The best closet fixtures have the right amount of brightness (which is measured in lumens), can be easily installed, and make your closet more accessible. Special features like a motion sensor and energy-efficient LED lights make the Lithonia Lighting LED Motion Sensor Flush Light our top pick for closet lighting. Here are the best closet lighting systems. This light automatically turns on when it detects motion, so you don’t need to worry about fumbling around in a dark, windowless room. To keep energy use in check, it shuts off after it doesn’t detect motion for 30 seconds. Think of it like a keyless entry for your light: Just walk in, find what you need, and walk out without ever having to worry about the light switch. It comes with all the hardware you need to mount the light fixture vertically or horizontally. It does, however, need to be hard-wired to your electrical system. Depending on your desired placement and current setup, that might mean the added cost of an electrician to run new wires, install junction boxes, or get everything connected safely. Price at time of publish: $29 You can set a timer for the lights, but they don’t include a motion detector or other sensors. To turn them on, either tap the lights or use the included remote. But you may want to consider placement and the possibility of losing the remote. If you put the lights up too high, it can be difficult to reach them to turn on and off without the remote handy. Price at time of publish: $20 These lights also have a handy motion sensor that activates when you’re within a certain range. Depending on the size of your closet, that means you can use nearby lights while keeping the ones deeper inside off. For long, narrow closets, that’s a helpful way to keep energy costs down. Price at time of publish: $23 Keep in mind this track light doesn’t come with bulbs, which you’ll need to purchase separately. It uses 50 watt bulbs, which aren’t as energy-efficient as LEDs and tend to get hot when on for a long time. This closet lighting fixture is dimmable, but you’ll need to have a dimmable switch, which is also sold separately, installed for the feature to work. Price at time of publish: $45 Thanks to its included LED light, this product has a long lifespan and is very energy-efficient. It is battery-powered, but the battery runs for up to 35 hours. The light fixture itself is a bit small, so if you need increased brightness, you may want to combine multiple lights in larger spaces. Just keep in mind that each will turn on separately, as they detect motion independently. Price at time of publish: $25 The lights are exposed in this chandelier, so you’ll need to pick bulbs that match the aesthetic. This might eliminate some more energy-efficient or budget-friendly options. Whatever bulbs you choose, you’ll need to purchase them separately. Additionally, while you can dim this closet light fixture, you’ll need to get dimmable bulbs and have a dimmable switch installed to be able to do so. Price at time of publish: $142 This compact light is super bright, and it can be uncomfortably bright when pointed in the wrong direction. Additionally, the motion sensor and automatic shut-off functionality can drain batteries quickly, depending on the batteries you’re using. Price at time of publish: $20 Because of their simple installation options, this closet light isn’t the best for spaces with a lot of moisture. And you’ll want to keep in mind that wherever you install the light, you’ll need to bring your charging source—or replace the adhesive strip each time you need to recharge. Price at time of publish: $30 However, these strip lights don’t give off a ton of light and aren’t as bright as an overhead fixture. They tend to provide more of a glow rather than actual visibility. If you want just enough light to be able to see where you’re going or light up individual shelves, they’re great. But for spaces without any other lighting, they may not be enough. Installation is easy, thanks to the included adhesive backing. But it can wear out and need replacing over time to prevent sagging. Price at time of publish: $20 Keep in mind this closet light does need to be hard-wired, so it’s best to have it professionally installed. The fixture is a bit pricier than other alternatives, especially when you factor in the cost of professional installation and extras like additional wiring or junction boxes. However, it’s hard to top its bright illumination, especially in dark closets. Price at time of publish: $38 Installation is easy thanks to the adhesive back, which sticks on just about any surface. It also has a magnetic back as an alternative. However, this means the strip isn’t ideal for rooms without climate control, such as utility closets or closets in the attic. If you install multiple lights, take care to position them far enough away from each other that they won’t interfere with one another. Price at time of publish: $19 How easy a closet lighting unit is ultimately depends on your unique closet, so you’ll want to look for features that make sense. For example, if your closet has really high ceilings, you may consider a motion-sensor light or a stick-on light that can go on a wall. Also, consider how easy a particular light is to install and remove for charging or changing out batteries. Dimmable lights could be convenient if you have a mirror in your closet and you want to see yourself in different levels of lighting. And if energy efficiency and lifespan are more important to you than fancy features, you may want to stick with an LED light in your closet.
Ease of Use
Motion sensors, remotes, and push buttons all make closet lighting a breeze to turn on and off. Look for features that work for your space. It’s important to consider light placement when deciding. If you plan to put the lights up high, push buttons won’t be as helpful as remotes or motion sensors. For large spaces with multiple lights, sensors that turn on and off based on ambient light can result in light interference.
Type of Lighting
Motion sensor lights are some of the most popular options because it makes illumination super simple. Track lighting can be directed to specific places in your closet, which is ideal if you have a larger space or want to highlight certain areas. Strip lights create a fun glow effect and can often be customized with color and pattern. Recessed and globe lighting are the simplest solutions, although they do require hardwired installation.
Closet Space
Larger spaces may need multiple lights or a light with increased brightness. Brightness is measured in lumens; the higher the number, the more light a bulb or fixture creates. If you prefer a softer glow, directional or adjustable lighting, such as track lighting, lets you decide where you want more (or less) illumination. “Close to ceiling lights, especially flush mount style lights, are most commonly seen in closet spaces,” said Barnes. “Look for a design that sits very close to the ceiling so it doesn’t interfere with your activity in the space.”
Brightness
Look for lighting with enough light for your needs. If you apply your makeup or other tasks in your closet, brighter lights can help you see better. If all you need is enough light to pick out clothing, less light will probably be fine. In addition to lumens, consider the temperature of the bulbs. Installed lights may not have much variety, but you can look for bulbs or lighting that’s warm white, bright white, or cool white. This scale is based on the hue or variations of light.
Why Trust The Spruce
This article was researched and written by Katie Melynn, a freelance writer specializing in home and family products. Katie has been writing for The Spruce since 2019. To compile this list, she looked for closet lighting that could work in a variety of spaces, from large walk-in closets to smaller coat closets. She also considered energy-efficiency, brightness, and installation. Katie also talked to John Barnes, design expert at Lamps Plus.
“Don’t use any light source or fixture that has a high heat output, as there’s a chance that clothes or other items stored in the closet space could accidentally be placed near it,” said Barnes. “LEDs are a great choice, as they have a very low heat signature, even when left on for an extended period of time.”
