Take your garage out of the dark with these garage lighting options
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Better Homes & Gardens / Alli Waataja
If you’re trying to turn your garage into a great hangout or workspace, you’ll want to invest in the best garage lighting available. While lighting installation may conjure up the idea of dangling wires and spending loads of money on an electrician, it’s actually quite affordable and easy to bring ample light into your space.
“Bright white lights are good for safety and utility. If you’re working on something in the garage, you need your light as bright as possible,” says Rod Donnelly, the founder and CEO of Donnelly Construction.
With both hard-wired and plug-in options abounding on the market, we extensively researched the best garage lighting for a variety of needs. Using Donnelly’s expertise and insight to guide us, we narrowed our choices down to the best options available, accounting for factors such as watts, brightness, and temperatures.
It’s adjustable and easy to assemble.
The prevalent chain that hangs this light may not be a design that suits all garages.
The Freelicht Two Pack Plug In Garage Lights is our top pick for the best garage lighting. Not only is it affordable, but it’s also particularly easy to assemble and has the option of linkability, which we appreciate.
With just 60 watts of power but offering 6,000 lumens, Freelicht’s LED shop lights provide excellent lighting without running up the electric bill while still being comparable to a 300-watt incandescent bulb. If you use this light for 10 hours a day, it will last you 13.7 years.
It comes with a 59-inch power cord that features a power button, and we like that it is a simple plug-in option so you don’t need to do any wiring or even have a professional on hand. This lighting option comes with three panels that can provide up to 90 degrees of adjustment for 270 total degrees of coverage, enabling you to situate it perfectly for your particular garage or workstation.
It is important to be aware that although it is convenient and simple to set up and use, the chain design of the light’s hanging apparatus may be too industrial-looking to accommodate certain style tastes.
Product Details: Watts: 60 watts | Brightness: 6,000 lumens | Color Temperature: 6,500 Kelvin
It can be installed by simply screwing it into an existing light fixture base.
The smaller size of this option may not accommodate larger garages.
The Meiqils LED Garage Light proves that you don’t need to break the bank for good lighting. It comes with three LED panels that have up to 90 degrees of adjustability, which enables it to light up to 360 degrees of area. It also provides a substantial amount of light with 8,000 lumens.
In addition to the adjustability, these LED lights stretch your dollar even further as they have a 60,000-hour lifespan and can be used for 10 years for eight hours a day. We also appreciate that this fixture provides three years of replacements and 30-day returns for free.
This option is also a time saver, as it can simply be screwed into an E26/E27 socket like a standard lightbulb and it doesn’t require any tools. It also features an aluminum alloy housing that is resistant to high temperatures and corrosion.
Do note that this garage lighting fixture is smaller than other options, measuring only 4.5 inches in width, so it may not be suited for larger garages.
Product Details: Watts: 80 watts | Brightness: 8,000 lumens | Color Temperature: 6,500 Kelvin
It is the brightest option on our list and is designed to be dimmable.
It doesn’t come with a dimmer, which is an added expense.
With high lighting ability, a long life, and durable materials, Honmy’s LED High Bay Light earns its spot as our pick for the best garage lighting to splurge on. The simple setup design comes with a hook and a 5-foot cord to enable you to plug it into the nearest outlet.
This powerful light provides 37,500 lumens of brightness, which is the highest on our list by quite a bit, and it features an energy-saving LED driver to prevent any flickering, while also ensuring that this light lasts for 60,000 hours. Plus, it also comes with a sturdy die-cast aluminum shell to ensure that it lasts. However, if anything should go wrong, Honmy provides a five-year warranty.
What also separates this option from the more affordable competition on the market is that it includes dimming wires and is waterproof. Do note, though, that you will have to purchase the dimmer on your own.
Product Details: Watts: 250 watts | Brightness: 37,500 lumens | Color Temperature: 5,000 Kelvin
Included mounting gear and hanging chains make the installation process easy and straightforward.
