12 Garage Lighting Ideas

Flush- Mount Ceiling Light

Choose a flush-mount light if you have low garage ceilings and are searching for a fixture that is easy to install. It is also cost-effective if you need multiple lights.

A flush-mount ceiling light is one that is installed directly on the ceiling, as the name suggests, it is flush against the drywall. This style of light is generally very inexpensive, is usually dome-shaped and ranges from 12 to 24 inches in standard diameter. Flush-mounts typically have a glass exterior, such as this one in a garage organized by A Fresh Space, accented by a white, nickel or bronze frame.

LED Ceiling Light

Use LED light bulbs for overhead lights such as this one, as well as for under-cabinet and free-standing light fixtures. An LED light stands for Light-Emitting Diode. LED light bulbs are one of the most popular types on the market and one of the best for your garage. They are energy-efficient and use up to 75% less energy, and last twice or three times as long as others do.

Under-Cabinet Lighting

Install under-cabinet lighting to provide a close and direct source of light for a task you are doing on the cabinet countertop. LED under-cabinet lights are the best choice because they are energy-efficient and come in a bight and warm white option. You can either have lights installed underneath your upper cabinets or if you don't want to deal with wiring, battery-operated puck lights or light strips that come with a remote are an excellent budget-friendly option that doesn't require electrical work. Under-cabinet lighting such as what you see in this garage designed by A Fresh Space is also a great way to add more subtle light if you don't quite want the brightness of ceiling lights but require some light in the garage.

Floor Lamp

If you're converting your garage into an additional living space such as this one by Julian Porcino, use a combination of light sources that are each suited for a different purpose. A converted garage opens up lots of lighting possibilities. Use a ceiling light for general lighting, a floor lamp for ambience and a task light on a desk for work purposes.

Natural Light

Embrace your windows to bring in light — natural light! Not only do widows provide light as can be seen in this garage by A Fresh Space, they also provide ventilation which is especially important if your garage tends to get musty, or you work on various car or house projects there that involve paint, oil and other strong-smelling materials.

Multiple Semi-Flush Mount Ceiling Lights

If you have the overhead clearance, use semi-flush mount lights for a more creative, industrial look. Similar to a flush-mount, this type of light fixture is installed close to the ceiling but slightly suspended for a small gap between the light and the ceiling. It's a good choice if you want to install multiple lights, as it will give off plenty of light while also adding a little more visual interest.

Ceiling Beam Light

Make use of lighting to highlight any nice architectural features of your garage. This modern garage organized by A Fresh Space features a dark-stained wood beam with a bulb suspended directly from it. This is a great way to draw focus to the beam that adds a decorative feature to an otherwise practical and more industrial looking part of the home. It also suspends the light lower which means its brightness is more focused.

Fluorescent Light

Try out fluorescent light tubes as a cost-effective and energy-efficient alternative to other bulbs. Some overhead lights such as this one in a garage project from NEAT by Meg have fluorescent light tubes instead of LED, incandescent or halogen light bulbs. You can also purchase fluorescent light bulbs, or CFLs that are in the form of classic bulbs and not tubes. This type of light is energy-efficient and less expensive than LEDs but do keep in mind that it takes a little while for the lights to get brighter.

Direct Light Above a Workspace

If you have a workspace in your garage, consider installing a linear light fixture directly above it to illuminate the work surface. It'll provide more direct light for detailed tasks without having to use larger overhead lights.

Motion Sensor Light

Install a motion-sensor light in your garage for added convenience and as a security feature for your home. You don't need to worry about finding the light switch in the dark and can have peace of mind knowing a light will turn on if there is motion in the garage. It's also a good way to conserve energy as the light will turn on when someone is inside and automatically shut off after a certain amount of time. No lights on all night because someone forgot to shut them off!

Multiple Sources of Light

Incorporate multiple light sources if you are working with a large garage that can accommodate multiple cars and has a storage area and a work space. This garage from A Fresh Space has a custom work area with under-cabinet lights that add direct task lighting. Combine that with overhead lights that distribute light across the entire garage and a motion-sensor light that's only activated when someone enters the space.

Linear Ceiling Light

Make the effort to illuminate your garage, even if it is just a single bay. This one from one of NEAT by Meg's projects can benefit from one or two linear ceiling lights. This type of fixture is available in various lengths and widths and distributes light well and evenly, providing enough of a light source for an entire garage.

Garage Lighting Tips

Keep these tips in mind as you choose your garage lighting.

• Consider your garage’s uses as you choose the best lighting for your garage. For example, if you just use the area to store your cars and maybe some tools, overhead lighting will suffice. But, if your garage doubles as a workshop in any way, you should also account for task lighting around your workshop area along with an overhead option.
• Opt for LED lights to ensure you are lighting your garage in an energy-efficient and long-lasting way. Chances are, your garage lightbulbs are perched much higher than those in your home, so it is best to choose bulbs that do not need to be swapped as frequently. 
• Choose lighting with 60 or so lumens per square foot for overhead lighting and 300 lumens per square foot for any task lighting in your garage. 
• Purchase lights with a wide distribution pattern if you have an especially wide garage with tall ceilings. This lighting type will illuminate more space so you can buy less fixtures overall.
• Ensure the lighting you choose is damp resistant, especially if you live in a rainy region, since garages are typically more exposed to moisture and the environment than other parts of the home.