How to choose closet lighting?

Firstly we can break down closet lighting into two areas: overall illumination and task or accent lighting. We'll address each below. As always, if you have questions, please don't hesitate to ask. 

One important note: Make sure all fixtures in the closet are closed or lensed. Bare bulbs near fabric or shelves can pose a fire hazard.

Overall illumination. Without an overhead flush mount light, we'd be left fumbling around in the dark for our clothes, shoes, and other accessories. A flush mount can distribute light into all the corners of your closet, showing you the tops of shelves that recessed downlights might skim past.

Task and accent lighting. Today's closets offer so much more than simply a place to house our clothes. Oftentimes, they're a place where people can relax, regroup, and/or prepare for the day's or evening's activities. Below are some of our favorite lighting fixtures and features for enhancing your closet.

1. Occupancy sensors. Many of us have light sensors outside our home, so why not use them inside? Occupancy sensors will illuminate your closet the moment you enter it (no need to flip a switch!) and turn off after you leave.

2. Lighted closet rod. Lighted closet rods will help you avoid eyestrain as you search through your closet for the perfect outfit. No more mistaking black pants for navy blue. And textures of your suits will be easier to see as well

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3. LED tape lighting. LED tape lighting is a flexible strip of lighting, sometimes with self-adhesive backing. Some LED tape is easy to cut, which makes for easier installation as well.

You can use tape lighting in a variety of ways: as a toe kick, under shelves to illuminate the shelf below, inside display or glass cabinets, or simply as an accent that provides visual interest.  

For added panache, you can place your LED tape lighting in an extrusion, which is a channel (often made out of aluminum). Extrusions will extend the life of the tape, and you can lens it to diffuse the light better. Some extrusions made of MDF (medium-density fibreboard) can be painted to complement your closet's overall aesthetic.

We have many kinds of tape lighting in stock and on display in both our Allston and Waltham showrooms, and a Wolfers consultant can help you choose the tape perfect for your application.

5. Puck lighting. As the name suggests, puck lights resemble hockey pucks. Puck lights can be recessed or surface mounted. Since they create a cone of light, they can add light into places where your overhead light might not reach all the way.

If you have questions about closet lighting or need some direction or advice on how to get started with a lighting plan for your closet, we're happy to help!