Garage Lighting Made Easy

Showroom or Workroom? Your garage lighting should reflect your goals for the space.  photo credit: homelightning.co

Showroom or Workroom? Your garage lighting should reflect your goals for the space.
photo credit: homelightning.co

By Clarissa Allison | August 21st, 2015

The garage’s original purpose – protecting vehicles – has been transformed. Families inevitably use their garage as an additional storage,  work stations, and hobby/entertainment areas. Proper lighting is necessary to make the garage functional and complimentary to any equipment and the overall garage design. Now we have a multitude of lighting options to select from in order to make the garage a venue for all of our needs. Read on to find out how you can turn your garage into a haven for finishing projects and family fun, simply by upgrading your lighting solutions!

Fluorescent Lights

Artemide Telefo 100 Wall Sconce

Artemide Telefo 100 Wall Sconce

A low pressure mercury-vapor gas-discharge lamp that uses fluorescence to produce visible light is called a fluorescent light.

One common lighting arrangement for these types of lamps in a garage, is to group or series of 4 ft. fluorescent lights together. Fluorescent lights can be at least 60% cheaper than their incandescent counterparts. They don’t emit much heat, either; Bright and long lasting, these lights could be the answer to a dark and foreboding garage or basement.

Fluorescent lighting, however, also comes with its own set of disadvantages. The lights tend to flicker and aren’t as attractive or easy to install as LED options.  They may not contribute aesthetically to the overall look of your garage. They also must be disposed of properly as their mercury contents can be toxic handled or inhaled.

  • Take lamps and tubes to a household hazardous waste collection center or event. Find where to recycle or dispose fluorescent lamps and tubes at Where Can I Recycle My…?, or Earth 911, or call 800 CLEAN-UP (253-2687). Enter your zip code to find the nearest recycling center. Includes information for many types of recyclable material, including household hazardous waste.

Recessed Lighting

Eurofase Lighting 19186-016 6In Reflector W/Louver White/Chrome

Eurofase Lighting 19186-016 6In Reflector W/Louver White/Chrome

Recessed ceiling lights are also a popular choice for garage lighting.  Appearing as spotlights from above, recessed lighting gives a sleek and stylish effect. A series of recessed lights can be grouped together to light the whole garage. A benefit of recessed lighting is that they’re not distract from the overall function of a garage. They can be placed directly on top of your workstation and directional options can be pointed  to any area in the garage that needs to be illuminated. Most recessed lights are also equipped with dimmer functionality that allows you to control the brightness of the light.

Pendant Lighting

 

UltraLights 09178 Ellipse Contemporary-Modern Oval Large Pendant

UltraLights 09178 Ellipse Contemporary-Modern Oval Large Pendant

Pendant lights are an inspired choice for both style and functionality in your garage. Typically used for the space above kitchen islands, forays and family rooms, pendant lighting is versatile enough to also be used for garages and work benches. Working with small tools requires great task lighting,  and pendant lights can certainly deliver that in spades. A garage with a vaulted or high ceiling benefits most from pendant lighting. These stylish fixtures are a perfect choice for contemporary dram,  yet still remain useful and durable.

Tip: Be sure to install them in areas away from your cars, garage doors and walkway. Combine them with fluorescent or recessed lighting to enjoy the maximum coverage of light for your space.

LED Lighting

Light Emitting Diodes or LED’s are the latest in energy efficient lighting. LED lights consume very little energy; thus, making their life span incredibly long. LED lights can provide at least up to 50,000 hours of uninterrupted functionality. LED is used for a wide range of applications and may appear as a series of small bulbs to brighten up a garage.

LED lights don’t contain mercury and any harmful toxins. They also don’t emit ultraviolet light which can generate heat. As a result, LED lights don’t attract insects which can be bothersome for homes and garages located in rural areas.

Incandescent Bulbs

CFL Bulbs

LED Bulbs

Lifespan

1,200 hours 8,000 hours 50,000 hours

Cost

Low Low Med

Wattage

60 watts 13-15 watts 6-8 watts

Energy Savings (Compared to Incandescents)

N/A 75 percent 75-80 percent

Recyclable

No Yes Yes

Temperature

Warm Cool Varied

Final Tips:

1. Really think about what you’ll be using the garage for. One incandescent light will do if the garage only serves as a car park. But if lighting for dark corners is important to your security, or  if you plan to use the garage as a work or storage area, you’ll need to expand your lighting plan.

2. Think of the areas that need specific types of lighting such as the workbench or storage station.

3. Consider your existing circuitry and how you’re going to install the lights. Professional installation may be needed for complex circuitry.

4. Budget for the cost of the lighting fixtures as well as the cost of installation. Operating with a clear plan in mind allows you to spend within your means.

5. Make sure that there’s easy access to the switch to avoid unnecessary accidents.

Having proper garage lighting should be a priority so homeowners get to experience ease and convenience in using the garage in their daily activities. Visit www.louielighting.com for a huge selection of indoor and outdoor lighting for your garage. With proper lighting, you can transform your garage into a hobby haven, a wonderful work space or a resplendent recreational area. Please email info@louielighting.com or call 1-877 385 2104 toll free for assistance with all of your lighting needs!

The Louie Lighting Team wishes you and yours a safe and happy weekend.

Comments

  1. johnklok372 says

    Nice Post!

    LED lights have really come a long way. The technology has evolved in the most brilliant manner. With the passage of time. The paradigm LED lights are supposed to be one of the most energy efficient lights as they convert almost 80 percent of electrical energy into light energy if designed properly.

  2. Andre Viau says

    Nice garage ! Those long led lights produce how many lumens each and how big is the garage space ? I would love to have this type of lighting for my 24 x 24 x 9 garage !

  3. says

    I think that installing garage lights would be a great way to light up our street. I like what was said about how LED lights consume very little energy. I am also glad to know that these lights do not contain mercury or any harmful toxins. We will talk to our local electrician about this option before he starts the project.

  4. Robert says

    It was not until I installed my 5500 CCT that i could finally work on my cars again. LED gave me a few more years with my favorite hobby!

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