Category: Garage

“My study is a converted garage which is largely lined with bookshelves and cardboard boxes filled with manuscripts of my film scripts, plays, and books.”  –  William Nicholson

Do you have lights in and around your garage? If so, they are probably a single spotlight outside, and the light inside is the one that comes on your garage door opener. These are simply not enough lights.

You need an additional light fixture in the garage and an exterior garage light that can create a broader wash of light on your property. These garage lighting ideas will help you find the perfect lighting for in and around your garage.

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1. LED Lights

LED lighting is the modern lighting solution that is perfect for your garage. This type of lighting requires you to change out the light fixtures that you currently have to ones that are LED light bulb compatible.

Many homeowners decide against this because it represents a larger upfront investment. However, these people are missing out on the long-term benefits of LED garage lights.

Switching your garage lights to LED will save you monthly because of their low energy consumption. You also have a broader range of lumens and temperature options. These are what allow you to create a custom lighting solution. LED bulbs also last significantly longer than standard bulbs, so there’s no need to worry about replacing them.

2. Decorative Lights

Most people think of their garage as storage or workspace, so they don’t think about adding decorative lighting to their garage. However, this means they are missing out on a prime opportunity.

Add decorative lighting to your garage and make it a more enjoyable place to be while you are hanging out in your garage or driveway.

Homeowners should also add lighting to the outside of their garage. These outdoor lighting fixtures create more outdoor light. Now you can use your property when the sun goes down.

Exterior lighting also makes it safer to be outside walking around at night. Consider the color temperature of the light you choose. A yellow light isn’t as bright but is softer on the eyes. Bright white will be more effective at illumination but can feel harsh.

3. Exterior Garage Lights

Adding exterior lights to your home serves multiple purposes. The first is to make your home and property safer. Flood lights illuminate the entire area so that you can safely walk around without bumping into things and tripping.

Choose motion sensor lights to add safety by making your home less appealing to criminals who may want to target your home. Those with bad intentions tend to move around in the dark, so take that away, and they will look for an easier target.

Your outdoor lighting fixture can also add a decorative appeal to your home. Adding landscape lighting illuminates your property at night, making it look more appealing and welcoming. This is smart if you want to improve the curb appeal of your home.

4. Flush Mounted Ceiling Lights

Recessed lighting is great for a garage because it removes the light fixture that would have to hang down below the height of the ceiling. You aren’t going to accidentally hit recessed lights as you’re moving around and working in your garage. They are also great for adding task light.

Garage ceilings can also be quite low. Adding flushed mount lighting helps to keep the ceiling feeling as high as possible. The drawback of this type of lighting is that you’ll need to install more of them because they don’t work well for creating full-room ambient lighting.

5. Luxury Garage Lighting

You don’t have to treat your garage as a rugged, industrial, or commercial space. Plenty of lighting ideas can help you elevate your garage and give it a luxurious feel. Try using lighting ideas that are traditionally meant for the interior of the home.

You could hang pendant lights, mount string lights, or even hang a chandelier. Now you have a hangout space that feels more like a room than a storage facility.

Whatever light you choose, make sure it has the right light output. Pendant lights meant for a kitchen island may not have the proper lighting ability for illuminating your garage.

6. Panel Lights

Adding panel lights can give your garage a modern look. Skip the accent lighting that are just solid panels with a trim of LED light around the edge. This is a cool visual effect but does nothing for adding light to your garage.

Instead, look for lights where the entire panel is the light. You can then mount them flush to your garage’s ceiling or walls. The gentle glow is bright enough to add plenty of light, but the blocked bulbs won’t blind you. What’s nice about these panels is that you can add as few or as many as you want. This lets you customize the amount of light you have in your garage.

7. Pin Lights

Pin lights are a modern lighting solution that uses LED bulbs. These small lights come in a compact housing that makes them easy to install almost anywhere in your garage. The light you get from them is ultra-bright and directed.

These lights aren’t ideal for most homeowners because they won’t deliver enough light. This means you’ll have to install a ton of them to get enough ambient light. These are best used as spotlights when you want to highlight one specific thing, like a piece of decor, signature plant in your landscaping, or architectural element.

