A well-lit laundry room is essential for tackling the chore of laundry. Good lighting can make a difference in your ability to sort, fold, and iron clothes, and it can also make the room feel more inviting and spacious. If you’re looking for ways to upgrade your laundry room lighting on a budget, DIY is the way to go! From adding a touch of color with pendant lights to utilizing natural light, there are many creative and affordable ways to illuminate your laundry space.
Pendant Lights for a Pop of Color
Pendant lights are a great way to add a touch of personality to your laundry room, especially when paired with vibrant colors. Think emerald green, sapphire blue, or terracotta orange for a trendy, modern look. For a farmhouse aesthetic, choose pendant lights with a rustic finish like brushed nickel or antique brass. Pair these lights with a dimmer switch for adjusting the ambiance depending on your laundry needs. In the US, vibrant pendant lights are gaining popularity in laundry room design, while in the EU, a more minimalist and functional approach is favored, often using pendant lights with a sleek and simple design in neutral colors.
Recessed Lighting for a Clean, Modern Look
Recessed lighting is a popular choice for laundry rooms because it provides even, glare-free illumination. Choose LED bulbs for energy efficiency and long-lasting light. Recessed lighting can be installed around the perimeter of the room, or you can use a combination of recessed and pendant lights for a more layered look. Recessed lighting is a popular choice in both the US and EU, offering a minimalist and modern aesthetic.
Under-Cabinet Lighting for Task-Specific Illumination
Under-cabinet lighting is essential for illuminating your work surface and making it easier to sort and fold clothes. Choose LED strips for a sleek, modern look or opt for puck lights for a more traditional aesthetic. For a warmer glow, choose LED strips with a warm white or amber color temperature. Under-cabinet lighting is a staple in both US and EU laundry room designs, as it provides functional and practical lighting.
Track Lighting for Versatility and Customization
Track lighting is a versatile option that allows you to easily adjust the direction of your light source. This is ideal for highlighting specific areas of your laundry room, such as your ironing board or laundry hamper. You can choose from a variety of track lighting fixtures, from sleek and modern to traditional and elegant. In the US, track lighting is often seen as a stylish and practical choice for laundry rooms, while in the EU, it’s considered a more practical and functional option.
Sconces for a Touch of Elegance
Sconces can add a touch of elegance to your laundry room, especially if you choose ones with a decorative finish or intricate design. For a modern look, choose sconces with a minimalist design and sleek lines. For a more traditional style, opt for sconces with a vintage finish or ornate details. Sconces are becoming increasingly popular in US laundry room design, adding a touch of sophistication and style.
Ceiling Fan with Light for Versatility and Air Circulation
A ceiling fan with a light fixture is a practical and stylish choice for laundry rooms, especially in warmer climates. The fan helps circulate air and prevent moisture buildup, while the light fixture provides ample illumination. Choose a ceiling fan with a clean and simple design for a modern look, or opt for a fan with a more traditional finish for a farmhouse or vintage aesthetic. Ceiling fans with light fixtures are a common feature in both US and EU laundry rooms, particularly in areas with hot and humid climates.
Natural Light for a Bright and Airy Space
Maximize natural light in your laundry room by installing a window. If you don’t have a window, consider adding a skylight to let in natural light. Natural light can make your laundry room feel brighter and more spacious. To diffuse harsh sunlight, use sheer curtains or blinds. Natural light is a valued feature in both US and EU laundry room design, with many homeowners prioritizing natural light for a more welcoming and airy space.
Mirrors to Create the Illusion of Space
Mirrors can reflect light and make your laundry room feel larger. Place a mirror across from a window or a light source to maximize the reflection. In the US, mirrors are often incorporated into laundry room design to enhance the space’s visual appeal, while in the EU, mirrors are less commonly used but are still considered a practical way to brighten the room.
Use Light Bulbs to Set the Mood
The type of light bulbs you choose can significantly impact the mood and ambiance of your laundry room. For a bright and cheerful space, use cool white bulbs. For a warmer and more inviting atmosphere, opt for soft white or warm white bulbs. In the US, cool white bulbs are widely used for practical tasks like laundry, while warm white bulbs are preferred for creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. In the EU, warm white bulbs are more popular as they create a gentler and more relaxed ambiance.
Add a Touch of Sparkle with Chandeliers
Chandeliers are an unexpected but elegant addition to laundry rooms. They can add a touch of sparkle and glamour to the space, and they’re especially effective in larger laundry rooms with high ceilings. Choose a chandelier with a clean and simple design for a modern look, or opt for a chandelier with a more traditional finish for a farmhouse or vintage aesthetic. Chandeliers are gaining popularity in US laundry rooms, particularly in contemporary homes with larger laundry spaces.
Use String Lights for a Romantic Ambiance
String lights can add a touch of whimsy and romance to your laundry room, especially if you have a farmhouse or rustic design aesthetic. Hang string lights along the ceiling or around the perimeter of the room. Choose string lights with a warm white or amber color temperature for a cozy and inviting atmosphere. String lights are a popular DIY lighting solution for laundry rooms, offering a charming and whimsical touch.
LED Strips for a Modern and Sleek Look
LED strips are a modern and stylish way to add lighting to your laundry room. They can be used to create accent lighting or task lighting, and they come in a variety of colors and sizes. For a sleek and contemporary look, choose LED strips with a frosted finish. LED strips are a popular choice for laundry rooms in both the US and EU, offering a contemporary and energy-efficient lighting solution.
Combine Different Light Sources for a Layered Look
For a more layered and interesting look, use a combination of different light sources, such as recessed lighting, pendant lights, and under-cabinet lighting. This will create a more dynamic and inviting space. Combining different light sources allows for customized lighting solutions, tailoring the light intensity and ambiance to different tasks and moods.
Use Smart Lighting for Convenience and Control
Smart lighting allows you to control your laundry room lights remotely using a smartphone or tablet. This is convenient for turning the lights on and off when you’re not home, and it can also help you save energy by automatically turning the lights off when you’re not using them. Smart lighting is increasingly popular in US and EU homes, offering convenient and energy-efficient solutions for laundry room lighting.
Use Color to Brighten Your Laundry Room
The color of your light bulbs can affect the overall feel of your laundry room. Warm white bulbs create a cozy and inviting atmosphere, while cool white bulbs create a brighter and more cheerful feel. Consider using different color temperatures in different areas of your laundry room to create different moods. For example, you could use cool white bulbs for task lighting and warm white bulbs for ambient lighting.
Use Dimmers to Control the Ambiance
Dimmers allow you to adjust the brightness of your laundry room lights, which can be helpful for creating different moods. For example, you can dim the lights for a more relaxed atmosphere when you’re folding clothes, or you can brighten the lights for a more focused atmosphere when you’re sorting laundry. Dimmers are becoming a standard feature in laundry room lighting design, allowing for customized illumination and ambiance.
Use Light to Highlight Your Laundry Room Features
Light can be used to highlight the architectural features of your laundry room, such as exposed beams, vaulted ceilings, or decorative trim. Use spotlights or track lighting to draw attention to these features and create a more visually interesting space. Highlighting architectural features through strategic lighting enhances the visual appeal and adds character to the laundry room.
Use Light to Create a Sense of Space
Light can be used to make a small laundry room feel larger. For example, you can use light to draw the eye upward to a high ceiling or to create a sense of depth by using spotlights to highlight features at the back of the room. Using light to create a sense of space is particularly useful in smaller laundry rooms, maximizing the visual impact and creating a more airy feel.
