Upgrade Your Closet (And Wardrobe) With An Easy, Inexpensive Swap

There are many clever closet hacks you didn't know you needed, but perhaps one of the easiest and most inexpensive upgrades for your closet is to change your closet lighting. Most people don't think about the lighting in their closet, which is essential not only for creating the perfect mood but also for viewing your clothing the way it's meant to be seen. Since light bulbs come in different color temperatures, choosing the right one for color representation is key. Choosing a color temperature between 3000K and 4000K is best for most closets — a cool white color temperature that gives off a bright and vibrant light.

You can avoid the common mistakes everyone makes when buying light bulbs by paying attention to the bulb's color temperature and sticking with a cool white option for your closet. If you've never paid much attention to your lightbulbs before, that's okay. Below is a breakdown of what to expect with each color temperature for your closet lighting.

While you can add a lighting solution that adds whimsical charm to your closet for some wonderful lighting accents, it's incredible what a simple lightbulb swap can do for your closet, too. Color temperatures are measured in Kelvins — the higher the Kelvin, the brighter and crisper the light that comes from it. Conversely, the lower the number of Kelvins, the warmer the light is. Warm light is often considered to be cozy and inviting and ranges from 2700K to 3000K. These give off a yellow or red hue, so you won't see your clothing's true colors if they are in your closet.

However, by upgrading your closet lighting to cool white bulbs (3500K to 4100K), you'll lose the red or yellow hue and instead have a more natural bluish hue that's similar to true daylight. These lights are best where brightness is needed, and unlike with warm light, where clothing can look distorted, you'll see your items the way they are intended, without any shade alteration or distortion.

For specialty designer closets, where the best lighting for color matching is essential, choose a lightbulb with a daylight color temperature of 5000K to 6500K. This lighting has a bluish-whitish tone, making colors vibrant and true. While these might be too bright for a traditional closet, it's best to install them where shades of color matter.