8. Suspended Lights

An easy solution for adding garage ceiling lights is to install fluorescent lighting. All you need to do is install some hooks in your ceiling to hang the lights from. Most come with hanging chains that allow you to adjust the height of the lights to suit your garage ceiling height.

For a clean install and permanent solution, hardwire the lights into your home’s electrical system. If this isn’t an option, you can run the electrical cable to one of your plugs in the garage. Either way, make sure there is an easy way to turn the lights on and off.

A switch by your interior garage door is the best option. That way, you don’t have to navigate a dark garage to and from the light when turning it on and off.

9. Track Lights

Track lights tend to make a home look dated and aren’t a great option for the interior of your home. However, in your garage, they can be a great option.

Adding track lighting to your garage gives you more freedom in how you use the lighting. You could arrange them in one position while you use your garage as a workspace.

Then you can reposition the lights when you decide to convert our garage into a home gym. Then perhaps you sell your home, and the next owners want to keep their car and motorcycle in the garage. They can adjust the lights to suit their new use.

When choosing track lights, think about the amount of illumination you need. The more light you want, the more individual lights on the track you need. Small spotlights will create more directed light. While larger lights can create a broader wash of light for more ambient light.

10. Tube Lights

Your garage is your workspace and storage space. You don’t need fancy lighting or elegant lighting solutions. All you need is functional and reliable ambient lighting.

Fluorescent tube lights are the lighting solution you are looking for. Fluorescent fixtures tend to lack style and design, but that’s ok. Their industrial or commercial feel doesn’t matter.

Fluorescent bulbs do not last as long as LED bulbs. Replacing them is relatively affordable, though. Just be careful handling them because they are delicate. If you do break one, you have a mess on your hands as the glass shatters into a million pieces.

11. Wall-Mounted Lights

Instead of installing lights on the ceiling, consider adding wall lights. These won’t interfere with the operation of your garage door or lower the visual height of the ceiling.

Just be sure to mount them high enough as to not be at eye level. Lights with a shade that directs the light downward can be perfect over your workbench.

You can also install lights on the outside wall of your garage. While many people install them next to entry points, such as windows and doors, you can install them anywhere. Solar-powered outdoor security lights give you the freedom to add light anywhere.

Take a walk around the average neighborhood and you’re unlikely to find two garages that look alike. Some homeowners use their garage space for vehicle storage. Some turn the space into a rec room. And others convert it into a professional-level workshop.

What do all of these hypothetical garages have in common? They all need plenty of storage space to look and function their best!

Not all garage storage solutions are built the same. So keep reading for the top garage storage ideas to try out in your own space.

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1. Wall-Mounted Storage

Maximize your garage’s vertical space with wall-mounted storage solutions. These can range from simple hooks for hanging tools and bicycles to sophisticated track systems that allow for adjustable shelving and cabinet attachments. Ideal for keeping the floor space clear, this approach makes it easy to find what you need and keeps items out of the way.

2. Built-in Storage System With Desk

Transform a section of your garage into a multifunctional workspace with a built-in storage system that includes a desk. This setup is perfect for DIY enthusiasts or those who need a home office space. Incorporate cabinets, drawers, and open shelving above or beside the desk to store tools, office supplies, and other essentials within easy reach.

3. Tiered Car Storage

For car enthusiasts or households with multiple vehicles, tiered car storage is a game-changer. This solution involves using car lifts to stack vehicles, thereby saving floor space. It’s an innovative way to store classic cars or seasonal vehicles while leaving room for daily use cars at the ground level.

4. Floating Shelves

Floating shelves add a modern touch to garage storage. These shelves are attached to the wall without visible supports, creating a clean, streamlined look. They are perfect for storing lighter items and can be arranged in creative patterns to add aesthetic appeal to the space.

5. Wooden Pallet Shelf

Embrace a rustic and cost-effective storage solution by repurposing wooden pallets into shelves. These can be mounted against walls or used as freestanding units. They are especially great for storing larger items like lawn equipment, sports gear, or large toolboxes.

