Which lighting for a new master closet

6 years ago

Thank you, everyone,

We are making a new master closet with no natural light. It's not that big - 7-1/2 wide by 5' long. I'd like a pretty little chandelier, but I really want a good amount of light that shows real color. I heard fluorescent wasn't a good choice since the color is off, and the fixtures are ugly. Any suggestions?

Thank you!!!!

Featured Answer

Fred S

6 years ago

last modified: 6 years ago

"That's just for reach in closets and possibly very narrow walk ins." - NO, the code is for EVERY CLOTHES CLOSET that does not have the luminaire separated from the storage space by another door. What is "narrow"? A walk in closet needs to be at least 7' wide just to get into it comfortably. I thought you said you understood electrical codes on another thread :-/

"What is the difference between a good sized walk in closet or a tiny bedroom.My walk in has more than enough clearance from my LED track to any combustible item. I agree those codes are meant for reach ins and very narrow walkins." Do you SEE a maximum closet size written into the code? It is funny how the same people on houzz want to make up nonexistent codes for irrational fears and personal preferences, but ignore other codes that have years of statistics and research behind them by the NFPA.

"What about the exposed-bulb pull-chain lights that are in 95% of closets in the country?!?" - Have been illegal for 30 years. Monkey see monkey do?

"UH-OH . I'd better measure my ceiling height!" - ceiling height has nothing to do with it either. A spark from anything electrical can fall downward on to flammable items, and between things to smolder for hours, just as easy as be propelled sideways several feet. If you have never seen a track light head spark, you just haven't been around them. Bulbs explode. Even the LEDs need covered per NEC.

Comments (13)

Jmc101
6 years ago
In my area, building code dictates requirements for closet lighting. Check what you’re allowed before searching.

I would never want a chandelier or flourescent in a closet.
mjammjam thanked Jmc101
PRO
Deborah Broockerd/DkB Design Services
6 years ago
Just changed our old, ugly fluorescent lights out for LED track lighting in master walk-ins. Closets are a bit deeper at 8' & 10' so multiple fixtures were needed.I was blown away by the change! Recessed lighting wasn't an option for us so the track system was best solution.
mjammjam thanked Deborah Broockerd/DkB Design Services
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acm
6 years ago
I've been fine with a flushmount fixture in my closet, which is of a similar scale to yours. A two-bulb fixture would be fine, and you can use an LED bulb with just about anything, so you can have it as bright and stark as you need to get a good view.

Sorry that Houzz is broken with regard to photo links, but here are some possibilities, both glam (different types) and more practical.

https://www.houzz.com/products/minka-lavery-823-77-2-light-1325-width-flush-mount-ceiling-fixture-prvw-vr~12870336

https://www.houzz.com/products/nuvo-lighting-60-4627-harlow-two-light-flush-dome-ceiling-fixture-with-slate-gra-prvw-vr~43798741

https://www.houzz.com/products/smyth-flush-mount-white-gold-white-gold-prvw-vr~35577911

https://www.houzz.com/products/ella-flush-mount-in-etruscan-bronze-prvw-vr~76621017

https://www.houzz.com/products/flush-mount-french-empire-crystal-chandelier-with-40-mm-crystal-balls-prvw-vr~62540020

https://www.houzz.com/products/4-and-6-corner-design-4-light-14-chrome-flush-mount-clear-european-crystals-prvw-vr~67547455

https://www.houzz.com/products/plc-lighting-4-light-ceiling-light-glacier-collection-3486-pc-prvw-vr~27311253

https://www.houzz.com/products/minka-lavery-4847-276-flush-mounts-4lt-flush-mount-florentine-silver-prvw-vr~15273526

Keep in mind that a lot of crystals or filagree means lots of shadows, which will look dramatic but interfere with the clarity of the light. There's no right or wrong, but you have to balance those values.
mjammjam thanked acm
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
6 years ago
I love my LED track light in my walk-in closet we chose 5000 k for the bulbs since they are as close to sunlight as possible.
mjammjam thanked Patricia Colwell Consulting
Fred S
6 years ago
Neither chandeliers nor track lights are allowed in closets by the IRC or NEC/NFPA.
mjammjam thanked Fred S
mjammjam
Original Author
6 years ago
UH-OH . I'd better measure my ceiling height!
Milly Rey
6 years ago
That's just for reach in closets and possibly very narrow walk ins.
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
6 years ago
What is the difference between a good sized walk in closet or a tiny bedroom.My walk in has more than enough clearance from my LED track to any combustible item. I agree those codes are meant for reach ins and very narrow walkins.
mjammjam thanked Patricia Colwell Consulting
mjammjam
Original Author
6 years ago
Thank you for your help! I just want to be safe and still know the difference between black and navy blue in the closet....
acm
6 years ago
What about the exposed-bulb pull-chain lights that are in 95% of closets in the country?!?
acm
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Have been illegal for 30 years. Monkey see monkey do?

Well, honestly, not that many of us live in new construction. I've been around the old kind for 50-mumblety years, so it would never have occurred to me that they were a problem. Are still sold! What does somebody use now if no switch in place???
Fred S
6 years ago
"Are still sold!" - But not for use in clothes closets.

"What does somebody use now if no switch in place???" - The Phone Book to find an electrician ;) They actually make several fixtures approved for closets with pull chains...or motion detectors.

Which lighting for a new master closet

Fred S

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