These lights don’t have any cover to protect them.
Frustration with setting up garage lighting doesn’t need to be a part of your reality, and products like Hykolity’s Linkable LED Shop Light For Garage demonstrate that. In addition to the quality of lighting, these lights are a breeze to set up.
These linkable LEDs come with mounting gear that’s easy to use, but you can also use hanging chains. All of the necessary hardware comes with the lights, so all you need to do is follow the simple assembly instructions. It features a 59-inch power cord that has an on/off switch.
Beyond the easy installation, these lights provide 4,400 lumens by using only 42 watts, which is an efficiency of 105 lumens per watt. The lights also last 50,000 hours before you need to do any sort of maintenance, and while this package comes with four pieces, you can link up to six lights using the simple plug connection. And to top all of that off, Hykolity offers a five-year warranty to keep you and your purchase protected.
It is worth being aware that these lights have no shield or cover to protect them, they are fully exposed LED tubes which can lead them to be more easily damaged.
Product Details: Watts: 42 watts | Brightness: 4,400 lumens | Color Temperature: 5,000 Kelvin
It can detect movement through a wall from humans, animals, and cars.
A 30-second light window may be too long for people who live in high-traffic areas.
A motion detection light is a great option for convenience and energy saving. In particular, the sensitivity and efficiency of Craftersmark’s LED Garage Motion Activated Light make it our pick for the best garage lighting with motion detection.
These lights can be adjusted to illuminate in specific directions, and the round design with six light panels is designed for up to 360 degrees of illumination. The wireless light is sensitive, can detect movement through a wall, and can be triggered by humans, cars, or animals from up to 10 meters away in all directions.
You can also customize the lighting by folding the panels up to 120 degrees for 360 degrees of illumination. It produces up to 18,500 lumens and has a light life of up to 55,000 hours. The longer life is the result of 2,835 LED chips which save more energy than traditional LED bulbs. It is also very easy to install—you simply have to screw it in like a traditional bulb into an E26/E27 cap.
The only downside with this option is that you don’t have control over how long the lights stay on once they’re activated. They are designed to be on for 30 seconds after being triggered, which is quite lengthy if they are subject to incidental activations throughout the day and night.
Product Details: Watts: 150 watts | Brightness: 18,500 Lumens | Color Temperature: 6,500 Kelvin
7,000 lumens at only 80 watts helps to keep your energy bill down without sacrificing brightness.
With high luminance, linkability, and easy installation, Commercial Electric’s Integrated Heavy Duty Utility LED Shop Light is our pick for the best overhead garage lighting.
The shop light comes fully assembled and provides 7,000 lumens in a cool white light. The 4-foot-long lamp can also easily be plugged into and linked with up to four of the same item, and it has an average lifespan of 50,000 hours. It also comes with mounting screws, 12-inch hanging screws, and a 3-foot pull chain to provide you the choice of either mounting it directly or allowing it to hang. A 5-foot cord is all you need to plug in to illuminate your garage with this option, assuming you have an outlet nearby.
The light provides 7,000 lumens, which is quite excellent lighting. However, it uses only 80 watts while providing a watt equivalent of 160 watts when compared to a fluorescent bulb. This results in ample lighting while also keeping your energy bill lower. Keep in mind this option is not dimmable and may be too bright for some people’s needs.
Product Details: Watts: 80 watts | Brightness: 7,000 lumens | Color Temperature: 4,000 Kelvin
With the option to mount to the ceiling or to suspend, these linkable lights provide 4,400 lumens of light.
The cord length is only 4 feet.
Our pick for the best hanging garage lighting is Ensenior’s Four Pack Linkable LED Shop Light. The lights can be mounted directly to the ceiling or suspended from the ceiling for optimal lighting coverage.
This lighting is also highly efficient, providing 4,400 lumens at only 36 watts. All of the lights can easily be linked together, and the equipment necessary to do so comes with the purchase which dramatically lowers the time required compared to an option that needs wiring.
