How do you use your garage? Is it solely for parking? Do you utilise it as an extension of your home, or does it only serve as a storage space? Whatever you do with your garage, one thing is sure, it needs good lighting! Even if you don't mainly use your garage for anything grand like a man cave, you still need good lighting, even if it's just for storing unused clothes and holiday decorations. It's not easy to find what you need if the room is dark!
How do you illuminate different garage zones?
Generally, the best way to plan your garage lighting is by creating a good garage layout. If everything is scattered and randomly positioned everywhere, it's hard to design an adequate lighting system. So, organise your garage first before proceeding with the lighting. Once you finish that, you can start planning for your lighting system!
Experts are suggesting that it will be easier for you to light your space if you section it into zones. Once you decide the purpose of each zone and determine their locations, it will be more convenient for you to strategies your lighting design. Here are the best ways to light each zone:
Zone 1: Transition
This area is located directly outside the door leading into and out of your home from your garage. Some have a few steps up this area, and some may or may not have handrails. For this part of your garage, it's ideal to have motion sensor lighting that automatically activates so you won't have to look for your keys in the dark and quickly see the steps when you're carrying a load of groceries. This will help you lessen the risks of accidents that may take place at the doorway of your garage.
Zone 2: Easy Access
In this zone, you have cabinets and shelving where you store essentials that you need to be accessible. It's items you use on a daily basis like dog food, tissue paper, canned goods, extra cleaning products and others. For the shelving units, especially if you have a deep version, it will be more convenient for you if you have strip lights, so you can easily see the products that you shove on the back. You can also try battery operated under cabinet lights if you prefer individual fittings instead of a continuous strip.
Zone 3, 4, and 5: Long, tall & thin storage, bulky item storage, and frequently used items (respectively)
These zones are mainly larger storage spaces and the frequently accessed items (the ones that you grab on your way out of the door) in your garage. Here, it's best to use a bright overhead light that will give you general lighting. You can use an LED tube light as it's brilliant, affordable, and durable.
Zone 6: Workstation
If you have a workstation in your garage, then this area needs crucial lighting. If you're doing detailed work with power tools and sharp objects, you most definitely need good task lighting to avoid any injuries. Some of your task lighting options can be a linkable under cabinet light, a clip-on work light, or a rechargeable work light that you can conveniently move around.
Zone 7: Outside the Garage
While indoor lighting is crucial because you need to be able to navigate inside your garage, you should not forget about the outside. Professionals say that criminals are looking for a blind spot and easy to access areas where they can slip in and out undetected. A dark doorway going to a garage filled with expensive equipment and items is hot in the eyes of burglars.
You can strengthen the security of your home by reinforcing alarm systems and upgraded door locks with exterior lighting security that can exterminate the darkness surrounding your outdoors. Also, try using motion-activated lights to startle the people trying to break in through your garage!
Other Garage Lighting Tips
Aside from lighting each zone, here are other tips to effectively illuminate your garage so you can utilise its space to the fullest!
Tip #1: Use LED lights instead of incandescent or fluorescent lamps
LED bulbs are energy-efficient, long-lasting, cost-effective and eco-friendly. Unlike other non-LED bulbs, you cannot get the same high power to light conversion that LED lights can do. In addition, LEDs can help you lower your electrical bills and maintenance cost!
Tip 2: Look for bulbs with a high CRI
Particularly in your workstation, use a bulb with a high CRI to realistically see the colours of your paint, woodwork, and other materials that you need to examine. Settle between a CRI of 85 to 100 to see the true colour of the things that you’re making.
Tip #3: Incorporate natural light
Nothing beats the brightness brought by the sun. Aside from not needing to pay for it, natural light can brighten your space beautifully and effectively. Consider installing windows or skylight if you have an extra budget for renovations. With this, you can freely enjoy the uplifting atmosphere and impeccable brightness the sun brings into your space.
There you have it! Now that you know how to light the different zones of your garage, it's time to grab your smartphone and visit our website, LED Supplier! We have an extensive range of lighting solutions that can help you set up the best lighting system for your garage.
