If you struggle to remember turning off the closet light every time you leave, a new lighting feature could be the solution to your problem. This innovative addition to your closet eliminates the need to search for a light switch while organizing your clothes or retrieving items from storage. Door jamb light switches come with a push button and are positioned between the hinges of a door, automatically turning on the light when the door is opened and off when it is closed. This ensures that the light is never left on after the door is shut. Installing door jamb light switches could not only modernize your walk-in closet but also simplify your daily routine.
Though these light switches are extremely convenient, they can be difficult to install, especially if you don't have experience with electrical work. Additionally, your door jamb switch might not function correctly if it's installed inappropriately. For example, if the box for the switch isn't flush with the doorframe, your door might not close properly, and the light will stay on. This can also be a problem if you have wooden doors that expand during certain weather. Door jamb switches themselves are not particularly expensive, like the $17 Gardner Bender push button switch at Home Depot or Amazon's electric door switch for $21. We'll explore more features of this genius product to help you determine if it's a must-have for your closet while offering some alternatives along the way.
Deciding if you want to add jamb switches to your closet door
Door jamb switches are essentially push-button light switches that are activated by the pressure of your door. Though these light switches are simple to use, they must be wired to an existing closet light. This could mean redirecting wires from your current light switch to your new one or putting in new wiring to connect your jamb switch to your power source and your light. Either way, you will likely have to cut holes in your doorframe or wall to complete the project.
Alternatives to door jamb light switches
Though these genius doorframe lighting features can be extremely convenient for some, they might not be useful if your closet doesn't already have a light, if you don't have the experience to complete the installation yourself, or if hiring an electrician isn't affordable. Luckily, there are tons of alternatives that will keep you from having to flip a switch. For example, rather than rewiring your closet, you could simply switch out your current lightbulb for a motion-sensing one. These bulbs will detect when you enter your closet and turn off after it stops detecting movement. You can find the EcoSmart motion sensor LED lightbulb at Home Depot for $11.
If your closet lacks a light source, you can opt for battery-powered motion lights as a solution. The QualityWatt LED motion sensor lights available on Amazon (3 for $18) come with an adhesive backing, allowing you to place them anywhere in your closet. These lights are designed to turn on automatically when you enter the closet, eliminating the need for light switches in closets without doors. For those interested in door jamb lights but concerned about push button issues, wired motion sensor lights could be a suitable alternative. Another option is to utilize contact sensors, commonly found in home security systems, or magnetic switches, which operate similarly to jamb switches by using magnets to open or close the electrical circuit.