Other features that make these lights stand out for us include the quality. They are made from polycarbonate which is particularly strong and it comes in a thick tube for added durability. Additionally, these lights are specifically designed with heat dissipation in mind, and we appreciate that there is a five-year warranty for added protection.
Keep in mind that these lights only have 4 feet of cords, so you may need an extension cord.
Product Details: Watts: 36 Watts | Brightness: 4,400 lumens | Color Temperature: 5,000 Kelvin
The lengthy, 19.7-foot cord enables this option to be put wherever you need it in your workspace.
Because it isn’t overhead lighting, it will need to take up storage space when not in use.
The Omarsou Garage Lamp is a highly versatile choice that is great for garages designated for working in. It’s the best garage lighting to place on your workstation or hang from a garage storage system for extra lighting.
Using only 80 watts to provide 8,000 lumens, this lamp can provide an exceptional amount of light without using too much power. It can also be rotated 360 degrees left and right and 180 degrees up and down.
With an IP65 waterproof level, it’s safe to use indoors and outdoors no matter the elements. We also love that it’s portable at just 5.66 pounds, and it has a long 19.7-foot power cord with a copper core cable that is highly durable.
In addition to being able to put this on the ground, it also features a handle that you can use to hold it or hang it. The aluminum case helps dissipate heat quickly for a longer lifespan of 60,000 hours.
Unlike some other picks on this list, this option can’t be hung overhead. Since it will need to be stored between uses, you’ll need to make sure you have enough space.
Product Details: Watts: 80 watts | Brightness: 8,000 lumens | Color Temperature: 6,500 Kelvin
In addition to coming with mounting hardware, this option also has a motion sensor built in.
It’s not as bright as other options on our list, and the lifetime is shorter as well.
If your garage doesn’t have any sort of electrical outfitting, your best bet is to purchase a battery-operated garage light.
At only 7.5 inches wide, the Toowell Motion Sensor Light comes with mounting hardware that enables you to put it anywhere in your garage. This option also features a motion sensor that turns on when it senses movement up to 22 feet away, and it will automatically turn off when it doesn’t sense movement for 20 seconds. It operates using four D-cell batteries, which provide six months of lighting, and it can also use rechargeable D-cell batteries. Despite its small size, it covers up to 300 square feet with light.
With this option, it only provides 400 lumens and it is a soft white color. As a result, it won’t provide as much lighting. If you’re looking to illuminate your entire garage, this may not be the best choice, but it’s an ideal choice to mount above a workstation. And since it is battery-operated, it’ll still work if your power goes out.
Product Details: Watts: 3 watts | Brightness: 400 lumens | Color Temperature: 3,000 Kelvin
This option can be used in damp conditions and has a five-year warranty.
The 18-inch pull chain to control power won’t suit garages with higher ceilings.
LED lights make a great option as they tend to last dramatically longer and cost less than standard incandescent lighting. With this in mind, we like EnviroLite’s LED White Shop Light for its staying power.
This specific LED light can use less power to generate the same light as a fluorescent alternative while avoiding the annoying humming sound that fluorescent lights can make. It provides 3,600 lumens of light with only 28 watts and lasts for 50,000 hours of continuous use.
And unlike other options on our list, this comes with a hanging cord that you pull to turn the light on and off for added convenience. For power, it uses a three-prong power cord, so there’s no need to worry about wiring.
We also appreciate that this option from Envirolite is UL-listed, can be installed in damp areas, and comes with a five-year warranty. Do note, though, that this option only has an 18-inch pull chain, which means that it won’t be ideal for people who have higher ceilings in their garages as they won’t be able to reach it.
Product Details: Watts: 28 watts | Brightness: 3,600 lumens | Color Temperature: 4,000 Kelvin
Our pick for the best overall garage lighting is the Freelicht Two Pack Plug In Garage Lights for its ease of assembly and adjustability. If you’re looking to save some money, the Meiqils LED Garage Light is an affordable pick that is designed to last and has an easy screw-in installation.
