Our Guide To Choosing Laundry Room Light Fixtures

I thought to touch on something different for this blog and laundry room lighting instantly came to mind. If you’ve spent countless hours sorting whites from darks, you can probably tell that good lighting makes a huge difference. From trying to spot a stain or matching up socks, the best laundry room light fixtures can turn a dim laundry space into a room where you can actually see what you’re doing.

Most of us aren’t strangers to the frustration of working in a poorly lit laundry room. Squinting under a single bare bulb that casts weird shadows everywhere isn’t my or anyone’s idea of hassle-free laundry.

After helping dozens of homeowners upgrade their laundry room lighting, I’ve learned what works and what doesn’t. On that note, let me share some practical tips to help you pick the best laundry room light fixtures for your space. Let’s get into the details!

Understanding Your Laundry Room’s Needs

Before we discuss specific fixtures, let’s take a quick look at your laundry room. How much natural light does it get? Where are your washer and dryer placed? Do you fold clothes in there? These questions will help you figure out exactly where you need light the most.

In my experience, most laundry rooms benefit from three types of lighting:

1. Task lighting over the washer and dryer (Same principle as kitchen lighting)
2. General overhead lighting
3. Under-cabinet lighting if you have shelving

Ceiling Light Options That Do Not Disappoint

The main overhead ceiling-mounted light is your starting point. I’ve found that flush-mount or semi-flush fixtures like our Carson light work best in most laundry rooms, especially if you’re dealing with lower ceilings. They don’t collect dust like chandeliers (trust me, you don’t want to clean that), and they spread light evenly across the space.

Some of our team’s favorite picks include:

1. LED-compatible flush mount  pendants for energy efficiency and aesthetics E,g the Carson light

2. Farmhouse ceiling lights for a touch of rustic elegance — our Malibu laundry room light is a good example.

3. Matte black semi-flush mount lights for a contemporary laundry room like our El-Segundo Light pictured below.

Task Lighting: Because Stains Don’t Find Themselves

Here’s something I learned the hard way: even the best overhead light can cast shadows right where you need to see clearly. That’s where task lighting comes in. Track lighting or adjustable wall sconces above your washer and dryer let you direct light exactly where you need it. One of our personal favorites for task lighting in the laundry room is our Gardena light.

Another hard-to-resist setup is installing LED wall or track lights ( or a combination of both)  under any shelving or cabinets. They’re affordable, easy to install, and make a huge difference when sorting laundry baskets or checking care labels. Our Westchester Light is a picture-perfect example.

Smart Solutions for Small Spaces

Working with a tiny laundry room? Been there. In compact spaces, multi-function fixtures are your friends. Look for options that combine good lighting with built-in features like:

1.  Motion sensors (great when your hands are full of laundry)
2.  Humidity-resistant ratings (important in laundry rooms)
3.  Dimmable settings (useful if your laundry room shares space with another room)

Making Practical Choices

When it comes to picking specific fixtures, think about maintenance. I always tell homeowners to consider these practical points:

1.  How easy is it to change the bulbs?
2.  Can you clean the fixture without a ladder?
3.  Will it stand up to humidity?
4.  Does it provide enough light for the space?

Style Tips That Make Sense

While style matters, function should lead the way in laundry rooms. That said, you can still pick fixtures that look good while doing their job. I’ve found that simple, clean-lined fixtures in white or matte black tend to work best. They’re easy to clean and match most decor styles.

Budget-Friendly Options That Last

Good lighting doesn’t have to break the bank. Some of the most reliable fixtures I’ve installed have been mid-range options that focus on quality construction over fancy features. Expect to spend:

•  $100-250 for a good flush-mount ceiling light
•  $100-200 for wall mounted lights
•  $20-40 for under-cabinet LED strips

Installation Tips to Keep in Mind

If you’re replacing old fixtures, note where your electrical boxes are located. Moving them can add significant cost to your project. Also, consider bringing in an electrician if you’re adding new fixtures. While it’s an extra upfront expense, proper installation makes a big difference in safety and function.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

I’ve seen plenty of laundry room lighting mistakes over the years. Here are some big ones to watch out for:

1. Picking fixtures that are too big for the space
2. Installing lights too close to upper cabinets
3. Forgetting to include task lighting
4. Choosing fixtures that are hard to clean

Making Your Final Choice

When you’re ready to buy, start with your main ceiling fixture and work your way down to task lighting. Take measurements, check the mounting requirements, and make sure your choices are rated for laundry room use.

The goal is to create a well-lit space where you can actually get things done without hassle. You don’t need fancy designer fixtures — you need lighting that helps you spot stains, match colors, and fold clothes without straining your eyes.

If you’re still unsure where to start, here’s what I’d recommend:

1. For bigger laundry rooms: Pair a statement farmhouse ceiling light with wall sconces for balanced lighting
2. For compact spaces: Go with a flush-mount ceiling light and under-cabinet strips
3. For basement laundry areas: Layer your lighting with both barn lights and task lighting to eliminate dark corners
4. For laundry closets: A simple gooseneck light can work wonders when space is tight

Pro tip: Before you buy, grab a tape measure and map out where your fixtures will go. Nothing’s worse than ordering a beautiful pendant only to find it hangs too low over your washer. Also, keep your ceiling height in mind — you’ll want at least 7 feet of clearance under any hanging fixtures.

Most importantly, don’t feel pressured to follow passing trends. Pick laundry room light fixtures that make sense for how you actually use your laundry room. The best choice is the one that helps you get your laundry done without straining your eyes or second-guessing if those socks match.

Have questions about specific fixtures or need help figuring out what might work best in your space? Our lighting experts are always happy to help you find the perfect match for your laundry room.