Garage Lighting Ideas

Garages can be a versatile space that homeowners can use for various activities, including storage, woodworking, car maintenance, and more. However, having inadequate lighting in your garage can make it difficult to perform these activities, and can even be dangerous. This is where the right garage lighting ideas can make all the difference.

In this blog post, we will discuss the difference between task lighting and general lighting, how lighting can be impacted by how you use your garage, where you need lights in the garage, and the pros and cons of LED and fluorescent lighting in the garage.

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Task Lighting vs. General Lighting

Garage Task Lighting 

Refers to the use of specific lighting fixtures to illuminate a particular area or task. This type of lighting is designed to provide focused, bright light that illuminates where lighting is needed most. Some examples of task lighting in a garage might include overhead lights above a workbench, or under-cabinet lighting for a tool chest.

Garage General Lighting

General lighting provides overall illumination to a large area. This type of lighting is intended to provide a broad, even light that can help you navigate and see everything in the garage. Examples of general lighting in a garage might include  flush mounted fluorescent fixtures or LED strip lights in the center if your garage.

How Lighting Can Be Impacted by How You Use Your Garage

Before deciding on the type of lighting you want in your garage, it’s important to consider how you’ll be using the space. For example, if you plan to use your garage as a workshop, you’ll likely want and need brighter task lighting in the areas where you’ll be doing the detailed and fine work. However, if you’re using the garage primarily for storage, general center of the room lighting might be sufficient to cover your lighting needs.

Where You Need Lighting in the Garage

The placement of your light fixtures will also depend on how you plan to use the garage. Some common areas where you’ll need lights in your garage include:

• Overhead lighting 
• Above workbenches or other work areas
• Lighting above or around tools and equipment
• Under-cabinet lighting in tool chests or cabinets
• Lighting in storage areas or closets

Pros and Cons of LED and Fluorescent Lighting in the Garage

There are two main types of lighting that are commonly used in garages: LED and fluorescent. Here are some of the pros and cons of each type:

Garage LED Lighting

Pros:

• Energy-efficient
• Longer lifespan
• Can be dimmable
• Low heat output
• Comes in a variety of colors

Cons:

• Higher upfront and installation cost
• May require additional fixtures to cover large areas

Garage Fluorescent Lighting

Pros:

• Cost-effective
• Good for general lighting of your garage
• Comes in a variety of sizes

Cons:

• Not as energy-efficient as LED
• Contains small amounts of mercury, which can be hazardous if broken
• May flicker or hum

Garage Lighting ideas

Now that we understand what type of lighting goes best with the various different tasks commonly done in a garage lets take a look at the most popular garage lighting ideas for you to consider for your garage.

LED Adjustable Garage Lights

These adjustable LED lights are a great way to customize the illumination of your garage. These fixtures are installed directly into a traditional light bulb socket, and then adjusted to provide light wherever it is needed. This a great way to add lot of light that a single light bulb cannot provide. The downside of this product is that you would have to have a pretty basic light fixture to install this into but that is a relatively easy fix if you decide to go this route for your garage lighting.

LED Light: Garage Lighting Ideas

These hanging LED lights are a great way to get basic illumination for your garage. This type of light hangs from the ceiling, providing a bright and evenly distributed light around your space. They come in various sizes, so you can choose one that fits the size of your garage perfectly. One awesome feature of this product is the ability to connect multiple fixture to one another. The only downside I can see with this product is you would have to have an electrical socket on your garage ceiling to avoid unsightly cords hanging from the ceiling. Often times though if you have a garage door opener you probably have one near the mechanism that opens and closes the garage. This garage lighting idea is easy and budget friendly.

Cordless and Portable LED Garage Light

If you are looking for a quick and easy solution to light up your garage, then this cordless and portable LED light is for you. This type of light comes with a rechargeable battery that can last up 8 1 10 hours on one charge, so you don’t have to worry about being tethered to an outlet while working in your garage. I use this type of lighting in my garage often. I like the flexibility of this style of lighting. If you are working in one corner you bring it over and it provides an excellent amount of task lighting. You can even point the light in any direction and lock it into place.

Garage Door Windows 

When searching for way to illuminate your garage do not discount any windows you may have in the garage, to include ones on your garage door. Natural light Is the best lighting source there is and maximizing its use will beat any light fixture.

Press on Light

 If you are looking for a quick and easy solution to light up your workspace than the press on lights that turn on with a click of a button are perfect for you. You can place these lights anywhere in your garage, no cords or outlets needed. These lights come in handy when you need some extra illumination while working on projects or specific tasks. They give off a warm glow that helps make darker areas easily visible. The only downside to these lights is they will eventually need their batteries replaced but this type of lighting is great if you need flexibility in your lighting scheme. I used them in these DIY wall sconces you certainly could adapt this idea to your garage. 

Motion Lighting

This idea options is one of the best garage lighting options. you can add this type of lighting by adding motion sensors to your garage lighting fixtures. This is great for hands free lighting, simply walk into the garage and your lights automatically turn on. This lighting idea is also a great way to reduce your energy usage as the lights will also automatically turn off as well.

Garage Lighting Ideas Conclusion

Choosing the right garage lighting option can make a significant difference in the functionality and safety of your space. By considering your needs and how you’ll be using the garage, you can determine whether you need task lighting, general lighting, or a combination of both. And by weighing the pros and cons of LED and fluorescent lighting, you can choose the right lights to fit your budget and needs.