Lighting a mirror inside closet

last year

last modified: last year

Hi. I have a full length mirror mounted inside a closet that has double hinged doors. There is only one small can light in the closet ceiling, and I need more light for dressing.

I picked up two small led strip lights that are usually used under cabinets, and can’t find the right position for them. Putting them beside the mirror causes glare when looking at the mirror.

Placing them above throws shadows, and placing them on the inside of the other door only lights my back when I’m in front of the mirror.

I plan on trying them on the ceiling, next to the can light, to add more ambient light instead of direct light, in hopes that it will be enough.

Looking for any ideas I may not have thought of that would work better. TIA

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Comments (8)

Olychick
last year
Why not try a different kind of light that has a shade and won't glare in your eyes. Like sconces or a light bar like used above vanities?
RL Relocation LLC
last year
can we see it? could be as simple as the light bulb in the can.
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Olychick
last year
last modified: last year
Also, if wiring a new light is not in the cards, if there is room and an outlet, think about a slim fit floor lamp - maybe a torchiere that would bounce light off the ceiling but not take up much floor space.
Joanne
Original Author
last year
Here are a couple of photos. The ceiling fixture in the closet is just a can, not even a proper baffle or trim. We bought a lot of problems with this house 3 years ago in a short sale, and we just recently stopped living with a dumpster in the driveway, so I’m looking for a cheap and dirty DIY for this. I tried to find a trim for the fixture, but could not find one that size. I should probably get the step stool out and see what kind of bulb is in there.

There is no outlet very close by. I’ve stuck the lights up on each side of the mirror with blue tape, low enough not to glare in my face too much, but it’s not ideal. I thought about sticking them to the ceiling on each side of the existing light, but I would have to stand on something to remove them to recharge.
Olychick
last year
Is there someplace to mount it outside the closet? Like behind the bedroom door? Or inside the bathroom on the door?
Joanne
Original Author
last year
Olychick, thanks. There really isn’t a god place outside to mount them and still get the light in the mirror area where I need it.
RL Relocation LLC
last year
OK,

You can first change that light bulb to one that is a bit more white and get a flood light bulb like a par 20, also that can probably has a wingnut inside that will lower the socket down so the bulb sits more flush.

Because it sits so close to the bags on the top shelf, changing to a flush mount might be annoying.

the problem is you will not solve it with these led lights, glare, shadows no matter what. could you mount the mirror behind the bathroom door or something? Because the light is behind you its always going to be an issue. I think you need a mirror solution in this case.
Joanne
Original Author
last year
Thanks. I’ll take a look at the bulb. I have an assortment of spares somewhere. I could possibly put the mirror elsewhere but I think lighting may still be an issue. Old house. I can always put the LED lights in one of the hall closets.