Illuminate A Basic Kitchen Pantry With An Affordable Dollar Tree Find

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If your pantry is poorly lit, it won't be very useful — no matter how deep the shelves are or how neatly it's organized. Pantries are often among the most overlooked spots in your home that are begging for better lighting. In a dim space, it's easy to lose track of what you've stored, making it harder to find what you need. As a result, you may unwittingly allow items to expire, costing you money. This is where a popular and thrifty Dollar Tree hack can give you a hand: Simply add a few self-adhesive LED push lights from the Dollar Tree to your pantry for $1.50 each. While you're there, pick up some four-packs of Panasonic AAA batteries to power your push lights, as each light requires three AAA batteries.

These puck-style lights help to instantly illuminate your space with just a push of a button and without electrical work or a big investment, making them a great choice for renters. No tools are necessary — each light comes with its own adhesive backing, so you can stick it to the underside of a pantry shelf to shine on the one below it or pop one on a wall opposite the shelving to light up your pantry's contents. These lights are also among the many affordable Dollar Tree essentials that'll keep your kitchen organized and tidy. 

To ensure that your LED light sticks well, clean the surface where you'll be adding it with a clean cloth and a bit rubbing alcohol first to remove any dirt or grime. Next, twist open the back of the light and insert the batteries — for an eco-friendly touch, you could use reusable options like these Amazon Basic rechargeable batteries to power your lights instead. Replace the backing, then peel the paper off the adhesive, and mount the light wherever your pantry needs extra brightness. 

To add extra personality and style to your space, customize the puck lights before installing them. For instance, paint the base with acrylic paint — such as gold for a glamorous touch or black for a modern feel. Be sure to cover the light's lens with painter's tape first to prevent getting paint on it. Once the paint is dry to the touch, remove the tape and mount the light for customized lighting that will uniquely complement your pantry's design.

Another handy feature of these Dollar Tree lights is their built-in kickstand. If you'd prefer to prop a light up rather than use the adhesive backing, simply flip out the kickstand and position it — such as on a pantry shelf — to angle the light exactly where you need it. Once you complete this project, you'll want to find other ways to utilize these lights to boost the functionality and style of your home. There are so many creative Dollar Tree push light hacks that'll brighten up your home on a budget.