A small laundry room can feel cramped and uninspiring. But with clever lighting, you can transform this space into a functional and stylish area. From sleek pendant lights to bright recessed fixtures, the right lighting can create the illusion of more space, highlight your laundry features, and add a touch of personality. Let’s explore some exciting lighting ideas for your small laundry room.
Pendant Lights: A Statement Piece
Pendant lights are a popular choice for laundry rooms because they add a touch of elegance and style. Consider a sleek, modern pendant in brushed nickel or black to create a sophisticated vibe. For a more rustic feel, choose a pendant with exposed wood or metal accents. If you have a small laundry room, opt for a single pendant light placed centrally over the washer and dryer. You can also create a visual separation between the washing area and ironing/folding area by adding a pendant light over the ironing board.
Recessed Lighting: Bright and Functional
Recessed lights are a practical and versatile option for small laundry rooms. They provide bright, even illumination, making it easier to see what you’re doing. Install recessed lights around the perimeter of the room to create a more open and spacious feel. You can also add accent lighting above the washer and dryer to highlight these appliances.
Track Lighting: Customizable and Efficient
Track lighting is a great way to create a versatile and customizable lighting scheme. With track lighting, you can easily adjust the position of the lights to suit your needs. Use track lighting to highlight specific areas, such as the washing area, ironing station, or storage shelves. Choose a polished nickel or matte black track for a contemporary look or a brass track for a vintage vibe. You can choose between spotlight or linear track lighting for a more modern feel.
Under-Cabinet Lighting: Task Lighting Excellence
Under-cabinet lighting is essential for providing task lighting in a small laundry room. Install LED strip lights beneath the cabinets to illuminate the countertop and make it easier to fold laundry, sort clothes, or perform other tasks. Choose a warm white color temperature for a cozy atmosphere, or cool white for a brighter and more energized feel. You can find under-cabinet lighting with motion sensors for added convenience.
Linear LED Strip Lights: A Modern Touch
Linear LED strip lights are a popular choice for laundry rooms because they provide bright, even illumination and are energy-efficient. Install LED strip lights around the perimeter of the room or behind cabinets for a sleek and modern look. They are also great for adding accent lighting to specific areas. Choose from a variety of colors, including white, warm white, and even color-changing options.
Mirror with Built-in Lighting: Brighten Your Space
A mirror with built-in lighting is a practical and stylish addition to any laundry room. The mirror reflects light, making the space feel larger and brighter. The built-in lights provide task lighting for applying makeup or checking your appearance. Choose a modern mirror with sleek LED lights or a more traditional mirror with frosted glass bulbs for a vintage look.
Industrial Style Lighting: A Loft-Like Vibe
Industrial-style lighting is perfect for adding a touch of urban chic to your laundry room. Choose exposed bulbs, cage pendants, or Edison bulb fixtures for a raw and edgy look. Pair industrial-style lighting with exposed brick walls or galvanized metal shelves to complete the look. You can also find industrial-style ceiling fans to add both lighting and ventilation to your laundry room.
Coastal Chic Lighting: A Beachy Retreat
Bring a touch of coastal chic to your laundry room with white or natural wood pendant lights, or rope light fixtures that evoke a nautical feel. Choose frosted glass shades or open-weave basket fixtures for a breezy vibe. Pair coastal chic lighting with seashell-themed decor or beachy artwork to complete the look.
Mid-Century Modern Lighting: Timeless Elegance
Mid-century modern lighting is characterized by clean lines, geometric shapes, and natural materials. Choose pendant lights with brass accents, spun metal shades, or geometric shapes for a timeless look. Pair mid-century modern lighting with vintage-inspired furniture or artwork for a cohesive design. You can also find mid-century modern table lamps for added illumination.
Modern Farmhouse Lighting: Warm and Inviting
Modern farmhouse lighting combines the rustic charm of farmhouse style with the sleek lines of modern design. Choose pendant lights with exposed wood beams, metal cages, or farmhouse-inspired motifs. Pair modern farmhouse lighting with reclaimed wood shelves or antique-style baskets for a cozy and welcoming feel. You can also find modern farmhouse sconces to add a touch of elegance.
Glamorous Lighting: Luxe and Sophisticated
Create a glamorous and sophisticated laundry room with crystal chandeliers, chrome pendant lights, or mirrored fixtures. Choose a color palette of gold, silver, or black for a luxurious look. Pair glamorous lighting with marble countertops, metallic accents, or plush rugs for a truly decadent feel. You can also find glamorous light switches and outlet covers to complete the look.
Vintage Lighting: Nostalgia and Charm
Add a touch of nostalgia and charm to your laundry room with vintage lighting. Choose antique chandeliers, vintage-inspired pendant lights, or even repurposed vintage fixtures. Pair vintage lighting with antique furniture, floral wallpaper, or vintage-inspired artwork for a cohesive design. You can also find vintage-style light bulbs to complete the look.
Color-Changing Lights: Fun and Functional
Color-changing lights are a fun and functional way to add personality to your laundry room. Choose LED strip lights or bulbs that can change color to create different moods or accentuate specific features. You can use color-changing lights to create a calming atmosphere while doing laundry or to add a festive touch to your laundry room decor.
Motion-Sensing Lights: Convenience and Safety
Motion-sensing lights are a convenient and energy-efficient option for small laundry rooms. Install motion-sensing lights near the doorway or around the washing area to automatically illuminate the room when you enter. Motion-sensing lights are also a great safety feature, as they can help prevent accidents in the dark. Choose motion-sensing lights with a warm white color temperature for a welcoming feel.
Dimmer Switches: Control the Ambiance
Dimmer switches are a great way to control the ambiance of your laundry room. Install dimmer switches on your overhead lights to adjust the brightness depending on your needs. You can use a dim light for a cozy atmosphere while folding laundry or brighten the room for tasks like ironing or sorting clothes. Choose dimmer switches with a stylish finish to complement your decor.
Smart Lighting: Automate Your Laundry Room
Smart lighting is a great way to automate your laundry room and make it more efficient. Choose smart bulbs or fixtures that can be controlled with your smartphone or voice assistant. You can use smart lighting to schedule lights to turn on and off at certain times, adjust the brightness, or even change the color temperature. Smart lighting can also help you conserve energy and create a more relaxing laundry room experience.
Natural Light: Brighten Up Your Space
While not always possible, maximize the natural light that enters your laundry room by keeping windows clean and unobstructed. If your laundry room is windowless, consider adding a skylight. Natural light can make the space feel larger and brighter, and it can also help to reduce your reliance on artificial lighting.
Task Lighting: Highlight Specific Areas
Task lighting is essential for providing sufficient illumination for specific tasks in your laundry room. Install task lighting above the washer and dryer to illuminate the appliances and make it easier to load and unload clothes. You can also install task lighting over the ironing board or folding area to improve visibility and reduce eye strain.
Accent Lighting: Add Depth and Dimension
Accent lighting is a great way to add depth and dimension to your laundry room. Use accent lighting to highlight specific features, such as a decorative shelf, artwork, or a statement piece of furniture. Choose accent lights that complement the style of your laundry room and create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Consider using wall sconces, table lamps, or LED strip lights for accent lighting.
