Today’s post was contributed by Andrea Pflaumer.

Packing for a trip, or for a vacation is always a challenge, but it’s a happy one. It lets us fantasize about the beautiful scenery we will encounter. Imagine the relaxing, carefree days ahead, and the delicious food we will enjoy. Imagine the people we might meet, and the wonderful places we will explore.

But watching the heartbreaking video of thousands of people fleeing their homes in Ukraine, I thought of other things. “How did they decide what to stuff in those small rolling suitcases? When there was such urgency when their lives were on the line? When they didn’t know where they’d end up, and they imagined that pretty much everything they owned would be destroyed?”

It puts a very different perspective on needs vs wants. And that inspired me to take a deeper look into what we wear and how we accumulate clothing.

So let’s examine how a wardrobe serves all of our needs – from the most crucial, to the most practical, but also to the elevating.

The Greening of the Fashion Industry

As little as 70 years ago many women wore hand-made clothing that endured. They often handed those items down to the next generation. The textiles and the workmanship ensured that longevity. But the same was true for store-bought clothing, for those who could afford it. Also, closets were a lot smaller then. So, clothing purchases were well-considered and rarely frivolous.

But these days, with globalization and outsourcing, we are able to grab fairly inexpensive and trendy fashions. And we often pass them along to the local resale shop or donate them to a charity within a few years.

The shocking reality is that 70% of those items end up in a landfill. We manufactured more than 100 billion items of clothing each year. And of that shocking number, nearly 20% remain unsold. So they get buried, shredded or incinerated. And as many of the textiles these days contain “sustainable” microfibers (read, plastics) they take a very long time to decompose.

The problem became so great that the industry had to re-invent itself, thankfully. So now, once again, consumers have become more thoughtful about what, and how much, they buy.

And for a younger generation, many of whom are resigned to living in small apartments and not large homes, closets are, once again, small.

What Our Closet Lighting Says … and Should Say

I am loath to use the word “should” when it comes to fashion. There is no room to breathe or experiment in that term. What we choose to wear doesn’t just speak about what we do, where we live, and what is important to us. It speaks to how we want to be perceived.

Our clothing shouldn’t simply serve our practical needs, or be safe for the environment. Although those are important factors. It should also serve our emotional and psychological needs.

So, how do we select something new?

Is it with intention, with the goal of filling in a need for the perfect top to go with those new pants? Or a 3-season jacket for the local weather? Or do we just hope for the serendipity of finding something wonderful and unexpected?

Although I stay open to the possibility of a serendipitous find, I have noticed that as I age, I’m buying with intention, for my actual needs. Also, in the back of my mind I think about how much actual usage I will get out of every single item.

And lately, I look carefully at the fabric composition, opting almost exclusively for natural textiles. If a garment has more than 10% of a synthetic I just won’t buy it, no matter how great it is. I personally don’t like the feel of synthetics. Not to mention, the idea of something ending up in a landfill with a half-life of 200 years makes my skin crawl.

That makes my choices a lot easier.

But still, regardless how mundane, practical, and essential the purchase is, it must bring joy in some way. That goes for everything from socks and undies to a great leather jacket.

Every time I wear it I must feel happy. Is that based solely on my attitude? Well, maybe a little. But when something fits perfectly, when the color makes me look healthier, it brings me joy. When the style speaks to who I am – intrinsically and authentically – and most importantly, when it’s comfortable, then, yeah, it brings me joy.

Utilizing Natural Light: The First Step to an Enlightened Closet

When it comes to closet lighting ideas, nothing quite compares to the transformative power of natural light. The gentle glow of daylight streaming into your walk in closet can instantly brighten the entire space, making it feel more open, inviting, and alive. Natural light not only provides illumination for your wardrobe, but also brings a sense of warmth and serenity that artificial lighting alone can’t always replicate. It’s the foundation of any dream closet, setting the stage for both style and functionality.

One of the greatest advantages of natural light is its ability to reveal the true colors and textures of your clothes and accessories. Whether you’re selecting an outfit for the day or admiring your favorite jewelry, natural light ensures you see every detail as it really is—no more surprises when you step outside! This is especially important in a dressing room, where making confident style choices is part of your daily routine.

To make the most of natural light in your closet design, consider creative ways to maximize its reach. Installing mirrored doors or placing a full length mirror opposite a window can reflect light throughout the room, eliminating dark corners and making the space feel larger and more luminous. Light-colored shelves, cabinetry, and walls also help bounce light around, creating a well lit environment that feels both fresh and spacious.

If your closet has a window, sheer curtains or light-filtering blinds can soften the daylight, creating ambiance and mood that’s just right for your space. For those with limited access to natural light, don’t worry—layered lighting is your friend. Combine the beauty of daylight with thoughtfully placed recessed lighting, pendant lights, or track lighting to provide seamless integration and ensure every shelf, hanging rod, and shoe collection is perfectly illuminated. Accent lighting can highlight special pieces, while ambient lighting fills the room with a gentle glow.

