Traditional closet lighting leaves much to be desired. It’s often difficult to see what you’re looking for, which can lead to frustration when trying to find something specific.
Not only is it hard to see what’s in your closet with traditional lighting, but it can also be a safety hazard. You may not be able to see if there are any clothes or shoes on the floor that you could potentially trip over. Investing in a good-quality closet light fixture is a smart way of solving these problems.
Investing in a quality closet light fixture like Lithonia Lighting LED Flush Mount Closet Light will ensure that every nook and cranny of your closet is well illuminated so that you can easily find what you’re looking for. Here are the best closet lighting units that we tried and evaluated!
Our Top Closet Lighting Units Of 2023 Picks
1 - Lithonia Lighting LED Flush Mount Closet Light
One of the best investments you can make when it comes to your closet is having good lighting installed. It’s not just about making your clothes look more appealing, but also about safety. You can’t expect to see all the things stored inside if there isn’t proper lighting installed.
This LED flush mount light by Lithonia is easy to install and low on power consumption. This closet light we tested has a PIR motion sensor that turns on the second, detects movements, and automatically switches off 30 seconds of inactivity.
The light also includes mounting hardware and an easy-to-understand installation guide for DIYers. This product also comes with a 5-year limited warranty to show confidence in the unit.
Comparing this to one of our other options, both the Lithonia Lighting LED Flush Mount Closet Light and the imenou LED Closet Light are both LED lights designed for use in closets. However, while the Lithonia light is a flush mount fixture with a white acrylic diffuser, the imenou light is a battery-operated, stick-on light.
- Hardwired fixture avoids visible cords
- The LED fixture is Energy Star Certified and reduces the frequency of bulb changes
- It has a decent lifespan
- It comes with energy saving feature
- It has a motion sensor
- Bright white light may be too harsh for a small space
- May require an electrician to install
- Hardwiring requires that electrical lines exist in closet
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2 - Imenou LED Closet Light
This lamp is designed to mount on any standard closet rod or bar. It uses an energy-saving LED light source that lasts much longer than the average incandescent bulb. This LED wireless closet light is great for use in utility closets, wardrobes, and even small storage cabinets. This is one of the best closet lighting units that is easily mounted in seconds using either the 3M adhesive tape or the magnetic strip on the back of the light.
It’s also equipped with a built-in 1500mAH rechargeable battery that can last for up to four hours of continuous use or 1 to 2 months in motion sensor mode. When you want to recharge the battery unit, remove the light from its mount and plug it into a USB charging port.
This light’s motion sensor can also detect human motion up to 10 feet away and will turn off after 20 seconds if it no longer detects movement. It’s designed only when it’s dark, which conserves the battery for when it’s needed.
Both the imenou LED Closet Light and the Youtob Motion Sensor LED Ceiling Light are both battery-operated lights that can be installed without wiring. However, the Youtob light we evaluated features a motion sensor, while the imenou light does not.
- Bright light will illuminate large or small spaces
- USB rechargeable battery powers lights for up to two for in motion mode sensor
- Motion sensor detects motion with 10 feet and powers on, then shuts down after 20 seconds of no motion.
- Flimsy motion sensor
- Recharging may be inconvenient
3 - Youtob Motion Sensor LED Ceiling Light
At a big enough capacity for three rechargeable batteries, the Youtob motion sensor LED ceiling light is one of the best closet lighting units of 2023. It features dimmable brightness and a built-in USB port that helps charge your phone or computer. Its motion sensor can detect movement up to 16 feet away and switches off after 30 or 180 seconds of inactivity.
It has two modes, including daylight mode and night mode, so you can choose if you’d like the lights to turn on during the day and night. The light comes with the required mounting hardware, a mounting bracket, and an installation guide to make the process quick and easy.
Compared to another top pick, this option, the Youtob Motion Sensor LED Ceiling Light and the Amagle LED Dual Mode Night Light are both ceiling lights with motion sensors and can be used in various locations however, the latter offers a dual-mode option with daylight and night mode.
