The laundry room is often overlooked when it comes to design, but it’s an important space that deserves some attention. A well-designed laundry room can make doing chores more enjoyable, and a key element to achieving this is lighting. The right lighting can enhance the space, highlight its features, and create a welcoming and functional atmosphere. With the right lighting, your laundry room can be transformed from a mundane chore space to a beautiful and efficient haven.
Under-Cabinet Lighting
Under-cabinet lighting is a classic and practical choice for laundry room sinks. It provides task lighting, making it easier to see what you’re doing when you’re washing clothes, pre-treating stains, or folding laundry. It also adds a modern touch, especially when using LED strip lights. You can choose from a variety of colors and brightness levels, from warm white for a cozy atmosphere to cool white for a more functional and energizing feel. In the US, a popular trend is to use a combination of warm and cool white LED strip lights under cabinets, with warm white lighting above the sink and cool white lighting under the countertops for a visually appealing and practical effect. In the EU, there’s a growing preference for integrated LED lights built directly into the cabinets, offering a sleek and seamless look.
Pendant Lighting
Pendant lights are a stylish and versatile option for laundry room sinks. They can be used to create a focal point above the sink, adding a touch of elegance and personality to the space. For a modern and industrial look, consider using pendant lights with exposed bulbs and metal accents. If you’re looking for a more traditional style, opt for pendant lights with fabric shades or frosted glass. In the US, pendant lights with brushed nickel finishes are gaining popularity, while in the EU, black or matte finishes are more common. When choosing pendant lights, consider the height of your ceilings and the size of your sink to ensure proper placement and optimal lighting.
Recessed Lighting
Recessed lighting is a popular choice for laundry rooms because it is discreet and efficient. It can be used to create a more even and balanced light distribution, eliminating shadows and providing ample illumination for tasks. For a minimalist aesthetic, opt for recessed lights with white or black trims. In the US, recessed lighting with a warm white color temperature is favoured for its warm and inviting ambiance, while in the EU, cooler white tones are more common due to their association with efficiency and cleanliness. Recessed lights can be integrated with smart home systems for dimming and colour control, allowing you to customize your laundry room’s atmosphere based on your mood and needs.
Sconce Lighting
Sconces are a beautiful and functional lighting option for laundry room sinks. They add a touch of sophistication and elegance to the space, while also providing ample light for tasks. Sconces can be placed on either side of the sink for symmetrical lighting, or above the mirror for a more dramatic look. In the US, white or silver sconces are popular choices, while in the EU, black or brass finishes are more common. For a modern look, choose sconces with geometric shapes or minimalist designs. For a traditional style, opt for sconces with ornate details and classic shapes.
Track Lighting
Track lighting is a flexible and practical choice for laundry room sinks. It allows you to adjust the direction of the light, ensuring optimal illumination for all tasks. You can use track lighting to highlight specific features in your laundry room, such as a decorative tile backsplash or a piece of artwork. Track lighting is particularly well-suited for laundry rooms with high ceilings, as it allows you to direct the light downwards towards the sink. In the US, black or white track lights are popular choices, while in the EU, silver or brushed metal finishes are more common. Track lighting can also be integrated with smart home systems for dimming and colour control, offering flexibility and customization.
LED Strip Lights
LED strip lights are a trendy and affordable option for laundry room sinks. They can be easily installed under cabinets, along the backsplash, or even around the perimeter of the room, creating a unique and visually appealing effect. LED strip lights offer a wide range of colors and brightness levels, allowing you to customize the atmosphere to your liking. In the US, RGB LED strip lights are popular, providing a wide range of colors and allowing for dynamic lighting effects. In the EU, cool white LED strip lights are favoured for their efficiency and clean appearance. LED strip lights can be integrated with smart home systems for remote control, allowing you to adjust the brightness and color temperature with ease.
Ceiling Lights
Ceiling lights can provide general illumination for your laundry room, while also adding a touch of style. Choose a ceiling light that complements the overall design of your laundry room, whether it’s modern, traditional, or farmhouse style. In the US, flush mount ceiling lights are common, offering a minimalist and practical solution. In the EU, pendant lights with frosted glass shades or a sleek, modern design are popular. When choosing ceiling lights, consider the size of your laundry room and the amount of natural light it receives.
Mirror Lighting
Adding a mirror to your laundry room can make the space feel larger and brighter. You can enhance the mirror with lighting to create a more functional and stylish space. Consider adding a pair of sconces on either side of the mirror or a single light fixture above the mirror. In the US, backlit mirrors with integrated LEDs are popular, while in the EU, mirrors with decorative frames and light bulbs are favoured. Mirror lighting can also provide task lighting for grooming or applying makeup.
Task Lighting
Task lighting is essential for any laundry room, especially around the sink. It ensures that you have adequate light for washing clothes, pre-treating stains, and folding laundry. Consider using under-cabinet lights, a pendant light above the sink, or a combination of both. In the US, a combination of warm and cool white LED lights is often used for a visually appealing and functional effect. In the EU, cool white LED lights are more common, offering efficiency and a clean appearance.
Ambient Lighting
Ambient lighting creates a general mood and helps define the overall atmosphere of your laundry room. It can be used to soften the space, create a sense of tranquility, or add a touch of drama. For ambient lighting, consider using a dimmer switch for your ceiling lights or using LED strip lights behind furniture or shelves. In the US, warm white ambient lighting is favoured for its cozy and welcoming feel, while in the EU, cool white lighting is more common, offering a clean and modern aesthetic.
Accent Lighting
Accent lighting can highlight specific features in your laundry room, such as a decorative tile backsplash, a piece of artwork, or a plant. You can use LED strip lights, sconces, or small pendant lights to create visual interest and draw attention to these features. In the US, accent lighting with warm white tones is popular for its warm and inviting feel, while in the EU, cool white lighting is more common, offering a modern and sleek aesthetic.
Natural Light
Natural light is a valuable asset in any laundry room, providing brightness and a sense of openness. If your laundry room has windows, make sure they are kept clean and unobstructed to maximize natural light. You can also add a skylight to your laundry room if you want to enhance natural light even further. In the US, large windows and sliding glass doors are common features in laundry rooms, while in the EU, smaller windows and French doors are more common.
Color Combinations
The color scheme of your laundry room lighting can play a significant role in its overall aesthetic. Consider using warm white lighting for a cozy and inviting atmosphere, or cool white lighting for a clean and modern feel. You can also experiment with different color combinations to create a unique and personalized look. In the US, warm white lighting is popular for its cozy and welcoming feel, while in the EU, cool white lighting is more common, offering a clean and modern aesthetic.
Design Styles
The style of your laundry room lighting should complement the overall design of your space. For a modern laundry room, consider using sleek pendant lights, track lighting, or LED strip lights. For a traditional laundry room, opt for sconces, chandeliers, or pendant lights with frosted glass shades. For a farmhouse style laundry room, consider using pendant lights with rustic finishes or farmhouse-style sconces.
Energy Efficiency
Energy-efficient lighting is a smart choice for any laundry room. LED lights are a great option, as they use less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last longer. You can also consider using dimmer switches to reduce energy consumption and create a more relaxing atmosphere. In the US, LED lights are becoming increasingly popular due to their energy efficiency and long lifespan. In the EU, energy-efficient lighting standards are strict, promoting the use of LED lights and other energy-saving technologies.
