Check out this week’s guest post, contributed by  Sonia De La Garza, Director of Administrative Development at Southwest Florida California Closets. Check out her blog where she shares tips on lighting design and features for your storage and closet areas.

By: Sonia De La Garza

Storage rooms or closets are the number one space homeowners wish they had more room for in their homes. Lighting these often small spaces tend to be a challenge too. For some, walk-in closets become dressing rooms but the lighting makes it difficult to see well. Here are some tips to help you light your storage room and closet areas:

Install brighter lighting fixtures
For those that have an existing lighting fixture inside of their closet, consider installing brighter bulbs to reflect more light. Consider installing CFL (Compact Florescent Light bulbs) to save energy and to emit a brighter light.

Battery operated lights
For smaller closets, a battery operated lighting fixture is a good option. There are a variety of options from wall mounted fixtures to ceiling mounted varieties. Consider the frequency of use in this storage area. If you find yourself running through batteries, it may be better to hard wire a lighting source in the closet.

Open up space with a window
If your closet is on an exterior wall, consider adding a window to bring in natural light. The cost it takes to install a window may outweigh the energy costs to light it with a fixture for the 20 years!

De-clutter closets to allow for more lighting
Let’s face it, if you had less belongings in your closet, the need for more light may not be an issue. Take inventory of your closet and ensure you need all the contents. If you don’t, purge them and make your closet as simple as possible. Lighting that can spread to all corners is a major asset.

Install lighting within your closet
If you use closet organization systems, consider having lighting installed inside them. Similar to under cabinet lighting used in kitchens, lighting can be installed amongst closet organizers. Lighting can make a master bedroom closet feel more upscale with the addition of puck lights or incandescent can lights amongst closet organization systems.

LED sensor lights
Sensor lights that operate with a magnetic strip upon the opening and closing of a closet door could be a perfect option for your home. LED lights cost less than incandescent lights to operate and emit a brighter light. Consider visiting a local lighting store to see new lighting options available on the market.

Get help from professionals at California Closets

Visit our showroom to consult with our team of design experts about planning your 2013 remodel for your home. Ask to see our newest products, materials and textures and don’t forget to ask us about our modern wall bed design features too! 

Call us at (239) 694-8100 for your personal design consultation appointment or visit our Website for more detailed information on our products and services and don’t forget to connect with us on Facebook.

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