- The tone and temperature of the light can be changed between daylight, warm white, and cool white by pressing a button
- You can set the sensor to time out after 30 or 180 seconds of inactivity
- Daylight mode and night mode allow you to customize when you want the sensor to turn on the light
- A motion sensor can sense movement up to 16 feet away
- Hardwired 9-inch fixture may not cast wide enough light for larger spaces
4 - Amagle LED Dual Mode Night Light
You should consider another high-quality closet light, the Amagle LED Dual Mode Night Light. This closet light we tested allows you to determine where you wish for the light to shine once you cling it to the flexible LED strip. You can also trim the 39-inch strip to the ideal size that would comfortably fit in your closet.
This is also a dual-mode unit whereby you can set it manually to on or off with a simple press. Additionally, the automatic motion-activated mode turns on and off when you open and close the door.
The Amagle LED Dual Mode Night Light compared to the Brilliant Evolution Wireless LED Puck Light 2 Pack are both popular closet lighting options but this offers dual mode options, with both motion sensing and always-on settings, while the Brilliant Evolution Puck Light comes in a pack of two, allowing for more coverage in a larger closet space.
- It's a flexible unit
- Great for garages, closets, attics, and basements
- The energy-saving design makes it a great addition to your home
- It comes with a one-year satisfaction guarantee
- It's hard to understand setup instruction
5 - Brilliant Evolution Wireless LED Puck Light 2 Pack
This wireless LED puck light is a great lighting solution for closets. It sets up easily and does not require any wiring, making it a cool option that you can use in your closet or anywhere else in your home. It doesn’t require any hardwiring or hardware.
The adhesives on the back of the light are designed to stick to walls and other home surfaces. The lights are powered by AA batteries and last for about 100 hours before the batteries have to be replaced, which is longer than most other wireless puck lights.
The LED lights have a push-button on-off switch and a warm white glow of 45 lumens at 3,000 Kelvins. They work best in a smaller closet or wardrobe.
Compared to our first tried and tested option, the Brilliant Evolution Wireless LED Puck Light 2 Pack and the Lithonia Lighting LED Flush Mount Closet Light are both LED lights designed for use in closets, but the Brilliant Evolution light is battery-operated and can be mounted anywhere, while the Lithonia light is a flush mount fixture.
- Presence of push-button on or off switch
- LED lights last for 100 hours on each set of AA batteries
- Battery-powered stick-on lights don't need any wiring or hardware
- You have to reach in and find the push button switch in the dark
- Lights only face forward and can't be angled or directed
- Not enough light for a larger space
6 - Cotanic 70 LED Closet Light
Although it’s not flexible like the other best closet lighting units we evaluate, it illuminates a 10-foot area in which the motion sensor can detect movement and automatically turn it on. The high-density light strip can be attached or removed from its magnetic mount for easy recharging through a USB port, eliminating the need for electrical wires.
The ultra-thin form is designed for closets to provide light in dark spaces, so if you’re looking for ways to brighten a dark room, then you have the answer. The glare-free diffusion plate makes it an ideal nighttime guide, preventing you from being blinded when it automatically activates.
- Anti-dazzle diffusion plate softens the light, so you're not blinded when it illuminates
- Magnetic mount sticks to the surface and allows for easy removal of the strip for USB recharge
- Motion sensor turns light on and turns it back off after 18 seconds of inactivity
- It is a solid, inflexible strip light that brightens a 10-feet area
- 2-hour charge lasts for only 4 to 6 hours of light
- It's inconvenient to move light for charging
7 - Sunco Lighting 10 Pack 4 Inch LED Recessed Downlight
This unit represents one of the best closet lighting systems we tested for larger walk-in closets. These LEDs have a baffle trim that diffuses light and creates a softer and more pleasant viewing experience. Their 90-degree flood beams can illuminate wide areas.
