Once thought of as a simple room to store your clothes and accessories, the
average person now spends 8 hours per month, or 100 hours per year, in
their closet. We have gone from standard wood rods and wire shelves to top-
of-the-line full-cabinet systems transforming the space into a showroom
where choosing your outfit for the day has gone from a chore to a shopping
experience within your own home.
How does someone achieve this upscale boutique look? The addition of LED
lighting can transform the atmosphere and mood of the space with a flip of a
switch. But with so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to know
where to begin; here are a few tips to get you started!
Safety first, not all lights are created equal
Did you know there are specific regulations for LED fixtures within closets?
When choosing fixtures, look for products that have been UL approved for
use within closet storage spaces. This certification means they have been
tested and verified that if clothes are in contact with the light, the
temperature will not exceed 90°C (194°F).
Another thing to consider is the space between the lights and that new dress
or designer bag. The NEC (National Electric Code) states that for surface-
mounted fixtures, there is a minimum distance of 12" required between the
light and any item; 6" required with recessed fixtures.
No extrusion, no diffuser, no service. Exposed bulbs or diodes are not safe to
use within closets without being enclosed in an extrusion, so make sure to
cover up that LED tape before installation.
Consider color temperature
While color-tunable technology will allow you to choose between 2700K and
6500K throughout the day to see clothing and accessories in both cool and
warm lighting, a 3000K or 3500K color temperature is a flattering neutral and
is a common choice for static white fixtures.To switch or not to switch
While traditional wall switches and dimmers are still popular options, new
technology has introduced several new options including automation, voice,
and app control. Want your lights to come on as you walk into the room?
Smart home products such as these (https://trescolighting.com/swidget) will
allow you to integrate your closet lighting into your smart home network.
While trends come and go, LED lighting and high-end closets are here to
stay. The options are endless and will allow you to take what was once a
dark room and turn it into your favorite room in the house.
Fixture types for every space, not one size fits all
With new LED products entering the market every day the options for closets
are endless – puck lighting, linear lighting, extrusions with tape lighting,
among others. How do you choose one? The answer is simple - you don’t
have to. Many closet designs incorporate multiple fixture types within the
same space to achieve the perfect look.Puck Lighting
Puck lights are a great option to highlight jewelry, shoes, or accessories on a
shelf.
Image Credit: Austin-Morgan Closets and Rev-A-Shelf
Flexible Linear Lighting
New flexible liner lighting options offer LED tape within a durable, silicone
body allowing you to simply press into a groove for an easy closet panel
installation.
Image Credit: Rev-A-Shelf
Extrusions with LED Tape
Extrusions are a customizable option allowing you to pick the profile, finish,
LED tape, and diffuser to assemble a custom LED fixture.
Source: Rev-A-Shelf