No closet is complete without lighting, and the exact type of fixture you select for the space is entirely up to you.

“There’s no hard and fast rule when it comes to closet lighting,” Becky Shea, the founder of Becky Shea Design, says. “I’ve played around with pendants, high hats, spotlights, and integrated lighting—you name it. It’s all about what fits your space and your style.”

While there’s nothing like natural light flowing into a closet, this setup isn’t as common, making overhead ambient lighting the next best option, Rebecca Breslin, a senior design manager at Wayfair, says.

“It will provide a soft, uniform light and also tends to cast less shadows,” Breslin says.

Keep in mind, though, that lighting temperature is key. Shea recommends sticking to 2700k bulbs in soft white or warm white because it will give your garments a true-to-life appearance, which makes it a functional choice.

Below, we’ve rounded up 15 beautiful and practical closet lighting ideas to help brighten up your wardrobe space.

MEET THE EXPERT

• Becky Shea is the founder of Becky Shea Design.
• Rebecca Breslin is a senior design manager at Wayfair.
• Bryan Johnson is the CEO of Shades of Light.

Want more design inspiration? Sign up for our free daily newsletter for the latest decor ideas, designer tips, and more!

• 01of 15Pick a Pendant Light With Character Casa Watkins LivingAdd personality to your closet by selecting a pendant light with character. This geometric design adds instant intrigue to the space while providing ample brightness all throughout.
• 02of 15Go Antique Erin Williamson DesignIf you prefer more of a storied look, opt for an antique-looking pendant light like this one. Full of charm, its petite size is well-suited to small spaces like the closet.
• 03of 15Hang Sconces @our_dream_in_the_country / InstagramIf you’re building a closet from scratch, take into account whether you wish to include sconces. Shea emphasizes the importance of thinking ahead and planning for wiring or outlets.”Especially in smaller spaces, maximizing every square inch within your millwork for illuminating your garments is key,” she says.
• 04of 15Stick on Some Strips @inside_our_nightingale_home / InstagramAdd LED strips to your shelves so that you can fully admire all of your clothing and accessories, even when it’s dark outside. You’ll never lose track of all that you have on hand when everything is easy to view and access.Continue to 5 of 15 below
• 05of 15Embrace Natural Light @casadidenise / InstagramIf your closet features windows like this one does, your lighting can be a bit more minimal—take advantage of all of the natural sunlight streaming inside instead.”If you’re lucky enough to have a window, natural lighting is ideal,” Breslin says. “It will highlight your clothes and accessories in perfect color and will cast less shadows.”Here, a simple globe-shaped flush mount is an ideal solution and one that experts appreciate as they deliver a touch of style to an otherwise boring room, Bryan Johnson, the CEO of Shades of Light, says.Opting for a short pendant light or a flush mount fixture is also quite practical.”Usage of space becomes far more important when there’s less of it to go around, so people have a tendency to store things as high as they can,” Johnson says.
• 06of 15Go Glam @theprojectneat / InstagramThere’s no reason you can’t opt for a more dramatic closet light fixture if you prefer. This one is truly a work of art and will make your getting area feel like a luxe boutique.
• 07of 15Try a Glass Pendant @ashleynicoleinteriors / InstagramRecessed lighting and a glass pendant work together in this closet. A glass fixture is ideal if you’re looking for something that takes up minimal visual space yet is still elegant.Johnson recommends incorporating a small chandelier to light up your space if you consider it a personal sanctuary. It will bring a personal flair to it.
• 08of 15Double Up on Chandeliers Bria Hammel InteriorsThe larger your closet, the more lighting you can include. Why not go big if you have the space? Here, two beautiful chandeliers add glamour to the space while also illuminating both ends of the space so you can see what you’re looking for at all times.Continue to 9 of 15 below
• 09of 15Try Puck Lights Taryn WhiteakerSmall puck lights brighten up the closet shelves in this small yet storage-friendly closet, making it easy to see what exactly sits on every shelf.
• 10of 15Bring in a Wow Factor Thrifty Decor ChickDress up a simple closet with a wow-worthy pendant light like this floral pick. If you cannot make any alterations to your closet design, then let your lighting choices reflect your personality.
• 11of 15Don’t Forget a Table Lamp Diana ElizabethIf you have space for a table lamp, consider incorporating one to bring in additional lighting. It’ll cast a nice warm glow in the evening or can be used instead of any of the overhead lights in the morning.
• 12of 15Make Use of Open Space Monika HibbsMake use of a nook, like this one above the dresser, and install a sconce for extra brightness. Whether you electrically wire yours or opt for a plug-in option (ideal for renters) is your choice.Choose a style that plays to your existing color scheme—here, brass complements the closet rods, door handles, and dresser pulls.Continue to 13 of 15 below
• 13of 15Think Tall Home with Holley JUse a lengthy chandelier to fill empty vertical space which will help draw the eyes upward. This attention-grabbing piece is contemporary and playful.
• 14of 15Keep It Simple Studio McGeeHere is another example where a closet with recessed lighting also features a decorative pendant. This one is sizable and plays to the room’s contemporary style.Since the green painted island and cabinets already add a pop of color to the closet, keeping the light neutral is wise; that way, it doesn’t compete with this bright hue.
• 15of 15Let It Sparkle and Shine Lux MommyA classic crystal light fixture is a foolproof choice for those looking to weave a touch of glamour into their walk-in closet. The mirror within the space will allow the light to bounce around this compact area.

FAQ

• What is the best type of lighting for a closet?Experts say that aside from natural lighting, ambient overhead lighting is the best solution in a closet.
• How do you add lights to a small closet?Stick with flush mounts or short pendant lights so as not to fill precious vertical storage space. Incorporate sconces and puck lights for additional brightness.
• What lights are permitted in closets?Designers recommend sticking to 2700k bulbs in closets for aesthetic purposes. Safety regulations are determined by the National Electric Code.