Introduction
Good lighting can make a huge difference in any laundry room. Whether you’re folding clothes, spot-treating stains, or organizing shelves, the right lighting makes tasks easier and your space more inviting. Learning how to install new lighting in a laundry room is a practical upgrade that can improve visibility, reduce eye strain, and even enhance your room’s style.
Why Lighting Matters in a Laundry Room
Laundry rooms often get overlooked when it comes to lighting, leaving them dim or relying on outdated fixtures. The benefits of upgrading include:
- Better task lighting for spotting stains and sorting clothes.
- Increased energy efficiency with LED fixtures.
- Aesthetic improvements that make the room feel fresh and modern.
- Added safety by illuminating floors and work areas.
Step-by-Step Guide to Installing New Lighting in a Laundry Room
1. Choose the Right Lighting Type
What to do:
- Ceiling-mounted fixtures work for general lighting in small laundry rooms.
- LED recessed lights give a clean, modern look and distribute light evenly.
- Under-cabinet lighting adds brightness directly to work surfaces.
- Pendant lights can be used for style in larger laundry rooms.
Why it works:
The right type of lighting ensures you have enough brightness where you need it most without unnecessary glare.
2. Select the Right Bulb Brightness and Color Temperature
What to do:
- Choose bulbs between 4000K–5000K for bright, daylight-like light.
- Aim for at least 1,500 lumens for small rooms and 2,500+ lumens for larger spaces.
Why it works:
A bright, cool-toned light makes it easier to see fabric details and colors accurately.
3. Gather Your Tools and Materials
You’ll need:
- New light fixture(s)
- LED bulbs (if not included)
- Ladder or step stool
- Screwdriver
- Wire strippers
- Voltage tester
- Wire nuts and electrical tape
- Drill (if needed)
- Safety goggles and gloves
Why it works:
Having everything ready before you start makes the installation process smoother and safer.
4. Turn Off the Power
What to do:
- Switch off the light at the wall switch.
- Turn off the breaker that controls the laundry room lighting.
- Use a voltage tester to confirm there’s no electricity running to the wires.
Why it works:
Cutting power is the most important safety step to prevent electrical shocks.
5. Remove the Old Fixture
What to do:
- Unscrew the fixture cover and remove the light bulbs.
- Unscrew the fixture base from the ceiling or wall.
- Disconnect the wires by unscrewing the wire nuts.
Why it works:
Removing the old fixture clears the way for a safe, clean installation of your new light.
6. Prepare the Wiring
What to do:
- Check the electrical box to ensure it’s securely fastened.
- Strip about ½ inch of insulation from the ends of the wires if needed.
- Inspect wires for any fraying or damage—replace if necessary.
Why it works:
Properly prepared wires ensure a strong electrical connection.
7. Connect the New Fixture
What to do:
- Match the black (hot) wire from the fixture to the black wire from the ceiling.
- Match the white (neutral) wire from the fixture to the white wire from the ceiling.
- Match the green or bare copper (ground) wire to the ground wire from the ceiling or to the green screw on the mounting bracket.
- Secure each connection with a wire nut and wrap with electrical tape for extra safety.
Why it works:
Correct wiring ensures the light works safely and efficiently.
8. Mount the Fixture
What to do:
- Attach the fixture’s mounting plate or bracket to the electrical box using screws.
- Secure the fixture to the mounting plate according to manufacturer instructions.
- Install bulbs (if separate) and attach any covers or shades.
Why it works:
Proper mounting keeps your fixture secure and aligned.
9. Turn the Power Back On and Test
What to do:
- Restore power at the breaker.
- Flip the light switch to test the new fixture.
- If the light doesn’t work, turn off the breaker again and double-check your connections.
Why it works:
Testing ensures the installation was successful and safe before regular use.
10. Add Extra Lighting Enhancements (Optional)
Ideas:
- Install motion-sensor switches for hands-free lighting when you enter the room.
- Add under-shelf or cabinet strip lighting for task-specific illumination.
- Use smart bulbs for adjustable brightness and color temperature.
Why it works:
Layered lighting makes your laundry room both functional and stylish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Forgetting to Turn Off the Power
Solution: Always switch off at the breaker and test wires before working.
Mistake 2: Using the Wrong Bulbs
Solution: Choose LED bulbs for long life, efficiency, and bright, even light.
Mistake 3: Ignoring Lumens and Color Temperature
Solution: Select lighting that’s bright enough for the space and matches the task.
Mistake 4: Overloading the Circuit
Solution: Ensure your laundry room’s circuit can handle the new lighting load.
Mistake 5: Skipping Ground Wire Connection
Solution: Always connect the ground wire for electrical safety.
Extra Laundry Tips & Hacks
- Choose moisture-resistant fixtures if your laundry room is prone to humidity.
- Combine ambient lighting with task lighting for the best results.
- Use dimmable LEDs to adjust brightness for different tasks.
- Related guide: Check out our article on “How to Design a Laundry Room for Maximum Efficiency” to pair lighting upgrades with layout improvements.
Conclusion
Installing new lighting in your laundry room is a practical project that can dramatically improve both function and style. By choosing the right fixture type, brightness, and color temperature, and following safe installation steps, you can create a well-lit, efficient, and inviting space.
Bonus Tip: Keep your light fixtures clean and replace bulbs promptly to maintain maximum brightness.
Bookmark this guide so you can confidently upgrade your laundry room lighting anytime.