Small Laundry Closet Doesn't Have Lighting? The Smart Hack To Brighten Things Up

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Laundry day shouldn't mean fumbling around in a dark area that's only dimly lit by nearby windows and lighting from other rooms. But unfortunately, this is the case in many apartments, condos, and even homes with just a small laundry closet as opposed to an entire room dedicated to laundry activities. And many of us would agree that good lighting is essential when doing laundry — you need enough light to see those subtle grease stains hiding in plain sight on your favorite t-shirt. There is one quick hack that you can employ to light up your small laundry closet without having to spend a lot of money to do it. The answer: use a mountable, battery-powered LED light.

If you're stressing about how to choose the perfect lighting for your space, especially if it's a small space, an LED light could be the way to go. Why? Because you don't have to go through the hassle of connecting electrical wires or the expense of hiring an electrician to install a new light. The task alone will cost about $50 to $150 or more an hour for an electrician to perform. 

There's no need to do that when you can simply purchase a non-wired light like this Shenmoyl vintage battery-operated wall sconce and install it yourself. With this easy substitute, you'll pay only a fraction of the cost of an electrical light and will spend much less time installing it. The above-mentioned light runs $67, but there are cheaper options like this EZVALO LED wall-mounted light, which only costs $20 and has the same simple installation process.

Even if your laundry closet is on the narrower side, it still deserves love ... and light. In fact, this often-neglected room is one of the most overlooked spots in the home that are begging for better lighting. There are so many ways to use lighting to make your home look more expensive, even if it is just a boring laundry closet. Fixtures made with glass, brushed metal, or brass can definitely do the trick. 

To get started with this super simple lighting installation, you'll need your electric drill and a ruler or tape measure. Next, determine the best spot in the closet for the light. This could be the wall or ceiling, depending on your laundry room's layout. Consider how the light might cast shadows and how well it will illuminate the main work areas in the closet for maximum illumination. Many cordless lights come with remotes, but it's still helpful to keep the light easily accessible for installation.

After finalizing your location, take some measurements to ensure that both the base and shade of the light will fit in the designated area. Follow this up by cleaning the area with a damp rag. If it's oily or dirty, add a bit of soapy water to the rag, and make sure the wall is dry before proceeding. The installation may vary, but you'll typically drill pilot holes for the base and add your screws (and anchors if included). Next, slide your base in place, attach the body to the lamp, and add the shade. Finally, screw in your light bulb, and test it out for functionality.

The cool thing about these types of lights is that they come in so many different options. Go simple and functional or decorative and trendy to make the laundry closet a little more exciting. Not into the vintage finish? No problem. Go for more subdued finish options like ones with a matte black or all-white shade and base. Cordless LED fixtures also come with a range of light options and features to make them more convenient or customized to your needs. Not only do you have the option of multicolored LED lights that can give your room an interesting edge, but you also have lights that come with remote controls and color-changing settings, allowing you to create different moods. Who says your laundry room can't have it all? 

And let's not forget about your string light options. These offer a convenient way to create even lighting across your small laundry room space instead of just providing direct lighting. This can be useful if you have shelving that may block light fixtures or create unwanted shadows. And finally, you have LED lights that come with timers for even more convenience. For example, you can set your light to a 15-minute timer just to give you enough time to complete your task, with the light shutting off once you're done.