Top 10 Pantry Lighting Ideas For Every Style -(2023)

Have you ever opened your pantry and felt like you’re peering into a dark, cluttered abyss?

It’s not surprising, considering how often we overlook this essential storage space in our homes.

The pantry is often neglected, yet serves a vital purpose in storing kitchen supplies. As people are not being conscious enough of lighting their pantries, they stumble upon problems like inadequate storage, accidental spills & breakages. 

An organized and well-lit pantry can save time and money, making it a valuable and functional part of any home.

In this article, I have listed some of the best pantry lighting ideas for you to check. Each of these ideas can provide enough brightness yet maintain an aesthetic look. So, without further ado, let’s get started. 

Top 5 Reach-In-Pantry Lighting Ideas 

1. Led Strip Light – Permanent Solution

LED light strips are a great way of illuminating places for a fair cost. Pantry isn’t an exception & you can achieve a permanent lighting solution with LED light strips. Unlike other lighting in pantry, LED strip lighting solution doesn’t require maintenance (charging, changing battery, etc – hence, it’s a permanent solution.

I suggest using Litever LED Safe Lighting Kit as your go-to solution for small pantry lighting. You’ll be getting 6 pieces of 12 inches light bar that you can use on pantry shelves. These are not just another light bar of the market; they have some specialties. 

For example, you can easily mount these light bars in the corners of your pantry – thanks to the 90-degree backing design. Also, you can stick these mounts under your pantry in three ways, such as Clip and screws, Self-adhesive pads and, Self-adhesive tape with hook. 

Other than that, you’ll also be getting a door-activated switch (basically, a motion sensor that gets triggered by door opening & closing) for operating the LED lights.

You will need to place this switch/sensor head underneath the pantry keeping at least 1 cm to 5 cm away from the closed door. It’s important because the sensor head can only detect the door at a distance from 1 cm to 5 cm. 

All the necessary equipment needed for installing these LED light strips, such as – power adapter and PSU can be placed inside or outside of the pantry with double-sided adhesive tape.

Overall, you should definitely consider getting LED light strips for your pantry if you want zero hassle operating the lights after finishing the installation process. 

2. Wireless Led Light Strip: Battery-Powered Solution

If you don’t want to mess up with the electrical connection of your home or don’t want to drill holes in your pantry, you can use wireless LED light strips. Battery-powered light strips perform best if you’re looking for a plug & play solution for your pantry. 

Though there are numerous options for you to choose from, I prefer using BestLuz  LED Strip Lights. The installation process is really simple – all you have to do is peel off the adhesive backings from the stirps & power adapter & stick them inside your pantry. 

One of the drawbacks of this wireless light strip is, you will need to manually on & off the lights whenever you open your pantry. This might not be a big issue – but, it’s there. 

The power adapter it comes with requires 3xAA batteries to operate. That being said, don’t keep the lights turned on if not in use. Otherwise, you’ll need to change the batteries very frequently. 

3. Motion Sensor Rechargeable Light

Another way of illuminating pantries is using rechargeable motion sensor light. Though you can use this pantry lighting option pretty much anywhere you want, I suggest using it in your kitchen.

The product I prefer in this context is DAKOMM Under Cabinet Lights. These lights are awesome in many senses. For example, you don’t need to change the batteries of these wireless LED lights. Just charge them & you’ll be good to go. 

Besides, it’s a motion sensor light. Meaning it can detect movement & act accordingly. If you’re staying around 10 feet & do any movement, the lights will automatically illuminate itself for 20 seconds. After 20 seconds, if there is no movement – the lights will turn off automatically. This will save a lot of power from the rechargeable battery. 

Experience the convenience of day and night modes with these sleek motion sensor lights. With the ability to use daylight mode during both day and night, you’ll never have to fumble around in the dark again.

Keep in mind, the night light mode is exclusively designed for nighttime use and cannot be activated during the day.

4. LED Puck Light: Easy Installation

If you’re looking for a lighting solution whose installation is super simple, LED puck light is for you. All you need to do is peel off the adhesive backing & stick it to the surface you want. No need to worry about charging or electrical connections, these LED puck lights operate via t 3xAA batteries. 