6. Pegboard Organizer

A pegboard organizer is a versatile and customizable solution. It allows you to hang tools and accessories in a variety of configurations, which can be changed as your storage needs evolve. This idea keeps tools visible and easily accessible, ideal for crafting, woodworking, or mechanical work.

7. Metal Crate Shelf

For a durable and industrial look, use metal crates as shelving units. These can be stacked and secured in various configurations to suit your storage needs. They are ideal for heavy items and can add a unique, modern aesthetic to your garage space.

8. Labeled Storage Bins

Keep smaller items organized and easy to find with labeled storage bins. This approach is perfect for grouping similar items, like holiday decorations, sports equipment, or gardening supplies. Clear bins allow you to see the contents at a glance, while labels ensure everything has its place.

9. Rolling Work Desk

A rolling work desk is a flexible solution for those who need a workspace that can move around the garage. Equipped with wheels, this desk can be easily relocated to where it’s needed most, whether you’re working on a vehicle or a DIY project. Incorporate built-in storage in the desk for tools and materials to keep everything at arm’s reach.

“The garage is the space for the hacker, the tinkerer, the maker. The garage is not defined by a single field or industry; instead, it is defined by the eclectic interests of its inhabitants. It is a space where intellectual networks converge.”  –  Steven Johnson

The garage is rarely thought of as the most important room in the house, but for many DIY fanatics, the garage is where it’s at. Every detail of the garage space is important, including the often-overlooked ceiling.

Garage design ranges from bare-bones construction with an exposed ceiling, to a high-end, luxurious man cave. Whether you’re at one end of the spectrum or somewhere in the middle, we have plenty of garage ceiling ideas for you!

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1. Paint It Black

Black is a dramatic color to use in your garage space. Whether it appears on the ceiling, floor, or wall, black adds a solid contemporary feeling to your garage plan.

Black also has the magical quality of being able to hide flaws. For example, the messy look of an open garage ceiling with exposed joists can easily be fixed by painting everything black.

Black garage ceiling ideas pair well with black tile or painted concrete floors. Painting the garage ceiling black makes the roof feel lower—an effect you might want if your garage has an exceptionally high or vaulted ceiling.

2. Corrugated Metal Ceiling

Corrugated metal sheeting is a low-cost, industrial style material suitable for garage ceilings. It can take on a rustic or contemporary look when paired with certain garage wall treatments.

Certain types of metal ceiling panels look like the inside of a rolling garage door. Other types of metal panels mimic a rough industrial warehouse interior. Shiny metal panels help reflect available garage lighting—helpful if you spend a lot of time working on cars or DIY projects.

3. Drywall

Drywall provides a strong foundation for attaching any type of ceiling finish. Before adding drywall to your garage ceiling, apply insulation between each ceiling joist if needed. Insulation may be optional in a detached garage but it’s a must if there’s living space above the garage.

While drywall may seem like an easy DIY project, it’s best to hire a professional contractor. Any added expense will be worth it, as you won’t have to rent a drywall lift or other expensive installation tools.

Additionally, even seasoned DIYers are usually surprised to learn how hard it is to create smooth seams between drywall panels.

4. Exposed

An exposed ceiling gives a rugged, work-in-progress look to the garage. If you don’t mind the way it looks, you don’t need to bother with any other garage ceiling ideas. Attach your light fixture to a bare ceiling joist and include a ceiling fan to cool down the space in the summertime.

To add storage space to the garage, lay sheets of plywood on top of your exposed wood ceiling beams. This creates an inexpensive loft style shelving that’s perfect for stacking storage bins, luggage, or other difficult to store items.

5. LED Lights

While most garage lighting is comprised of simple fluorescent fixtures, virtually any type of lighting can work in the garage. If you want to get creative, even basic fluorescent tubes can be arranged in a grid or other pattern for a dramatic lighting option.

Recessed can lighting looks great in a finished garage ceiling, especially in a high-end designer garage. Track lighting allows you to direct light onto certain areas of your garage cabinets and countertops—helpful if you do a lot of DIY work.