These 10-watt Energy Star LEDs lights are equivalent to 60-watt incandescent and shine with a 3,000 Kelvin warm white tone. They’re also dimmable and have a lifespan of 35,000 hours which is why it’s one of the best closet lighting units.
- They're rated for damp spaces, making them suitable for kitchen, bathroom closets, and dry areas
- 90-degree angle illuminates wide space
- Warm, flicker-free LED lighting with Energy Star Certification
- They're cost-effective and come with direct installation update of older recessed can lights
- If no recessed fixtures are already in place, installation may require an electrician and minor construction
- Requires hardwiring or electrical work if wires aren't available
8 - Light Blue USA LED Flush Mount Ceiling Light
Light Blue USA’s dimmable LED ceiling light works well in larger closets, and its minimalist design looks great in spaces of all kinds. This light we tried out is easy to install, with the main unit slides into place on top of any standard 8-foot ceiling, no wiring is required.
The fixture uses 15-watt LED light bulbs, which are long-lasting and energy-efficient. It can be hardwired, which can be paired with an LED dimmer switch, although it requires professional installation.
- Dimmable when paired with compatible LED dimmer switch
- Available in daylight, warm white, and cool white temperatures
- Minimalist fixtures won't snag on hangers or clothes
- Must be replaced with the same temperature in order to work
- Bulb temperature can't be changed after purchase
Buying Guide for Closet Light Fixtures
Given the wide variety available in the market, finding the right lighting unit for your closet may not be the easiest task. Here are certain factors you need to consider before making your purchase and choosing between the best closet lighting units:
1. Ease of Installation
Not all types are easy to install. Some of the best closet lighting units are DIY projects that require extra tools or expertise to get them up and running.
2. Closet Space
How much storage space do you have? This will greatly influence the type of lighting unit you want for your closet. If you’re dealing with a wired fixture, you should maintain a distance of a maximum of 12 inches between the surface and the light.
You could also refer to the National Electrical Code guidelines that require closet lights to be recessed. If you go for surface mounting, the bulb shouldn’t be exposed.
3. Aesthetic Value
How does the unit look? You don’t want to install something in your closet that will ruin its aesthetic appeal. This is especially true if you have a walk-in or reach-in style closet. Before settling for a particular lighting fixture, consider your home’s interior decor and ensure that the light doesn’t mess up the appearance.
Also, if you’re looking for answers on how to style the perfect guest bedroom, then the aesthetic value should be on top of your list while considering your room’s closet light fixtures.
4. Brightness and Color Temperature
When purchasing a closet light, the two most important considerations are brightness and color temperature.
Closet lights vary in lumens, which is how we measure brightness. You need to determine the amount of usage you will put on the lighting fixture and choose accordingly. A bathroom with high traffic will require more bright units than a master suite.
Best Closet Lighting Units | Ease of Installation | Closet Space | Aesthetic Value | Brightness and Color Temperature |
---|---|---|---|---|
Lithonia Lighting LED Flush Mount Closet Light | 4/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 |
imenou LED Closet Light | 5/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 |
Youtob Motion Sensor LED Ceiling Light | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
Amagle LED Dual Mode Night Light | 5/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 |
Brilliant Evolution Wireless LED Puck Light 2 Pack | 5/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 |
Cotanic 70 LED Closet Light | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
Sunco Lighting 10 Pack 4 Inch LED Recessed Downlight | 3/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 |
Light Blue USA LED Flush Mount Ceiling Light | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 |
FAQs
Is it possible to install recessed lighting in a closet?
What are some of the major types of closet lights?
Final Thought On Closet Light Fixtures
Lithonia Lighting LED Flush Mount Closet Light
Our #1 Recommendation
- Hardwired fixture avoids visible cords
- The LED fixture is Energy Star Certified and reduces the frequency of bulb changes
- It has a decent lifespan
- It comes with energy saving feature
- It has a motion sensor