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What kind of light do you use for a walk in closet

Author

Sarah Scott

Published Apr 01, 2026

Fluorescent. LED and fluorescent bulbs are both popular choices for closet lighting because they provide better energy efficiency than their traditional incandescent counterpart.

How much light do you need for a walk in closet?

For a closet, 20 to 30 or more lumens per square foot is recommended. The calculation for a 7-foot by 10-foot walk-in closet, therefore, is 70 square feet x 20 lumens/square foot. This closet needs at least 1,400 lumens.

Can LED lights be used in closets?

LED lamps and fixtures are the most energy efficient option and they’ll last the longest. … In general, flush mounts and recessed fixtures are widely used in closet areas because they take up very little space.

How many watts do I need for a walk in closet?

How much light will I need? In a small closet–one in which you can touch all walls standing in the middle–you’ll need the equivalent of 150 watts or 2,000 lumens of light. (You can use multiple bulbs and fixtures to add up to this amount.)

How can I make my walk in closet brighter?

  1. Opt for LED Closet Lights. …
  2. Find the Right Wattage. …
  3. Add Ribbon Lighting Above Closet Rod. …
  4. Install Recessed Puck Lighting. …
  5. Illuminate the Base of the Closet. …
  6. Install Track Lighting or Light Bars. …
  7. Try LED Strip Lights. …
  8. Make a Statement with a Chandelier or Pendant Light.

Are recessed lights good for walk-in closets?

Recessed or flush-mount fixtures are ideal in a walk-in closet, because they aren’t likely to be knocked when putting clothes away, but if you choose a fixture that drops slightly from the ceiling, make sure the bulb isn’t blocked by clothing or racks, and that any lights placed over walking areas have at least 7 feet …

What color light is best for closets?

*NOTE: For best color matching: Lighting designer, Randall Whitehead recommends light sources for closets be in the 4000K-5000K clean and bright color temperature range with a CRI of 80-85 or higher.

Do closets need lights?

Light fixtures are not mandatory. The NEC does not require light fixtures in any standard closet. Adding closet light fixtures is, however, regarded as “best practice” by many builders and electricians, and properly installed closet light fixtures are will appeal to future home buyers.

How do you light a closet without Electricity?

The easiest way to light a closet without electricity is to use a battery operated or rechargeable LED light fixture. This allows you to create a source of light with the help of AA or AAA batteries instead of from a wall outlet or hardwired fixture.

Where should closet lights be placed?

If your closet includes shelves, try and add vertical strip lighting on the panel sides rather than under every shelf. This will give a more even light (especially if it is installed about 4-5 inches from of the front of the shelf or cabinet).

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Are pull chain lights allowed in closets?

NEC 410.16(B) states: “Incandescent luminaires with open or partially enclosed lamps and pendant luminaires or lampholders shall not be permitted.” What this means is that you cannot have one single exposed light bulb hanging down with a pull chain for lighting your clothing closets.

Are exposed incandescent lamps allowed in clothes closet luminaires?

While at one time it was acceptable to have these lights in closets as long as the bulb was at least 18″ away from the closet shelf, exposed incandescent lights are no longer allowed in closets, period. …

How do you light a dark pantry?

  1. Ceiling Light Fixtures.
  2. LED Light Strips.
  3. Automatic Door Switch.
  4. Puck Lights.

How can you tell if a bulb is yellow or white?

Light color or appearance is measured on the Kelvin (K) temperature scale, and it’s the difference in soft white versus daylight bulbs. Lower Kelvin numbers mean more yellow light; the higher the Kelvin number, the whiter or bluer the light.

Is 4000K good for kitchen?

Is 4000K Good For Kitchens? For a white kitchen, you want a white light, so cool white color temperatures like 4000K is perfectly acceptable in some kitchens. Color temperatures of 4000K to 5500K will look the best on white colored cabinetry. Anything more than 5500K will begin to turn white cabinets into a blue tone.

Can you put a chandelier in a walk in closet?

The chandelier, therefore, must hang above the level of clothes. For a walk-in closet of 8 feet ceilings, chandelier must hang 36 inches from the ceiling. … A good rule is to always aim for hanging a chandelier above the level of clothes hanging in closet.

How much does it cost to add a light to a closet?

How Much Does a New Light Fixture Cost? When you can use the existing wiring, installing new light fixtures will cost whatever you pay for the light itself, plus $50 – $100 per hour for an electrician to install them. Most people spend $150 to $500 to install a light fixture; the average is right around $400.

How can you light a dark area without electricity?

  1. Lighting is one of the easiest things to find non-electric alternatives for. …
  2. Oil lamps are another good option for lighting your home without electricity. …
  3. Flashlights are a great portable solution for off-grid lighting, especially for short term or emergency use. …
  4. Battery powered lamps or lanterns also come in handy.

How do you install a light without electricity?

  1. Light bulbs and Lampshades. Start with something simple, like changing out your light bulbs or even your lampshades. …
  2. Plug-in pendant lights. …
  3. Plug-in wall sconces. …
  4. Wireless LED motion sensor lights.

What is a totally enclosed fixture?

An enclosed fixture is any fixture or application where the light bulb is encased in a way that does not allow for proper airflow or ventilation.

How long do closet Lights last?

Lithonia Closet Light It’s a 4K LED light feature with up to 50,000 hours of light that will last an estimated 45 years! These high-quality closet lights are bound to brighten up your closet for a lifetime. You can choose the motion sensor or pull-chain feature (we always recommend motion sensor for closets).

Which of the following luminaires are not permitted in a clothes closet?

Incandescent luminaires with open or partially enclosed lamps and pendant luminaires or lamp holders shall not be permitted. (C) Location.

How much does LED light strips cost?

When purchasing the LED strip separately, depending on color, length, etc., your cost could range from around $20.00 to over $50.00 each.

Can LED strips catch fire?

The possibility of led strip lights catching fire is minuscule, even though they are hot to touch. … Incandescent bulbs have a filament that emits excessive heat, the light sources can ignite a fire on overheating, but as LED lights produce light at a lower temperature, they don’t catch fire as easily.

When you cut LED strips do they still work?

Will they continue to work if they are trimmed down? Yes, LED strip lights will carry on working after they’ve been cut as long as you cut along the designated lines. LED strips are made up of several individual circuits, so each cut line demarcates the end of one circuit and the start of a new one.