Poor garage lighting can be a major buzzkill, hindering your productivity and even posing safety hazards. Luckily, it’s easily fixable!
We’ve got the scoop on the best garage lighting options you could try. The right garage light can turn it into a practical and enjoyable workspace.
We’ll shed light on your options, helping you navigate the world of lumens, fixtures, and features to find the ideal option. From the casual hobbyist to the dedicated car enthusiast, there’s smth for everyone. Let’s dive in!
LED Lights
Forget the old, flickering bulbs. LED lights are the undisputed champions of garage lighting. They may cost a bit more upfront, but they pay you back in spades with lower energy bills and a lifespan that puts other bulbs to shame. Plus, they offer instant illumination, so no more waiting for your lights to warm up. And unlike some fluorescent lights, LEDs work perfectly even in chilly garages.
Freelicht Plug-In Garage Lights
If you’re on a budget, prioritize ease of installation, and appreciate adjustable lighting, this one is a solid option.
Pros:
- Shine on a budget: These lights are easy on the wallet, making them a great option for budget-conscious garage enthusiasts.
- Effortless assembly: Forget complicated wiring or electrician fees. Simply plug these lights in and you’re good to go. The included 59-inch power cord with a built-in switch adds to the convenience.
- Brighten every corner: Don’t let shadows hold you back. With 6,000 lumens and adjustable panels that cover 270 degrees, these lights illuminate even the darkest corners of your garage.
- Energy-efficient champion: Save money on your electricity bill and help the environment. These LED lights use only 60 watts, equivalent to a 300-watt incandescent bulb, but offer significantly brighter and longer-lasting illumination.
- Built to last: Enjoy years of bright light. With a lifespan of 13.7 years (assuming 10 hours of daily use), these lights are a durable investment.
Cons:
- Industrial chic, not for everyone: The chain hanging mechanism might not suit garages aiming for a more polished look. Consider your desired aesthetic before purchasing.
- Limited adjustability: While the panels are adjustable, the overall height of the light is fixed. If you have particularly high ceilings, these might not be the best choice.
- Single color temperature: The 6,500 Kelvin color temperature provides cool, bright light, but it might not be ideal for everyone. If you prefer warmer or adjustable color temperatures, look for other options.
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Under-Cabinet Lights
Need extra light for that intricate project on your workbench? These lights are your secret weapon. Opt for puck lights for a sleek look, tape lights for easy installation, or LED rope lights for wider coverage. These versatile lights provide both task lighting for specific areas and ambient lighting for a more inviting atmosphere.
Goodland LED Under Cabinet Lighting
This one gives you convenient, adjustable illumination for general use. It’s great for those who need general under-cabinet lighting for storage spaces or tool displays.
Pros:
- Installation: Ditch the tools and screws. This one uses a magnetic strip to stick firmly to any surface, making setup a breeze.
- Light Your Way: Choose from cool white or warm white light to match your preference, and even dim the brightness for a more subdued ambiance.
- Motion Activated Magic: Never fumble in the dark again. The motion sensor turns the lights on when it detects movement, saving energy and adding convenience.
- Rechargeable Power: No more tangled cords or dead batteries. The built-in battery charges via USB, providing portable illumination wherever you need it.
- Space-Friendly Design: The slim profile (under 1 inch thick); makes it perfect for tight spaces under cabinets or shelves.
Cons:
- Not a Spotlight: With only 280 lumens, these lights aren’t ideal for providing focused task lighting on your workbench. They’re better suited for general ambient illumination.
- Limited Reach: The single 9-inch strip might not be enough to cover larger areas. Consider linking multiple strips for wider coverage, but be mindful of potential battery drain.
- Sensor Quirks: While convenient, the motion sensor might activate unintentionally from passing shadows or pets, potentially draining the battery faster.
- Dim, Not Dark: Even on the lowest setting, the lights might not be suitable for creating complete darkness in a light-sensitive workspace.
Supplemental Lights
Just like your home, your garage needs layers of light. Think of overhead lighting as the general illumination, but for detailed work, you’ll need supplemental lighting. Assess your layout and pick those that matches your prefs. No rules here, so do whatever you feel is needed.
Omarsou Garage Lamp
Here’s a portable powerhouse to illuminate your garage projects. It’s a gem for those who value adaptability and want to direct light precisely where they need it.
Pros:
- Brighten: With 8,000 lumens and 80 watts of power, this lamp punches above its weight, banishing shadows even in large garages.
- Adaptable: Rotate the lamp 360 degrees horizontally and 180 degrees vertically to direct light exactly where you need it, making it perfect for workstations and targeted tasks.
- Built for the Elements: Rain or shine, this IP65 waterproof lamp tackles any indoor or outdoor garage environment.
- Portable: Weighing just 5.66 pounds and featuring a long, durable 19.7-foot cord, this lamp is easy to move around your workspace.
- Multi-Placement: Set it down, hold it with the handle, or hang it – the choice is yours! The aluminum casing ensures efficient heat dissipation for extended use (60,000 hours).
Cons:
- Not an Overhead Solution: Unlike ceiling-mounted lights, this lamp needs to be stored when not in use, requiring designated storage space.
- Cool White Only: The 6,500 Kelvin color temperature provides bright, cool white light, but it might not be ideal for everyone who prefers warmer tones or adjustable options.
- Single Light Source: While powerful, this is a single lamp, so larger garages might require additional lighting solutions.
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High Bay Lights
Do you have a garage with cathedral ceilings that make regular lights feel inadequate? High bay lights are your answer. These powerful fixtures are typically used in commercial spaces, but they’re perfect for illuminating even the loftiest garages. Available in LED and fluorescent options, they provide bright, even ambient lighting.