I suggest getting Dream Master Tap Lights as your LED puck light solution. It’s a tap-and-play lighting solution, which means – you’ll need to tap on the light in order to illuminate it. Don’t forget to turn off the light after usage, it will greatly save energy & will reduce the frequency of battery change. 

5. Automatic Pantry Door Light Switch

If you’re looking for a simple solution that doesn’t require a motion sensor or any other high-tech feature light, automatic pantry door light switch is for you. Simply mount this switch inside your pantry in such a way that the door makes contact with it upon closing.

It’s basically a switch that turns off the electricity running through it whenever the switch is pressed (through the door). On the other hand, it recirculates the electricity whenever the door is pulled backward, freeing the switch. 

However, you’ll need to bear high labor expenses to install this type of switch in your pantry. Choose any switch you want & ask for professional help.

You can complete this installation too, only if you’re knowledgeable enough regarding DIY wooden & electrical jobs. 

Top 5 Lighting Ideas For Walk In Pantry

A walk-in pantry is a small room or closet used for storing food and kitchen supplies. It is typically located adjacent to the kitchen and features shelves or cabinets for organized storage. These pantries are so big in size that you can literally walk through them, hence called walk-in pantry. 

If you have a big walk-in pantry, you might have some trouble lighting it up due to its size. Don’t worry! I’ve got some great lighting ideas that can help. Read on-

1. Motion Sensor Ceiling Light 

Motion sensor-enabled ceiling light might be the best fit for a walk-in pantry. No need to turn on/ off lights manually & no hassle of charging or changing batteries over a period of time. 

You can pick any of the options available in the market,  I suggest getting Youtob Motion Sensor Ceiling Light. The light comes with some amazing features that you will absolutely adore. 

Firstly, this light can provide white light of various scales. You can enjoy white light in three adjustable color temperatures from 3000k to 5000k. If you want daylight equivalent lighting, choose 5000k color temperature. 

There are mainly two sensors available – a daylight sensor and a night sensor – and both of them work great to give you a better lighting experience. If you do any movement staying within a 9 to 16 feet radius around the light, the sensor will get activated & illuminate the light for 30 seconds. 

Don’t worry, you can adjust the 30 seconds settings to 180 seconds as well. That means – if you don’t do any movement for 30 seconds or 180 seconds, the light will turn off automatically. 

Overall, it’s a great ceiling pantry motion sensor light that ensures 30,000 hours of lighting with multiple great things to praise about. 

2. Battery Operated Ceiling Light

Battery-operated ceiling lights can be a great option if you’re looking for something compact & easy to install. This type of lighting will be best for you if you use the pantry lights only when needed. 

If you’re in the market for a reliable and efficient battery-operated ceiling light – look no further than the Beams Ultrabright Wireless Light. With its outstanding performance and sleek design, this light ticks all the boxes when it comes to meeting your lighting needs. 

The motion sensor gets activated whenever it senses any movement within 18 feet radius. After the light is activated, the light will continue to glow for 20 seconds. If there is no movement within the 20 seconds time frame – the light will shut off automatically. 

Don’t worry about changing the batteries very frequently. Because, the batteries are expected to last over a year if you turn on the light 8 to 10 times a day. 

The installation process is easy & doesn’t require you to deal with wiring connections. Simply mount the light on the ceiling with provided screws. On average, it takes only 5 minutes to install.

The lumen amount is relatively low (300 lumens), so it will work best if you have a small walk-in pantry. You can still use this light in a big walk-in pantry by installing multiple of them. 

3. Recessed Lighting 

Recessed lighting is an excellent option for walk-in pantries, especially if you’re looking for a clean and modern look. 

The primary advantage of recessed lighting is that it provides a streamlined and minimalist appearance while delivering a good amount of light. Another great thing about recessed lighting is that it can be used to highlight specific areas within your pantry, such as your storage shelves and countertops. 

Additionally, recessed lighting can be customized to fit your specific needs. For example, if you need warm light – go for bulbs with color temperature of 2700k-3000k.

On the other hand, if you need daylight equivalent white light, then choosing a 5000k-5500k will be the best fit.  

4. Track Lighting

Using track light is another great lighting idea for a pantry. Though the price is higher compared to normal LED bulbs, you will feel the premium vibe it offers. 

