How to Create a DIY Pantry Light

When it comes to upgrading your home, adding pantry lights might not be the first step that comes to mind. But don't count out this simple update! Adding some new lighting is an affordable way to make your home and pantry feel customized while boosting a functional touch.

Wireless Battery Lights

Check out puck lights on Amazon.

If you don't have the ability to wire a light to your pantry, do not fret. You can use a remote-controlled puck light, or something similar, to level up your pantry. These remote-controlled lights are taking the DIY world by storm right now, and there's no reason that you can't add one (or a few) to your pantry. You can purchase these lights online or at a local hardware store.

To attach the lights to the wall or ceiling, simply add batteries and use the adhesive strips on the back to adhere them to the wall or ceiling. You can also add these to sconces and light fixtures to imitate fully wired lights. It's a project that takes less than ten minutes and instantly adds value to your home.

Automatic LED Strips

You can pick up a strip of LED lights online or at a local hardware store. The automatic versions of these are the perfect son addition to any pantry. Simply install the automatic light strips under cupboards, around the door frame, or along the ceiling using the adhesive on the back of the light strips. Then put the sensor somewhere where it will trigger when the door opens.

There are different kinds of LED light strips, but most LED light strips require batteries. LED light strips are really inexpensive, so this cheap DIY is a fun way to make your house feel expensive without spending much money or time.

Check out LED light strips on Amazon.

Traditional Lighting

If you’ve got a larger pantry, or the ability to add traditional lights to your pantry, a good, old-fashioned light install DIY might be just what you need. Start by determining where you can actually wire lights. If you can only get the wiring on the side of the ceiling or someplace where a light would look weird, this type of lighting DIY may not be for you. If you find that you'll be able to wire a lighting fixture in the place that you’d like, your next step is picking out a fixture.

When you're picking out the perfect lighting fixture, you want to look for a few different things. One, you want to make sure that the fixture works in the space. You want to make sure that the fixture isn't too big, and you want to make sure that the fixture isn't too small. Believe it or not, a lighting fixture that's too small looks just as funny as one that's too big.

Second, you want to make sure the lighting fixture fits the look and feel of the rest of your home. Just because the light is going in a pantry doesn't mean that you're never going to see it, so you want to make sure that everything flows together. If you have a mid-century modern home, pick a mid-century modern lighting fixture. If you have a rustic home, consider going with something like an Edison Bulb or another hanging option that fits your vibe.

After you've picked your fixture, you're going to need to decide what kind of light you like in the pantry. Do you want a daylight light bulb that is bright and blue-toned? Or do you want a soft, warm light bulb? There are so many different wattages available that you can achieve any look that you're going for as long as you pick the right light bulb.

Next, start the installation process. We do recommend working with an electrician if you are not familiar with wiring your own lighting. Nobody wants to end up getting shocked, so even if you have worked with the electrical system in your home before, please be careful. You will need to attach your fixture and install a switch plate so you can turn the lights on and off.

Once everything is wired, and your fixtures are attached, add your light bulb and test to see if the switch plate works and that your lights all turn on. If you get the green light, so to speak, then finish attaching your fixture to the ceiling, and you are good to go.

Now that your midnight snacks are illuminated try this pantry organization hack to up your pantry another level.

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