Say goodbye to fumbling through your clothes in the dark with this guide on installing sleek motion detector closet lights.
Time An hour or less
ComplexityBeginner
Cost$10 to $30
Introduction
Enhance your storage space with our foolproof guide to installing wireless closet lighting that mimics recessed can lights without the hassle.
Most reach-in, standard-size bedroom closets do not have closet lighting in them. Who wants to fish and connect an electric wire from an outlet or light switch and drill through studs to connect a light in a closet? The simple fact is that a lack of light in a closet makes it difficult to see the true color of your clothing or track down where a specific item may be. How often have you used the light on your phone to see in a closet and pick out an outfit? I am guilty of doing this many times!
The wonderful thing is that manufacturers have now developed battery-operated LED lights that look like recessed can lights and are perfect for your closet space. Some of the battery-operated LED options have a sensor triggering the light to come on the second you step into the closet, and you have a choice of on, off or auto.  The installation is easy, making it a perfect weekend DIY project you won’t regret. Let the light in with this easy closet upgrade!
Tools Required
- Drill
- Drill bits
- Measuring tape
- Stud finder
Materials Required
- 1-1/4" Screws
- Drywall anchors
- LED pot lights
Project step-by-step (4)
Step 1
Identify and mark installation locations
To help determine where the ceiling lights should be placed, do a test run to determine where the light will spill when the light is on. Install the batteries, turn the light on, and hold it up to the ceiling. Putting the light directly in the center of the closet ceiling may not be the best option, as clothing rods or items on upper shelves may block the pool of light, creating shadows rather than illuminating. I found that placing the light centered between the upper shelf unit and closet doors allows for the most light to spill.
If your light has an automatic light sensor, it is imperative that the mounting plate be installed at the location where the main body of the light will be positioned to place the light sensor towards the opening of the closet door. You want the sensor to be triggered immediately upon opening the doors. If the sensor faces the closet’s back wall, it may not trigger the light to come on as quickly as you would like it to.
Step 2
Mark the mounting plate screws
Separate the light from the mounting plate. Hold the mounting plate on the ceiling at the chosen location. Trace the screw placement slots onto the ceiling at your desired location.
The slots allow the plate to be moved back and forth before you tighten it against the ceiling.
Step 3
Secure the mount
Once you know where you want to attach the mounting plate and before screwing it into position, you must determine if you will be securing it into hollow ceiling drywall or into the wood joists. Use a stud finder to determine where the ceiling joists are and if they correspond with the screw placement of your mounting plate.
You have two options for securing the mounting plate. Screw straight through the drywall into the ceiling joist with a 1-1/4-in. screw. Or, install a drywall anchor and then screw into the anchor. Most manufacturers provide both options with your purchase. To prevent the plastic mounting plate from splitting under pressure, don’t over-tighten the screws.
You may need to use a combination of screws and drywall anchors for your desired LED pot lights placement.
Tip: To prevent drywall dust from getting all over your items in the closet, use a plastic cup drilled on the drill bit shaft to catch debris as you hollow out for the anchor. When drilling, lightly hold the plastic cup against the ceiling to allow drywall dust and debris to fall into it.
Step 4
Attach the light to mounting plate
Align the light’s main body with the mounting plate secured to the ceiling. Rotate and lock into place until it is securely in place.
FAQ
Are there different styles of lights not requiring wiring?
Yes, you will find many styles of LED lights that will work well in a closet and don’t require electric wiring. Some look like canned recessed lights, others look like light strips. The shallower the profile of the light, the more it will look like it is recessed. Some closet lighting options for a closet have sensors and on, off or auto buttons.
Are non-wired lights fixtures for closets expensive?
With any home DIY project, price is always relative. The wonderful thing is there are price options to go with different finishes and styles. Do the homework and select the best one for you.