The right lighting is all about balance. By blending natural light with artificial sources—like dimmable lights, LED strips, or decorative fixtures—you can create a closet that’s not only functional, but also a joy to spend time in. Whether you’re organizing your wardrobe, getting ready for the day, or simply admiring your collection, a well-lit closet elevates the entire experience.

Remember, your closet is more than just storage space—it’s a reflection of your personal style and a sanctuary for your daily rituals. With a thoughtful approach to closet lighting, starting with the magic of natural light, you can create a space that inspires, uplifts, and truly feels like your own.

Lighting Ambiance and Mood: Setting the Tone for Your Sanctuary

When you step into your closet, it should feel like entering your own private sanctuary—a space that not only stores your wardrobe, but also uplifts your mood and sets a positive tone for your day. The secret to achieving this lies in the right lighting. Thoughtfully chosen closet lighting ideas can transform even the simplest closet into a haven of style, comfort, and inspiration.

Start by considering the kind of ambiance you want to create. Do you envision a cozy retreat, or a bright, energizing dressing room? Warm white LED strips are perfect for adding a soft, inviting glow, while cool white pendant lights can make your space feel crisp and invigorating. Recessed lighting is a timeless choice, providing seamless integration and a clean look that illuminates your entire space without cluttering the ceiling. Strategically placed recessed lights can highlight your favorite accessories, a cherished shoe collection, or even a full length mirror, making every corner feel special by illuminating specific zones within the closet.

If your closet is blessed with natural light, make the most of it. Positioning your closet to catch the morning sun, or using mirrored doors and reflective surfaces, can bounce daylight around the room, making it feel more expansive and well lit. For those with limited natural light, ambient lighting becomes even more important. Layering different fixtures—like table lamps, floor lamps, or string lights—can create a warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes getting dressed a pleasure. Introducing task lighting, such as track lighting or integrated LED solutions, provides focused illumination for specific activities like selecting clothing or applying makeup, enhancing the closet’s functionality.

Pendant lights and decorative lighting fixtures, such as a statement chandelier, add a touch of elegance and personality to your closet design. Track lighting offers flexibility, allowing you to direct light exactly where you need it—whether that’s over hanging rods, shelves, or drawers. Dimmable lights are a game changer, letting you adjust the illumination to suit your mood, from bright and functional in the morning to soft and relaxing in the evening.

For walk in closets, vertical lighting is especially effective. Installing LED strips or recessed lights along the walls can create a sense of height and drama, while also ensuring that every item—whether it’s hanging clothes or accessories tucked away on a shelf—is beautifully illuminated. Accent lighting can be used to spotlight your favorite pieces, adding both function and flair.

Smart lighting systems bring another layer of convenience and creativity. With smart bulbs or motion sensors, you can easily control the color temperature and brightness, tailoring the lighting to your daily routine or even your outfit. Strip lights are easily installed under shelves or along cabinetry, providing illumination to dark corners and making your storage space feel both functional and luxurious.

Ultimately, creating ambiance in your closet is about layering different types of lighting—ambient, task, and accent—to achieve a harmonious and inviting mood. Lighting design creates a specific atmosphere and highlights your collections, influencing the overall perception of the space. Proper lighting also improves visibility, making it easier to see and access clothing, and reducing shadows for a more enjoyable experience. Experiment with various color temperatures, fixtures, and design options until you find the perfect combination for your dream closet. Remember, different color temperatures are used throughout the house to create various atmospheres and enhance comfort and functionality. With the right lighting, your closet becomes more than just a place to store clothes—it becomes a beautifully illuminated space that inspires you every day.

Sentiment vs Practicality

Can we still have a little fantasy in our fashion choices? Does that serve a purpose too? Most definitely. Adorning ourselves creatively and colorfully reawakens our spirit. It can inspire, soothe, and elevate our mood. It reminds us that creativity lives within us and outside of us. Through the mind and hand of the person who created the item. And it makes us co-creators by wearing that item to reflect our essential, joyful nature.

I like to think that those Ukrainian refugees thought carefully and included at least some items in their suitcases. Something that had no “practical” purpose, but that were deeply meaningful. Or simply beautiful.

So, would you grab your 35-year-old wedding dress if you had to flee in a fire or disaster? Would you regret leaving the hand-knit sweater you received from your aunt or grandmother? Would you pack the floral sandals? The ones that go with only one or two items, but that bring you great joy and remind you of the beautiful things in life?

For those of us who are looking forward to the next chapter in our lives, consider this. Having a closet full of items that are practical, beautiful, comfortable, and meaningful ensures that anything we grab at the last minute in a disaster scenario would still authentically speak to who we are. And also what is important to us.

May you never have to make those decisions.