Lighting considerations for Walk-In Closets and Dressing Areas

Lighting considerations for Walk-In Closets and Dressing Areas post thumbnail image

The closet was a small space that was located in the bedroom or hallway of older homes. It was usually near the front and/or rear doors. It was used to store clothing and other items that weren’t displayed year-round. One ceiling-mounted incandescent bulb with a relatively low wattage provided light.

New construction and older homes have shifted to the walk-in or dressing room in preference to the old clutter-collecting closet. If you’ve ever been house hunting, you will remember visit this link to learn more the positive comments about walk-in closets.

There are several things you should keep in mind if you plan to add walk-in closets/dressing rooms to your remodeling plans. Most, if not all municipal codes place restrictions on lighting in closets (or other areas where clothes are stored). These codes may also limit lighting in dressing rooms where clothing is stored. Codes often prohibit the use of exposed incandescent bulbs due to their potential fire hazard. Exposed compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) are also prohibited by some codes. Your remodeling plans will be reviewed and approved by the local building department before permits are issued. However, it is a good idea to check with them about the lighting plan in the areas that we are discussing.

A skylight or an outside window, although not usually prohibited by code is not recommended in clothing storage areas. Natural light can fade clothing and cause it to become brittle over time. Sun-blocking shades should be included in any plans for outside windows.

Full spectrum fluorescent lights are my top recommendation. Although originally intended to be used for indoor plants, they have become a variety of lighting options. They play a significant role in relieving some symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

SAD sufferers experience unpleasant symptoms in seasons when there isn’t enough sunlight. Because it casts a light with an unnatural bluish tint, the 5000-degree Kelvin fluorescent is not the best option for dressing rooms. The 3,500-degree Kelvin fluorescent produces warmer light, which allows for make-up that can be applied in daylight or under incandescent lights.

Recessed can-type fixtures are stylish and attractive, but there are some things you need to be aware of if you intend to use them. You should ensure that the code allows them. Second, the cans must be equipped with directional wall washer trims to allow the light source to illuminate the entire area rather than the area below it. Although specialty lighting may be more difficult to find than regular off-the-shelf fixtures and can be more costly, the extra effort and cost involved in finding them are well worth it.

Avoid lighting that produces a lot of heat. Use more low-power lights than a handful of high-powered ones. This will ensure more even lighting in your walk-in closet or dressing room, and will give you a more relaxed look.

Consider directional surface mounted lighting for large dressing rooms. Mount it on the ceiling, above the area where clothing is hanging. To make applying make-up and clothing easy, another surface-mounted system should be used.

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