Creating a stylish and functional laundry room and closet combo requires careful consideration of lighting. This space often serves multiple purposes, from washing and drying clothes to storing garments and accessories. Therefore, the lighting must be versatile enough to accommodate these various tasks while also contributing to the overall aesthetic of the room. This article explores 27 lighting ideas to inspire your laundry room and closet combo design, incorporating current color trends, popular design styles, and practical considerations.
Recessed Lighting with Pendant Accents
Recessed lighting provides a clean, modern look for a laundry room and closet combo. Install a grid of recessed lights for overall illumination, ensuring even light distribution across the space. Supplement this with pendant lights hung over key areas like the laundry island or closet vanity. Consider using warm-toned LED bulbs for a cozy ambiance. Popular color combinations for this style include cool grays with brass accents, or navy blue with chrome fixtures. This minimalist approach is trending in both the US and EU.
Industrial Chic with Exposed Bulbs
Embrace the industrial aesthetic with exposed Edison bulbs and metal fixtures. Cage pendant lights or wall sconces with a black or metallic finish will complement exposed brick or concrete walls. Pair this lighting style with a neutral color palette of whites, grays, and blacks. Incorporate wooden shelving and metal accents to complete the industrial look. This style is particularly popular in urban lofts and modern apartments in major US cities.
Modern Farmhouse Charm with Lantern-Style Pendants
Create a cozy and inviting atmosphere with lantern-style pendant lights. Choose fixtures with a black or brushed nickel finish and seeded glass shades. Incorporate warm white or soft yellow LED bulbs for a welcoming glow. This lighting style complements a farmhouse aesthetic, with white shiplap walls, wooden countertops, and vintage-inspired decor. This trend remains strong in both rural and suburban areas of the US.
Hollywood Regency Glamour with Crystal Chandelier
Add a touch of luxury to your laundry room and closet combo with a small crystal chandelier. Opt for a fixture with clear or smoked crystal accents and a polished chrome or gold finish. This lighting style pairs well with a bold color palette of deep blues, emerald greens, or rich purples. Incorporate mirrored surfaces and velvet accents to enhance the glamorous feel. This luxurious style is gaining traction in higher-end homes across the EU.
Scandinavian Simplicity with Natural Light and White Walls
Maximize natural light by incorporating large windows and skylights. Keep the walls and ceiling white to reflect light and create a bright and airy space. Supplement natural light with minimalist pendant lights or wall sconces with a white or light wood finish. This minimalist and functional style aligns with Scandinavian design principles and is favored in both the US and EU.
Bohemian Rhapsody with Woven Pendants and Colorful Textiles
Embrace a bohemian aesthetic with woven pendant lights made from natural materials like rattan or bamboo. Incorporate colorful textiles, such as patterned rugs and embroidered curtains, to add texture and visual interest. Choose warm-toned LED bulbs to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. This eclectic style is popular among younger homeowners and renters in urban areas.
Coastal Calm with Blue and White Palette and Nautical Fixtures
Create a serene and relaxing atmosphere with a blue and white color palette and nautical-inspired lighting fixtures. Choose pendant lights or wall sconces with a rope or seashell motif. Incorporate natural materials like wicker and driftwood to enhance the coastal vibe. This style is particularly popular in coastal regions of the US.
Mid-Century Modern with Geometric Pendants and Bold Colors
Embrace the mid-century modern aesthetic with geometric pendant lights and bold color combinations. Choose fixtures with brass or copper finishes and colorful glass shades. Pair this lighting style with furniture and decor featuring clean lines and organic shapes. This retro style is experiencing a resurgence in popularity in both the US and EU.
Under-Cabinet Lighting for Task Lighting
Install LED strip lights under cabinets to provide focused task lighting for folding laundry and organizing closets. This type of lighting is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, as it creates a clean and uncluttered look. Choose warm white or cool white LED strips depending on your preference.
Track Lighting for Flexibility
Install track lighting to provide adjustable illumination for both the laundry area and the closet. This allows you to direct light where it’s needed most, highlighting specific areas or tasks. Track lighting is available in a variety of styles, from minimalist to industrial, to complement your overall design.
Wall Sconces for Ambient Lighting
Use wall sconces to provide soft, ambient lighting in the laundry room and closet combo. Place sconces on either side of a mirror or above a laundry folding table. Choose fixtures that complement your overall design aesthetic, whether it’s modern, farmhouse, or industrial.
Statement Chandelier for a Focal Point
Make a bold statement with a dramatic chandelier in your laundry room and closet combo. Choose a fixture that reflects your personal style and complements the overall design of the space. A statement chandelier can elevate the look of even a small laundry room and closet area.
Natural Light Maximization with Skylights
If possible, incorporate skylights into your laundry room and closet combo design. Skylights provide abundant natural light, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day. This not only saves energy but also creates a bright and airy atmosphere. Consider strategically positioning them over the laundry area or closet for optimal illumination.
Mirror Lighting for Closet Functionality
Install lighting around or above the mirror in your closet area to enhance visibility and create a more functional space. Backlit mirrors or vertical strip lights on either side of the mirror provide even illumination for getting ready. This is especially useful in closets that lack natural light.
Color-Changing LED Strips for Mood Lighting
Add a touch of fun and personality to your laundry room and closet combo with color-changing LED strip lights. These lights can be controlled with a smartphone app, allowing you to customize the color and brightness to suit your mood or the occasion. This is a popular trend in smart home technology.
Vintage-Inspired Lighting for a Unique Look
Incorporate vintage or antique lighting fixtures to add character and charm to your laundry room and closet combo. Scour flea markets, antique shops, or online retailers for unique pieces that complement your design aesthetic. Repurposed industrial lights or vintage schoolhouse pendants can create a focal point and add a touch of history to the space.
Layered Lighting for Different Tasks and Moods
Combine different types of lighting to create a layered lighting scheme that can be adjusted to suit different tasks and moods. Use a combination of ambient, task, and accent lighting to create a functional and visually appealing space. For example, combine recessed lighting for overall illumination, under-cabinet lighting for task lighting, and pendant lights for accent lighting.
Smart Lighting for Energy Efficiency and Convenience
Install smart lighting fixtures that can be controlled with a smartphone app or voice commands. Smart lighting allows you to schedule lights to turn on and off automatically, dim lights to save energy, and customize lighting scenes to suit your needs. This is a growing trend in both the US and the EU, reflecting a desire for convenience and energy efficiency.
Art Deco Inspired Lighting with Geometric Patterns
Embrace the glamour of the Art Deco era with lighting fixtures featuring geometric patterns and metallic finishes. Look for pendants or wall sconces with intricate designs and materials like brass, chrome, or nickel. This style pairs well with bold colors and luxurious materials like velvet and marble, creating a sophisticated and stylish laundry room and closet combo. This is a particularly popular trend in luxury apartments and renovated historic homes in European cities.
Rustic Charm with Wood and Metal Combinations
Create a warm and inviting laundry room and closet combo with lighting fixtures that combine wood and metal elements. Look for pendants or chandeliers with wrought iron frames and wooden accents, or wall sconces with a distressed metal finish and a wooden backplate. This style complements a rustic or farmhouse aesthetic and is popular in both the US and EU.
Japanese Minimalism with Paper Lanterns and Natural Materials
Embrace the simplicity and tranquility of Japanese design with paper lanterns and natural materials. Choose pendant lights made from rice paper or bamboo, and incorporate natural wood and stone accents into the space. This style emphasizes clean lines, natural light, and a sense of calm, making it ideal for a laundry room and closet combo where functionality and serenity are desired. This minimalist aesthetic is growing in popularity in urban areas of both the US and EU.