If you want a recommendation from me, I would suggest DLLT 4-Light Led Track Lighting Kit. It’s a great option for a walk-in pantry, and it comes with four lights that can be adjusted in any direction. The 4 track heads can be rotated 330° horizontally and 90° vertically, allowing you to focus specific areas on demand. 

Experience a warm and inviting atmosphere with the DLLT 4-Light Led Track Lighting Kit. With its 3000k color temperature, the lights emit a gentle yellowish hue that adds a cozy touch to your walk-in pantry. 

The installation of this light kit is quick and easy, and it can be mounted on a sloped or vaulted ceiling. The lighting kit Includes all mounting hardware and a canopy mounting plate you’ll need while completing the installation process.

5. Pendant Lighting 

If you’re looking for a stylish yet functional lighting option for your tall ceiling pantry, pendant lighting will be a perfect choice for you. 

These lights are designed to hang from the ceiling and can provide focused lighting to a specific area, making them an ideal choice for illuminating key areas of the pantry.

To optimize your lighting experience in the walk-in pantry, it’s crucial to keep the pendant lights at the appropriate height. Keep these pendant lights at the eye sight level or slightly higher for best lighting experience. 

Brighten Your Pantry: Factors to Consider When Choosing Light

I have already discussed various types of pantry lighting options. But, before choosing the right light for your pantry you need to consider a couple of things such as:

1. Size Of The Pantry

Consider the size of your pantry before purchasing light. If you have a large pantry with a tall ceiling, go for pendants or light bulbs which are directly connected to the electricity. This direct connection is important as you will be using high-wattage bulbs for your purpose. 

On the other hand, if you have a small pantry – you can go for either battery-operated lights or direct-connection lights. Small pantry lighting is relatively easier, as you can stick almost any sized bulb & call it a day. 

2. Type Of Pantry

You can customize pantries as much as you want. Normally, you will get 2 types of pantries – 1) Reach In Pantry, 2) Walk In Pantry. Both types of pantries are popular among households. 

If you have a reach-in pantry, I suggest choosing lights that come with a motion sensor. This type of lighting is both eco-friendly and user-friendly.

If you’re fortunate enough to have a walk-in pantry, check out the second list of the article, where I’ve provided the best recommendations to fit your needs.

If you’re working with a high ceiling, consider a stunning pendant light to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your space. 

On the other hand, if you prefer a minimalist approach, recessed lighting could be the perfect choice for a sleek and modern look. 

3. Lighting Placement

Depending on the type of pantry you have, you can place the lights in various locations. For instance, if you’re using LED light strips, it’s best to place them in the corners of the cabinet for optimal lighting experience.

However, light strips aren’t suitable for walk-in pantries. For larger areas like a walk-in pantry, the most effective way to ensure even and comprehensive lighting throughout the space is by using ceiling-mounted lights.

It’s important to note that both the placement and type of light used to play a crucial role in lighting a pantry. Always keep this in mind and determine the placement of your lights accordingly

4. Choose Motion Activated Sensor Light 

Motion-activated sensor lights are an excellent choice for both reach-in-pantries and walk-in pantries. 

If you don’t want the hassle of turning lights on and off whenever you use your pantry, a motion activated sensor light will be the best solution for you.

These types of lights are helpful in many ways. For example, when your hands are full while carrying goods from your pantry, a motion sensor can detect your departure and turn off the lights automatically.

5. Brightness 

When it comes to lighting up your pantry, brightness plays a key consideration. Selecting the right level of brightness lighting can make a significant difference in the overall visibility and functionality of your pantry.

The brightness of your pantry lights can also impact the overall aesthetics of the space. Brighter lights can make the pantry feel more open and modern, while dimmer lights can create a more cozy and intimate ambiance. 

Conclusion 

I hope this article was helpful enough to give you ideas regarding lighting a pantry. I have discussed several lighting options for you to choose from. Some are powered by batteries, while others can be directly connected to the electricity.

Besides, there is a discussion about motion sensor lights as well. On top of everything, you can choose your own pantry lighting based on the factors I’ve informed you to consider while choosing pantry lighting.