ᐅ How do I plan the lighting for a large Pax wardrobe?

Hello everyone,

I’m currently working on planning the lighting for my large Pax wardrobe and want to do it as practical and efficient as possible. The wardrobe is about 2.5 meters wide (8 feet) and 2.2 meters high (7 feet), with several compartments, drawers, and a clothes rail. My main goal is to achieve even illumination so that I can clearly see everything, even in the back corners.

I’ve heard about LED light strips and motion sensors, but I’m unsure about the best way to position them, which color temperature makes the most sense (cool white, neutral, warm white?), and whether I should power the lighting through a standard outlet or opt for a fixed wiring solution.

Does anyone have practical experience or tips on how to best plan lighting for a large Pax wardrobe like this? Advice on installation methods, whether internal cables cause issues, or whether certain light sources are more durable than others would also be appreciated.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

Clementja schrieb:
My main goal is to achieve even lighting so that I can clearly see what’s inside, even in the back corners.

I can totally relate to that—I’ve experienced it myself. It’s really frustrating when you can barely find anything in a closet despite having light. For my large Pax wardrobe, I chose flexible LED strips and mounted them along the top and bottom edges. This distributes the light nicely and creates hardly any shadows.

One thing you should definitely consider is motion sensors—they’re very practical, but the placement has to be really well thought out. In my experience, it wasn’t enjoyable because the light would often turn on too early or too late. Now, I prefer a small, discreet switch or remote control instead.

Another important aspect for me was the light temperature. I went with neutral white (around 4000 K) because it shows the colors of the clothes most realistically. It doesn’t look as cold as cool white, but also not too yellowish.

I hope this helps you a bit. Don’t worry, it will work out if you plan step by step!

Clementja schrieb:
I have heard about LED light strips and motion sensors, but I am unsure how to position them best, which color temperature makes the most sense (cool white, neutral, warm white?), and whether I can simply power them via an outlet or should rather choose a permanently installed solution.

When planning the wardrobe lighting for a large PAX, it is essential first to divide the interior into different zones: areas above the clothes rails, the shelves, and the drawers. LED light strips with neutral white light (around 4000 K) are advantageous because they provide a pleasant and natural color rendering.

Installation should be done so that a light strip or several small modules are placed approximately every 50–70 cm (20–28 inches) to avoid shadows. For wiring, I recommend a fixed installation using cable channels suitable for PAX or mounting on the back panels to keep them hidden.

It is important to plan the position of the power outlet near the wardrobe early on or, if possible, to use a permanently installed power supply. For control, switches or motion sensors are suitable, with optical sensors mounted inside the wardrobe working better, as the light only turns on when you are actually standing in front of it.

In summary:
- Neutral white LED light (4000 K)
- Even distribution in all areas
- Fixed, hidden wiring
- Modern control via switch or sensor

This way, you should achieve an optimal and long-lasting solution.

Leonardteo schrieb:
LED light strips with neutral white light (about 4000 K) are advantageous because they provide pleasant and natural color rendering.

Absolutely, the light color is really a crucial factor. I always found it annoying when the light looked too cool and my clothes suddenly appeared strange.

A little tip from me: If you’re up for a bit of experimentation, look for LED strips with color changing or adjustable color temperature. That way, you can choose warm white in the evening and neutral during the day, depending on the mood.

What I also like is something like indirect lighting, meaning LEDs are installed out of direct sight behind shelves or at the top, so the light is softly reflected. This creates a cozy atmosphere in the room while still being practical.

And my favorite solution: a small cordless battery-powered spot with a motion sensor. No complicated wiring, just stick it inside with an adhesive pad, and you don’t have to deal with cables. Super simple!

Good luck with your lighting adventure, it’s going to turn out really nice!