How to Choose the Best Lighting for Your Garage Workshop

While fluorescent bulbs have long been the standard for shop lights, LED lights have begun to overtake the field. Use LED tube bulbs in standard fluorescent fixtures instead of replacing the fixture. While LED tube bulbs require a larger investment than their fluorescent counterparts, the longer life and reduced energy usage of the bulbs saves you money in the long run. LED tube bulbs also provide instant-on, evenly spread lighting that’s brighter than traditional fluorescent bulbs. Some LED fixtures with smart technology allow you to adjust the color temperature remotely. 

Shop lights embody the traditional look of a garage. These fixtures are typically a single-bar light fixture that usually hangs by a chain assembly (although they can be ceiling-mounted). Most of these easy-to-install fixtures just plug into an outlet. Whether you choose LED shop lights or the traditional fluorescent type, these are a quick, inexpensive way to light up a garage workshop.  

Some LED shop lights are designed to be hard-wired, and while these are more expensive, the integrated lighting allows you to add accessories like a motion sensor. 

Tip: Choose shop lights that can plug into each other in a “daisy-chain” to free up electrical wall outlets. 

Strip light fixtures are easy to install and come in several sizes to fully customize your overhead garage lighting. Strip lighting works well to light up high-ceiling garages. LED strip light fixtures are an energy-efficient lighting choice, and they supply instant light with no warm-up period. If you currently have fluorescent fixtures of this type, you can upgrade to LED with a retrofit conversion kit. 

High bay light fixtures are best for lighting large spaces with very high ceilings. The most common high bay light fixtures are round, linear and sealed vapor tight fixtures. They are ideal for a commercial garage or multi-storage garage with ceiling heights that exceed 15 feet. LED high bay lights with a wide distribution pattern reduce the number of overall fixtures you need.  

LED wraparound lights do a great job of illuminating garages with lower ceilings. Since they’re installed level with the ceiling surface, they don’t hang as low as an ordinary shop light, keeping them out of the way of ladders, boards and other items you might move around the space. Unlike lighting options that produce light in one direction, wraparound lights produce multidirectional light from both sides and the bottom, resulting in a larger light spread overall. 

Plan your garage lighting with your workshop layout in mind, and remember that just as with indoor lighting, you’ll need supplemental lighting in addition to what’s overhead. 

• Clamp lights are inexpensive and portable, so you can easily move them to where you need light. These are very useful for small projects and very detailed work.
• Task lights allow you to focus directly on work areas. Place them so the light won’t shine directly in your eyes. You don't want shadows to block your view or interfere with other work areas.
• Under-cabinet light fixtures allow you to let your work dictate whether you are better off with tube lights or individual bulbs. In either case, LED bulbs will save energy, and they come in a variety of color temperatures.

Some areas where additional light sources may be needed include: 

• The space above the garage door
• Wall space where items hang
• Spaces occupied by appliances like the deep freezer or washer-dryer combo
• The workbench area
• The seasonal storage area
• Exterior access doors

Tip: Consider adding a motion sensor in storage areas and near appliances to keep your hands free. 

Here are some tips to help you lower your energy bill and your carbon footprint when you’re lighting up your garage workshop: 

• If you spend mostly daylight hours working in your garage workshop, take advantage of natural light as much as possible, and opt for fewer lights or lower-wattage bulbs.
• Only turn on the lights you need for the task at hand. But don’t turn LED lights on and off too frequently, since that can shorten their lifespan.
• Arrange your garage to optimize lighting. Move large items that are blocking light from windows or hanging lights. Place your main work area close to natural light.
• If possible, open your garage door on warm, sunny days, and keep the lights off.
• If you keep your garage exterior well-lit, put your outdoor lights on a timer so they turn on and off at sundown and sun-up.