HONMY LED High Bay Light
This light will be nice for large spaces. It’s a gem for those who value adaptability and want to control the lighting ambiance in their workspace. It also works well with variable weather conditions or dusty environments.
Pros:
- Bright: This powerhouse boasts a whopping 37,500 lumens, making it the brightest option on our list, perfect for even the loftiest garages.
- Built to Last: The sturdy die-cast aluminum shell and 60,000-hour lifespan ensure this light will be your garage companion for years to come. Plus, a 5-year warranty adds peace of mind.
- Energy Saver: Despite its immense brightness, this LED light uses only 250 watts, keeping your energy bills low. The included driver prevents flickering and further enhances efficiency.
- Weatherproof Warrior: Rain or shine, this IP65 waterproof light tackles any indoor or outdoor garage environment.
- Adjustable Ambiance (with extra cost): While not included, the option for dimming (requires a separate purchase) allows you to create different lighting moods in your garage.
Cons:
- Pricey Powerhouse: This light comes at a premium compared to other options, so be prepared for a bigger investment.
- Dimmer Not Included: While dimming is possible, you’ll need to purchase the dimmer separately, adding to the overall cost.
- Installation Might Require Help: This isn’t a simple plug-and-play light. Depending on your garage setup, additional installation work might be needed.
- Cool White Only: The 5,000 Kelvin color temperature provides bright, cool white light, but it might not be ideal for everyone who prefers warmer tones.
Motion Activated Lights
Want to light up your garage hands-free? Motion-activated lights are the answer. They automatically turn on when they sense movement, providing both convenience and security. Plus, they help save energy by only lighting up when needed.
Craftersmark LED Garage Lights
It’s a solid hands-free lighting solution for your garage. It will work nicely for large spaces or areas that need targeted illumination. And let’s not forget this one is rather affordable, too.
Pros:
- Convenience: No more fumbling for switches in the dark! These automatically activate when they sense movement, providing instant illumination and saving you energy.
- Multi-Directional Magic: These can be adjusted to direct light in specific areas, ensuring you brighten the zones you need most.
- Wide Coverage, Wireless Ease: The 360-degree illumination (with adjustable panels) and wireless design make installation a breeze and ensure no corner stays dark.
- Sensitive Sentry: This light detects movement through walls, from humans and animals to even your car, keeping your garage well-lit and potentially deterring unwanted visitors.
- Long-Lasting Lumens: With 18,500 lumens and a lifespan of 55,000 hours, these deliver bright, durable illumination, saving you money on replacements.
Cons:
- 30-Second Timeout: While convenient, the 30-second activation might be excessive for high-traffic areas like driveways or frequently used garage doors, leading to unnecessary light and energy use.
- Cool White Only: The 6,500 Kelvin color temperature provides bright, cool white light, but it might not be ideal for everyone who prefers warmer tones.
- Limited Control: You can’t adjust the duration of the light activation, which might be a drawback for some users.
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Shop Lights
Affordable, easy to install, and offering both task and ambient lighting, shop lights are the workhorses of garage lighting. They come in various configurations, from single tubes to multiple tubes, and can be adjusted to transition between bright task lighting and softer ambient lighting.
Honeywell LED Linear Shop Lights
This one is an affordable, expandable lighting for your garage. It will suit moderately sized garages where scattered light is sufficient for their tasks. Hereby, there are some things you should know of:
Pros:
- Low-Cost: These offer a cost-effective way to illuminate your garage, especially since they’re sold in sets of two and you can link up to 10 lights together.
- Easy on the Eyes and Wallet: The energy-efficient LED bulbs provide ample light (5,000 lumens each) while keeping your energy bills low.
- Garage-Ready Installation: Skip the complicated setups. These lights come with included chains, making them perfect for hanging in your garage.
- Customization is Key: Connect multiple lights to cover larger areas or create a custom lighting layout that suits your workspace perfectly.
Cons:
- Scattered Shine: While bright, these lights provide more general illumination than focused task lighting. If you need a spotlight for detailed work, look elsewhere.
- Limited Lumens: Compared to some other options, 5,000 lumens per light might not be enough for very large or high-ceiling garages.
- Bulkier Design: The 4-foot length and wider profile might not be ideal for tight spaces or those aiming for a sleek aesthetic.
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Strip Light Fixtures
These offer maximum customization for your overhead lighting. They come in various sizes to fit any garage and provide instant, energy-efficient LED lighting. If you already have fluorescent strip lights, consider upgrading to LED with a retrofit kit for a more sustainable and brighter solution.
Utilitech LED Strip Shop Light
That’s an ideal pick for those tired of fiddling with bulbs in their garages. It offers convenient, integrated lighting with the benefit of linking multiple fixtures. It’s a gem for those who prioritize durability and damp resistance for their lights.
Pros:
- Bulb Bliss: No more hunting for replacements! With integrated LEDs lasting 50,000 hours, this light offers long-lasting, hassle-free illumination.
- Plug-and-Play Simplicity: Forget complex wiring. Simply plug it in and enjoy instant brightness – perfect for DIY enthusiasts or those who prefer quick and easy installation.
- Link Up the Fun: Need more coverage? Connect up to four lights to one switch, creating a customized lighting system for your workspace.
- Damp-Friendly Design: Rain or shine, this light handles humidity, making it suitable for garages, basements, or even covered porches.
Cons:
- Limited Reach: The 5-foot cord and 6-inch hanging chains might restrict placement options, especially in larger garages. Extension cords and additional chains might be necessary.
- Scattered Shine: With 4,000 lumens, this light provides decent general illumination, but it might not be enough for focused task lighting on your workbench. Consider layering with other light sources for detailed work.
- Single Color Option: This light only offers a cool white (6,500 Kelvin) color temperature, which might not suit everyone’s preference.