Read more: 34 Garage Lighting Ideas

6. Steel Truss Construction

Steel truss construction is an innovative and sturdy choice for your garage ceiling, offering both durability and a modern aesthetic. Utilizing lightweight steel, these trusses provide exceptional support, ensuring a safe and long-lasting structure. Their design allows for a clear, open space beneath, ideal for storing large items or creating a more spacious feel in your garage.

An added advantage is their compatibility with various types of roofing materials, allowing for flexibility in design choices. The sleek look of steel trusses can be left exposed for an industrial feel, or easily covered with drywall or paneling for a more traditional appearance.

7. Ceiling Storage

Ceiling storage is one of the most overlooked options for garage storage, but the garage ceiling is one of the best places to stow certain gear. There’s a shelf, hook, or rack for virtually any type of garage ceiling storage. Look for bike hooks, hanging shelves, and premade garage storage racks that anchor to a wall stud for extra stability.

Overhead storage helps keep your garage floor clear, freeing up floor space for a storage cabinet or even another vehicle. Just be sure to not exceed the weight limit on your ceiling storage and make sure you can walk comfortably under or around hanging items.

8. Wood

Wood and metal are classic materials to use for rustic design. Any combination of these can be used for a rustic garage makeover. Wood paneling on the walls and ceiling add a lodge-like atmosphere to a garage man cave.

If you have interior garage walls made of exposed brick, a wood beam ceiling adds a lot of rustic character to the space. Alternate corrugated metal panels and plywood panels for an interesting texture variation on the ceiling.

9. Unfinished

Builders often leave garage interiors unfinished in new homes because they’re only required to provide a basic finish. If your home isn’t new, the garage may still be unfinished because the previous owners lacked the time or money to paint it.

Nothing says that you have to finish your garage ceiling. In fact, you may prefer the simplicity of bare drywall or wooden panels. For many people, the garage is purely a work and storage space—not an area where interior design is a priority.

Civilization wouldn’t exist in its current state without skilled craftsmen. Even today — when we can go out and buy nearly anything imaginable — countless people continue to learn and practice skills like carpentry, painting, sculpting, and electrical work.

Homeowners understand the value of good handiwork, especially when it can be completed without hiring a professional. But it can be hard to find the space to complete projects and store your most important tools.

Keep reading for some of the top workbench ideas for updating your shed, garage, or workshop.

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1. DIY Pallet Workbench

DIY is so in vogue these days and nothing beats DIYing your own workbench out of an old pallet. Creating a simple workbench from upcycling an old pallet offers a unique charm and character to the garage or workshop.

It takes only basic hand tools and minimal woodworking skills to create the perfect DIY pallet workbench for any number of projects and weekend tinkering. Dare to DIY today and create your own DIY pallet workbench!

2. Pallet Work Bench With Crate Storage

For the ambitious and crafty DIYer, a pallet work bench with enclosed storage is essential. This handy item can provide additional workspace along with organization for tools, supplies, and works in progress.

With enclosed storage, you’ll have plenty of space for tools, paint cans, and other supplies. Plus, the pallet construction is strong and durable enough to withstand frequent use in any workspace or garage. Get your projects done faster, easier – and with a lot less mess – when you have this pallet workbench with enclosed storage

3. Wood Work Bench With Cabinet Storage

From pallet workbenches to sleek built-in cabinets, there is a workbench solution that can help you get the job done. Whether you are looking for a pallet-style workbench with storage incorporated into the design or a large, stylish cabinet with handles and shelves to give you maximum workspace flexibility, there is a perfect option available for any budget or home style.

With so many options available, it’s easy to find the perfect workbench for your needs – giving you the ability to perform any task in style.

4. Composite Workbench

A composite workbench can be an incredibly useful multitool for both the workshop and the home office. Crafted from a combination of strong materials, composite workbenches are designed to handle almost any job that presents itself.

Alternatively, for those who value aesthetics as well as functionality in their workspace, a wood workbench with a marble countertop is sure to bring an unparalleled level of professionalism and beauty to any room. No matter the style you choose, a quality workbench is sure to serve you well.

5. