24 Garage Lighting Ideas to Brighten Up Your Space!

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If you’re looking for garage lighting ideas, you’ve come to the right place.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss different types of garage fixtures that will make your space well-lit and look great.

We’ll also provide tips on how to choose the right garage light for your needs.

So whether you’re looking for a modern fixture or something more traditional, we have the perfect solution for you!

Read on for more information!

What Are the Best Garage Lighting Ideas?

1) Get Different Garage Lighting Options for Different Functions

You’ll want to have different types of garage lights for different purposes.

For example, you might need a brighter light for working on projects, while softer light is better for navigating around the space. Some light can be used to bring attention to a specific object you want to highlight.

Therefore, artificial lighting in your garage can fall into 3 categories:

  1. Task lighting: These are the brightest garage lights and are meant to illuminate a specific area where you’re working on DIY projects.
  2. General lighting: This type of garage light is meant to provide illumination for the entire space.
  3. Accent lighting: These garage lights are used to highlight a particular object or area.

Task Lighting can be in the form of recessed lights, track lights, trouble lights, and shop lights.

For General Lighting, you might want to install fluorescent tube lights or LED garage lights. Some people may call these ambient lighting too.

And for Accent Lighting, you can use rope lights, spotlights, or even a string of holiday lights!

The important thing is to have a mix of different garage lighting fixtures to provide different functions.

This way, you can create the perfect garage lighting for your needs!

2) Choose the Right Lighting for Your Overhead Fixture

There are different garage lighting ideas for different overhead fixtures.

The type of garage light you choose will depend on the size and height of your garage, as well as the type of activity you’ll be doing in the space.

For example, if you have a small garage, a fluorescent light may be the best option. These lights are bright and will evenly illuminate the entire space.

On the other hand, if you have a large garage or you’ll be doing a lot of work in the space, LED bulbs may be the better option.

LED bulbs are very bright and will last for a long time, so you won’t have to worry about replacing them as often.

Whatever garage lighting you choose, make sure it’s the right size for your garage.

If the light is too small, it won’t provide enough illumination. And if it’s too large, it will be overwhelming and not look as good.

3) Pick a Light With a Cooler Color Temperature

When choosing a garage light, be sure to consider the color temperature.

The color temperature is the measure of how “warm” or “cool” a light appears.

Warm lights have a yellow or orange hue, while cool lights have a blue or white hue.

For garage lighting fixtures, it’s best to choose a light with a cool color temperature.

This will provide the most illumination and make it easier to see what you’re working on.

4) Consider the Finish of the Garage Lighting

When choosing a garage light, you should also consider the finish.

The finish is the color and texture of the light.

Some garage lights have a chrome or stainless steel finish, while others have a more traditional black or white finish.

There are even some garage lights that come in fun colors, like blue or green!

Whatever finish you choose, make sure it goes well with the other fixtures in your garage.

You don’t want your garage light to stick out like a sore thumb!

5) Get a Light With an Adjustable Brightness

When shopping for garage lights, be sure to look for one that has adjustable brightness.

This feature will allow you to customize the amount of light in your garage, depending on what you’re doing.

For example, if you’re just working on a small project, you may not need as much light as you would if you were working on a car.

The ability to adjust the brightness will also come in handy if you’re using your garage as a workspace and you need to be able to see what you’re doing. (Task lighting!)

For example, you can consider getting some smart garage lights that can be set to a specific brightness percentage either through voice on your voice assistant or on your smartphone.

6) Choose a Lighting With Motion Sensors

If you’re looking for a garage light that’s extra convenient, look for one with a motion sensor.

This feature will turn the light on automatically when it detects movement, so you don’t have to worry about flipping the switch every time you go into the garage.

This is especially helpful if you have your hands full and can’t reach the switch.

Just be sure to get a light with an adjustable sensitivity so you can customize how long the light stays on.

7) Get a Light With a Timer

Another convenient feature to look for in a garage light is a timer.

This will allow you to set the light to turn on and off at certain times, so you don’t have to worry about doing it yourself.

This is especially helpful if you’re forgetful or if you want to save energy.

Just be sure to get a light that allows you to set the timer for the exact amount of time you need.

8) Consider the Mounting Options of the Garage Lighting

When choosing garage lighting, be sure to consider the mounting options.

Some lights can be mounted on the ceiling, while others need to be mounted on the wall.

Ceiling-mounted lights are great if you have a high ceilings.

They provide more illumination and make it easier to see what you’re working on. Also, if you have more ceiling-mounted lights, you’ll have more larger storage area for your tools and other stuff.

Wall-mounted lights are a good choice if you have a lower garage ceiling.

They provide more light than floor lamps, but they don’t take up as much space.

Here’s an example of Outdoor Wall Sconces that look very sleek and leave more room for storage.

9) Pick a Durable and Weather-Resistant Garage Light

Finally, when choosing a garage light, be sure to pick one that’s durable and weather-resistant.

After all, your garage is probably the most exposed room in your house, so you’ll want a light that can withstand the elements.

You’ll want to make sure your garage lighting can withstand high and low heat if you live in a temperate climate and high humidity if you live in a tropical climate.

10) Get a Light With a Modern Design

If you’re looking for interior garage lighting ideas that are both functional and stylish, look for lights with a modern design.

There are plenty of options to choose from, so you should be able to find something that goes well with your garage’s overall aesthetic and still provide ample ambient lighting!

For example, this LED Hexagon Garage Light can instantly transform your space into a modern garage, almost like a batcave!

Also, if you’re looking for fancy garage lights, you can check out this foldable LED garage light too!

Just don’t neglect durability and weather resistance so it can withstand the elements!

11) Take Advantage of Natural Light

If you have a garage with windows, take advantage of the natural light!

Open the curtains or blinds during the day to let in as much light as possible.

Not only will this save you money on your energy bill, but it will also make it easier to see what you’re working on.

And if you have a garage door with windows, you can open it to let even more light in.

12) Swap Old Incandescent Light Bulbs for LED Lights

If you’re looking for energy-efficient garage lighting ideas, consider using LED lights.

LED lights consume less energy than traditional incandescent light bulbs, so they’ll help you save money on your energy bill.

They also last longer, so you won’t have to replace them as often.

Here are a few LED garage lighting ideas:

Check out this extremely bright LED Garage Light that’s adjustable and has good heat dissipation for hot weather in the summers!

Just be sure to get a light with an adjustable brightness so you can customize the amount of light in your garage.

13) Use Recessed Lighting

If you want garage lighting ideas that are both functional and stylish, consider using recessed lighting. These lights act as a good source of ambient light for the garage.

Recessed lights are installed in the ceiling, so they provide more light than floor lamps.

An example would be flushed mount lights which do not take up much ceiling space in your garage.

And since they’re flush with the ceiling, they have a modern look that can enhance your garage’s overall aesthetic.

Also, these lights won’t get in the way when your garage door is brought up!

For example, these TORCHSTAR LED Recessed Lights are a great option for general lighting around the garage!

These really help accentuate and provide more perceived space and attention to your garage decor as it gives an illusion of an uncluttered ceiling!

14) Get a Solar-Powered Garage Light for the Garage Entryway

If you’re looking for an environmentally-friendly garage lighting option, consider getting a solar-powered light fixture.

Solar-powered lights use the sun’s energy to generate light, so they don’t contribute to your carbon footprint.

They’re also easy to install since you don’t have to worry about running wires or connecting them to an electrical outlet.

Just be sure to get a light that’s durable and weather-resistant so it can withstand the elements.

15) Use Fluorescent Lights

Fluorescent lights are a great choice for garage lighting because they’re energy-efficient and long-lasting.

They also provide more light than traditional incandescent light bulbs, so you’ll be able to see what you’re working on more easily.

16) Consider Your Garage’s Overall Aesthetic

Source: Snapgoods

When choosing garage lighting, be sure to consider your garage’s overall aesthetic.

