The Genius Doorframe Lighting Feature You'll Want To Add To Your Closet ASAP
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If you're someone who forgets to turn off the closet light when you leave, this lighting feature is the perfect way to improve your home. With this genius addition to your closet, you'll never have to fiddle with a light switch while trying to put away your laundry or grab something out of storage. Door jamb light switches have a push button and are installed between the hinges of a door, causing the light to turn on when you open the door and off when you close it. This way, the light never stays on after the door is closed. Door jamb light switches could also be a great way to update your walk-in closet or make your life a little easier.
Though these light switches are extremely convenient, they can be difficult to install, especially if you don't have experience with electrical work. Additionally, your door jamb switch might not function correctly if it's installed inappropriately. For example, if the box for the switch isn't flush with the doorframe, your door might not close properly, and the light will stay on. This can also be a problem if you have wooden doors that expand during certain weather. Door jamb switches themselves are not particularly expensive, like the $17 Gardner Bender push button switch at Home Depot or Amazon's electric door switch for $21. We'll explore more features of this genius product to help you determine if it's a must-have for your closet while offering some alternatives along the way.
Deciding if you want to add jamb switches to your closet door
Door jamb switches are essentially push-button light switches that are activated by the pressure of your door. Though these light switches are simple to use, they must be wired to an existing closet light. This could mean redirecting wires from your current light switch to your new one or putting in new wiring to connect your jamb switch to your power source and your light. Either way, you will likely have to cut holes in your doorframe or wall to complete the project.
Because a door jamb switch installation is somewhat complicated and will vary by home, don't attempt this electrical project unless you're a professional or are very confident in your DIY experience. In many cases, you'll end up having to hire an electrician to complete this project; however, it could be worth it if you're already working on home renovations. While Installing this light feature will make going through your closet much easier, and you'll never have to worry about flipping the switch again, you may want to consider alternatives that might better suit your budget and needs before deciding.
Alternatives to door jamb light switches
Though these genius doorframe lighting features can be extremely convenient for some, they might not be useful if your closet doesn't already have a light, if you don't have the experience to complete the installation yourself, or if hiring an electrician isn't affordable. Luckily, there are tons of alternatives that will keep you from having to flip a switch. For example, rather than rewiring your closet, you could simply switch out your current lightbulb for a motion-sensing one. These bulbs will detect when you enter your closet and turn off after it stops detecting movement. You can find the EcoSmart motion sensor LED lightbulb at Home Depot for $11.
For those whose closets don't have a light at all, consider using battery-powered motion lights instead. The QualityWatt LED motion sensor lights on Amazon (3 for $18) have an adhesive that lets you stick them wherever you'd like and should turn on when you walk in your closet. Motion-detecting lights would also allow you to forgo light switches in closets without doors. If you like the idea of door jamb lights but don't want to worry about the push button sticking, you could install wired motion sensor lights. Alternatively, you might consider using contact sensors, like those used with home security systems, to control your lights or magnetic switches, which work similarly to jamb switches by using two magnets to close or open the electrical circuit.