A great deal of new homes are built leaving the garage feeling like an afterthought; bland, boring, and poorly lit. As most of us know, the garage is (usually) the first place we see when we enter our home, shouldn't it be a reflection of what the rest of our home is like? Our clients typically call because they're lacking storage or want to genrally improve the look of the space. A portion of what they dislike is the typical, builder's grade, bare bulb that hangs over each of the garage bays. While there's nothing wrong with that, there's nothing inviting about it either. Let's take a look at a few lighting ideas that won't break the bank and will improve the look of your garage.
Fluorescent Lighting
This is a very popular choice and Jeff's favorite when it comes to lighting a garage evenly. Adding a few sets of the wrap around fluorescent fixtures won't break the bank and you'll have simple, ample, and pleasing lighting throughout your garage.
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The lights are simple enough to not be distracting which is a bonus. Storing and changing the bulbs could be an easier process, but the cost savings vs. standard bulbs might be worth the trade off. Of course, there's always the upgraded options that get a bit more costly, but if you want to make a bigger statement, it might be worth the extra expense.
Hanging Fixtures
I'll be the first to admit, I might not be the most practical when it comes to picking lighting. With the tendancy to make a decision based on a design I'm fond of, all practicality goes out the window. Like a good portion of women, I gravitate toward things of beauty. That being said, I love hanging light fixtures, but some may not be very practical in a garage setting because they allow bugs to collect or they don't provide enough light for a large space. I'll do my best to stay on track and link to lights that won't create a maintenance nightmare while bringing enough light to a large, open space. If you like the look of hanging lights, here's a list of a few stylish fixtures I came across during my search that should do the trick:
The Hanging Pendant Barn Light
Brushed Nickel Warehouse Pendant
Black LED Pendant with Chrome Cage
Avalon Indoor/Outdoor Pendant
PB Classic Pendant - Caged
Recessed Lights
Recessed lights are easiest to install if your drywall isn't already up. If drywall is already up, installation it isn't impossible. Maybe a little less forgiving and a bit harder since there's only a small rim that covers the hole you will be cutting above your head, the tiny hole is also your work area. If you're not reasonably precise, you'll have some drywall patching to do. There are a few shapes of recessed lighting that provide abundant lighting for a garage. Round shaped lights, typically referred to as can lights, are the most economical and easiest to find at your local hardware store. No special bulbs, most have a standard socket. Square and rectangle shapes (referred to as flat paneled) are available as well, but they aren't as popular so there's less selection.
Track Lighting
A nice alternative to recessed lighting and a bit easier to install, is the track light. There is a nice variety of looks as well as types of bulbs for energy savings down the road. You can let your creative side guide you, or go the classic and simple route. Straight tracks are standard, but flexible tracks have become more common and popular over the past few years. Some of the smaller units would probably work best over a workbench or showcase area.
Flush Mount Lights
Last, but not least, flush mount lights. These are simple, inexpensive, and easy to install. Very basic, but definitely a more polished look than a bare bulb. With an almost an infinite selection of styles and prices, it's hard to go wrong. Obviously some are not suitable for garage situations and we all know that bugs will gravitate toward a light source and find a place to die. I know the last thing I want to do on a weekly basis is clean out light fixtures, so choose wisely if you decide to use flush mount fixtures.
Installation
If you've never installed lights before, and you're nervous about doing it yourself, watch a few YouTube videos, go to the library and do some research, if you're still not comfortable doing the job yourself, please call a licensed professional. We ask friends for recommendations before checking any review sites, but Angie's List and BBB are great places to start when you're looking for a professional in your area.