You’ll want to choose lights that complement the style of your garage, whether it’s modern, rustic or something in between.

Then, you’ll want to make sure you use a combination of ambient lighting for lighting up the room generally and accent lighting to highlight certain pieces you want to bring more attention to!

If your garage isn’t used for power tools and DIY projects, but as just a place for an extra home office, then you can consider a soft overhead light instead of the harsh white light of multiple flush mount fixtures!

Just be sure to get a light that’s durable and weather-resistant so it can withstand the elements.

17) Get Creative With Your Garage Lighting

There are endless possibilities when it comes to garage lighting.

So if you’re stuck for ideas, don’t be afraid to get creative.

There are plenty of options to choose from, so you should be able to find something that goes well with your garage’s overall aesthetic.

Good lighting for a garage doesn’t have to be boring!

Consider using these LED tube-shaped bulbs from Amazon that look like incandescent bulbs!

Just be sure to get a light that’s durable and weather-resistant so it can withstand the elements.

18) Choose the Right Bulb Wattage

When you choose bulbs for garage lighting fixtures, be sure to choose the right bulb wattage.

If you want a bright light for working on projects, choose a higher wattage bulb.

But if you just need light for navigation, a lower wattage bulb will suffice.

Here’s a chart by Take 3 Lighting, showing the relationship between the watts different bulb types have and their respective brightness (in lumens).

Source: Take 3 Lighting

You can easily tell that an incandescent bulb requires more power (higher watts) than an LED bulb to achieve the same light output (in lumens).

Just be sure to get a light that’s durable and weather-resistant so it can withstand the elements.

19) Consider Your Budget

Finally, be sure to consider your budget when choosing garage lighting.

There are plenty of cost-effective options available, so you don’t have to break the bank to get good garage lighting!

20) Get a Light With a Warranty

When choosing garage lighting, be sure to get a light with a warranty.

This will protect you in case your light breaks or doesn’t work as expected.

And if something does go wrong, you’ll be able to get a replacement without having to pay for it.

21) Pick a Light With a High Lumen Output

You’ll need to make sure the lumen output is adequate for your garage.

The lumen output is how bright a lighting fixture is, so make sure you choose one with enough lumens for enough light produced for the space.

Stick to a lumen output range of 1000-3000 if your garage is small (about 1 square meter).

You will need a higher lumen output if your garage space is more on the large side!

22) Install Lights at an Equal Distance From Each Other

A quick garage lighting tip is to install lights at an equal distance from each other!

This will ensure that your garage is evenly lit by multiple bulbs and that there are no dark spots.

23) Buy Bulbs With a High Color Rendering Index (CRI)

Make sure you buy bulbs with a high color rendering index (CRI)!

The CRI is a measure of how well a light source renders colors.

A bulb with a high CRI will make colors appear more vibrant and true to life.

24) Consider Using a High Bay Light For Larger Garages

High bay lights are great for garages that have ceilings that are higher than 15 feet. If you own a commercial garage, this is the kind of lighting you should look for.

However, there are a number of advantages of using high bay lights versus low bay lights.

Advantages:

  • Cheaper
  • More durability
  • Achieves more illumination
  • Works well in cold weather

Disadvantages:

  • May be too bright for smaller garages.
  • May cast shadows due to its narrow beam angle.
  • Cost more than low bay lights

Final Thoughts

There you have it! These are just some garage lighting ideas to get you started.

Be sure to consider your garage’s overall aesthetic, the type of light you need, and your budget when choosing garage lighting.

And don’t forget to get garage lighting with a warranty so you’re protected in case something goes wrong! Thanks for reading!

Justin Chia

Justin is the author of Justjooz and is a data analyst and AI expert. He is also a Nanyang Technological University (NTU) alumni, majoring in Biological Sciences.

He regularly posts AI and analytics content on LinkedIn, and writes a weekly newsletter, The Juicer, on AI, analytics, tech, and personal development.

To unwind, Justin enjoys gaming and reading.

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