress up a walk-in closet with a statement chandelier in the center of the space. It's an unexpected design element that puts a luxurious spin on a utilitarian room like a closet. If you have a central island in your walk-in closet, hang a chandelier above it for a glamorous statement. Keep the proportions of the space and island in mind when choosing a chandelier to ensure it doesn't look out of place.

Related: The 15 Best Chandeliers of 2024 for Every Style and Room

4. Flush-Mount Ceiling Light

A flush-mount ceiling light sits directly on the ceiling and is a space-saving option for a closet with a low ceiling height or small square footage. It's more decorative than recessed lighting and can be used as a central light in a small closet, plus its low profile takes up minimal visual space to keep the closet as open as possible. Flush-mounts are typically round and often have glass, milk glass, or frosted glass shades, but are also available in more contemporary metal and fabric shade designs.

5. Wireless Puck Lights

Wireless puck lights are an inexpensive way to elevate your closet. They don't require the cost and hassle of running electrical wiring and they're typically self-adhesive so you don't need to drill any holes, which also makes them renter-friendly. Most battery-operated puck lights are dimmable and include a handy remote control for easy operation. If you're looking for a budget-friendly closet update that gives you the look for less, these are an excellent alternative to built-in under-shelf lighting.

Related: The 12 Best Night Lights of 2024

6. Track Lighting

Install track lighting on your closet ceiling for multiple lights that can be pointed in different directions to provide maximum brightness. A good choice for a small to medium size closet, track lighting is available in various finishes, lengths, and bulb counts, and is a more budget-friendly alternative to recessed lighting.

7. Under-Cabinet Lighting

Upgrade a closet with under-cabinet lighting which emits a soft glow for a sophisticated feel. Multiple sources of light in a large closet are a good idea, as you can turn to a bright overhead light when you need maximum illumination, but switch on the under-cabinet lights for a softer, more diffused stream of light. These are also a beautiful way to elevate closet built-ins and highlight their craftsmanship or interesting paint color.

Related: The 9 Best Under-Cabinet Lighting Options of 2024 to Illuminate Your Kitchen Countertops

8. Motion Sensor Light

Add a motion sensor light to your closet which automatically turns on when you enter. It's a clever way to conserve energy since the light is only on when someone is in the closet and automatically turns off when you leave. Most motion sensor lights have adjustable settings so you can choose how quickly it shuts off once there's no motion, and they are available as wall-mounts, plug-ins, and wireless light bars to accommodate a variety of budgets and closet sizes and layouts.

9. Wall Sconces

Wall sconces provide practical lighting and add a decorative touch to closet walls. They can be used as the sole source of light or in addition to an overhead light in a larger closet. Wall sconces come in many different designs and either have one or two lights and cast light upwards or downwards. They are also a vehicle for introducing a new material such as polished chrome or antique brass and bringing in a textural element in the form of a rattan or pleated fabric shade. Mount sconces in strategic spots in a closet to maximize their visual and functional impact, or create a beautiful focal point by flanking a closet vanity table with a pair of statement wall sconces.

Related: The 15 Best Wall Sconces for Every Style and Budget

10. Picture Lights

For sophisticated accent lighting in a walk-in closet, install picture lights. They look stunning when mounted as a pair or trio lining the tops of built-in shelves that hold folded clothing or a shoe collection. Picture lights have a timeless quality that will instantly dress up your closet and they're available in traditional and modern silhouettes as well as a variety of different metal finishes. In addition to the standard wall-mounted version which requires electrical wiring, you can also purchase wireless, battery-operated picture lights which are a budget and renter-friendly alternative.

Related: How to Install a Light Fixture for a Fast Room Refresh

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