15 Closet Lighting Ideas to Brighten Any Wardrobe

Pick a Pendant Light With Character

Add 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.

Go Antique

If 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.

Hang Sconces

If 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.

Stick on Some Strips

Add 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.

Embrace Natural Light

If 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.

Go Glam

There'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.

Try a Glass Pendant

Recessed 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.

Double Up on Chandeliers

The 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.

Try Puck Lights

Small 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.

Bring in a Wow Factor

Dress 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.

Don't Forget a Table Lamp

If 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.

Make Use of Open Space

Make 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.

Think Tall

Use a lengthy chandelier to fill empty vertical space which will help draw the eyes upward. This attention-grabbing piece is contemporary and playful.

Keep It Simple

Here 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.

Let It Sparkle and Shine

A 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.