Garage lighting comes in a variety of different styles of lighting sources. Fluorescent and incandescent lights are available, but LED lights are generally the most common for a few reasons. They last longer than the other two options and are far more energy efficient which brings down costs.
They are also available in a wide range of styles, which makes them versatile in being able to accommodate your specific space. For example, if you are looking for something that mimics office lighting, you can purchase strip LEDs like the Ensenior Four Pack Linkable LED Shop Light. Conversely, if you are looking for something that is more able to target specific areas, you could get something like the Craftersmark LED Garage Lights Motion Activated.
Accounting for your particular space and what you intend to do with it will be important for deciding on factors like lumens and temperature. Lumens describes the brightness of a light, while the Kelvin temperature describes the color of the lighting, with temperatures ranging from 2,000K-3000K being referred to as warm white, and anything from 3,100K-4,500K being referred to as bright white. All of the products on our list fall within the bright white range, excluding the Toowell Motion Sensor Light, which falls under the warm white range.
As mentioned above by Donnelly, bright white lights (lights with higher lumens and higher temperatures) are good for safety and utility.
If your garage is not being used for work purposes, and you’re looking to light it for more recreational reasons, you may want to opt for something that is lower in temperature. However, keep in mind that more lumens will be required to light up larger spaces. So if you have a particularly large garage, you’ll want to opt for something with a higher amount of lumens, like the Honmy LED High Bay Lights which has 37,500 lumens.
A watt is the SI unit of power. More simply put, it refers to the energy rate of transfer in an electricity-powered product. It is relevant because the wattage of an electrical product refers directly to how much energy it uses over time, with higher wattages using more energy than lower-wattage products.
In the context of lighting, many fixtures have a limit to the wattage that they can handle safely. If you exceed this wattage, the outlet could be damaged and there is also a potential risk of fire. Fortunately, the wattage will usually be indicated on the electrical fixture so you can stay safely within the range.
While a watt refers to the energy that is used, a lumen refers to how bright a light is, based on how much illumination it provides.
All garage lighting will require some element of assembly, but there is a bit of a spectrum in terms of just how much assembly will be required. A hardwired light is a more skill-oriented task that will potentially require an electrician to get involved. However, with this option, you can simply flip a switch to turn on the light rather than plugging and unplugging a cord.
However, plug-in lighting does have its benefits. “They are portable. You can use the same lighting component for different areas. You can move it from room to room,” says Donnelly. Many, like the Hykolity Linkable LED Shop Light For Garage, come with easy installation instructions and the hardware necessary to get it done. Other options, like the Omarsou Garage Lamp, can be hung or held by the handle.
When it comes to deciding on the best color temperature for your garage, consider what you’re using it for. Donnelly recommends bright white lighting for garages specifically for a few reasons. He tells us that these lights are ideal for safety and utility, as you’ll want as much brightness as possible when working on a DIY project. An option like the EnviroLite White Shop Light is a bright white and has 3,600 lumens.
Donnelly tells us that you can light a garage with LEDs. Because they are longer lasting and can work using less power, they are a wise solution. Additionally, many LED light fixtures don’t need any electrical installation and can simply be plugged into an existing outlet or screwed into an existing cap, like the Craftersmark LED Garage Lights Motion Activated light fixture.
When it comes to using LEDs, Donnelly says that they are a great choice for garage lighting for a few reasons, “They’re white light bright and are long-lasting and are inexpensive,” he says. Incandescent bulbs will last around 1,000 hours while fluorescent bulbs will run up to 20,000 hours. Conversely, many LED lights, like the EnviroLite LED White Shop Light can last as long as 50,000 hours.
Jack Byram is a freelance writer who covers all things home-related. For this article, he spoke with the CEO and president of Donnelly Construction, Rod Donnelly, to better understand garage lighting, the different kinds, and what to seek out. From there, he researched extensively to find the best options for a range of brightness and temperature needs.
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