Have you ever rummaged through your wardrobe at 6am, only to discover that your ‘black’ work trousers are actually navy blue by the time you reach the office? Well, a little well-placed lighting could have saved you a lot of stress.
The right wardrobe lighting can completely transform your bedroom storage. A soft run of LEDs makes shelves glow like a boutique display, while clever motion-sensor spotlights flick on the moment you reach for your clothes. With thoughtful lighting design, even the tiniest fitted cupboard will feel easier to use.
Below, we’ve gathered expert tips and clever ideas to help you light your wardrobe beautifully, and finally put an end to fumbling around in the dark.
1. Add vertical strips for a boutique finish
If you want your wardrobe to echo the look of a chic boutique, discreet LED strips are the quickest way to get there. Chris Bawden, founder of Simple Lighting, explains why this style of lighting works so well: “For wardrobes, mounting strips vertically down both sides of the opening will ensure rails and clothing are lit from the front rather than overhead. This avoids dark patches at the back and makes fabrics clearer.”
This Dimmable LED Strip Kit from Amazon UK is a simple way to recreate the effect at home. With adjustable brightness and easy installation, it gives you full control over the look and feel of your wardrobe and can be tailored to fit your exact wardrobe dimensions.
Chris Bawden is founder and managing director of Simple Lighting, drawing on over 15 years of experience in energy-efficient lighting and interiors to deliver stylish, client-minded illumination solutions across the UK.
2. Layer lighting in a loft wardrobe
Lighting a loft conversion wardrobe can be tricky, with low ceilings and awkward angles often leaving storage in shadow. But a layered scheme, combining ceiling downlights with integrated shelf lighting, can make all the difference.
Matt Phillips, head of UK operations at Rotpunkt, explains the thought behind the above setup: “Integrated lighting helps to set the mood by creating depth and height, as well as a cosy ambience, which will enhance the wardrobe experience, day or night.”
According to Matt, smart lighting controls would elevate this setup even further, with the option to dim fittings or adjust colour temperature at the flick of a button.
"Choosing smart-ready lighting means your wardrobe or bedroom lights can be controlled by remote, app, or even voice command," he explains. "Planning them alongside furniture helps the whole space work harder – giving you practical illumination, built-in flexibility, and a mood that’s easy to adjust at any time of day.”
Matt Phillips is Head of UK Operations at Rotpunkt, leading the brand’s growth since 2012. He champions sustainable lighting and kitchen design, innovative manufacturing, and expanding opportunities for UK retailers and designers.
3. Add light where you need it most
“Decide whether you want your wardrobe lighting to be functional, decorative, or both, and then position fittings to support that purpose,” says Jenna Forsdyke, interior designer at Pfeiffer Design.
Think of this as targeted lighting – putting the glow exactly where it will make the biggest difference. That might mean a motion sensor tucked into a narrow cupboard so the space lights up as soon as you reach in, or a slim strip set beneath or down the side of a drawer to stop smaller items getting lost in the shadows.
“LED strips are great for running along shelf and wardrobe edges, bringing in an atmospheric light with limited cabling,” adds Jamie Moxey, lighting expert at Dusk Lighting.
Jenna Forsdyke is Senior Interior Designer at Pfeiffer Design, specialising in timeless, client-focused interiors that blend practicality with personality across residential and commercial projects throughout the UK.
Jamie Moxey is Business Development Manager at Dusk Lighting, overseeing lighting product sourcing and customer advice from their Exeter-based showroom. He champions practical, design-led lighting solutions with personal service.
4. Install a rail light to highlight clothes
One of the sleekest ways to brighten a wardrobe is to make the hanging rail double as a light source. LED-integrated clothes bars cast an even glow directly over your garments, so every shirt, dress and jacket is visible at a glance. The effect is clean and modern, with the light hidden neatly inside the rail for a seamless finish. Many designs are motion-activated too, so the bar illuminates automatically when you open the doors.
The Jocca wardrobe lighting bar makes finding clothes effortless, thanks to its built-in motion sensor. Using passive infrared technology to detect body heat, the wireless LED switches on automatically when you’re nearby and turns off again once the space is empty.
5. Opt for statement pendant lighting in a walk-in dressing room
When it comes to walk-in wardrobe ideas, it isn’t only the cupboards that matter, how you light the ceiling deserves just as much attention. A statement pendant can anchor the room, adding a focal point above a central dressing island or vanity and bringing a sense of luxury to the whole space. In this design by Tom Howley, a feathered pendant introduces softness and texture, balancing the more structured bespoke joinery with a playful edge.
6. Don't underestimate the power of natural light
Sometimes nothing beats natural light. Positioning storage close to windows, or opting for wardrobe doors with glazed panels, allows daylight to flood in and show off your clothes in their truest colours. It’s also the most flattering light you’ll ever find in a dressing room, giving the space a naturally luxurious feel that no artificial glow can quite match.
Just be mindful about direct sunlight though. Strong rays can fade fabrics over time, so it’s best to angle wardrobes away from harsh light or filter it with sheers or blinds. This way, you’ll get all the benefits of daylighting without the risk of damaging your favourite pieces.
7. Play with layering and temperature lighting for a bespoke look
“Once you’ve nailed fixture placement, it’s all about layering light,” says Jenna Forsdyke. "When designing a wardrobe, I like to pair crisp task lighting with softer ambient lighting elsewhere in the bedroom, so it doesn’t feel too stark."
Glass-fronted wardrobes are ideal for this kind of treatment. Slim LEDs inside will showcase shoes, bags and folded clothes, while a gentler wash of light beyond the doors softens the overall look, stopping the wardrobe from feeling harsh or clinical.
Lighting temperature plays a big role too. While bright white task lighting works well internally, according to Chris Bawden, “warm white strips with a CRI above 90 work best for bedroom lighting, showing fabric in its true tones while keeping the atmosphere calm."
8. Make the most of motion sensors
Motion-sensor lights are one of the easiest ways to add convenience to your wardrobe set up. Instead of fumbling for a switch, the lights turn on automatically when you open the doors and shut off when you close them. This not only makes the space easier to navigate but also saves energy by ensuring lights aren’t left on unnecessarily.
There are several types to consider. Battery-operated stick-on models are quick to install and ideal for renters or smaller wardrobes. Plug-in LED strips with built-in sensors provide a more permanent solution, while hinge-activated lights or PIR (passive infrared) sensors can be tailored to larger or more custom designs.
Most battery-powered and adhesive options can be installed in minutes without tools, while hardwired versions may require an electrician.
Shop motion-sensor lighting
This rechargeable motion-sensor light offers natural 6000k daylight to show clothes’ true colours.
These battery-powered puck lights are completely wireless, motion-activated, and stick anywhere with adhesive pads.
With a 120° detection angle and 3–5m range, these motion-sensor LED lights offer broader coverage than most.
9. Spotlight closed wardrobes
Lighting isn’t only about what happens inside your wardrobe, it can transform the outside too. A row of surface-mounted spotlights above closed cabinetry casts a gentle wash of light down the doors, bringing drama and depth to the room after dark. The look works especially well with painted or textured finishes, where shadows and highlights show off your wardrobes craftsmanship.
“With wardrobes, placement is everything,” reminds Jenna Forsdyke. “If you position spotlights at the front shining backwards, you’ll instantly get that clear view of your clothes, shoes and accessories, rather than light that gets blocked by the items themselves.”
Many of these same lighting tricks work outside your wardrobe too. For example, when it comes to small bedroom lighting, layering soft glows, adding motion sensors, and picking the right temperature bulbs can make even the tiniest space feel brighter, calmer, and so much more inviting.
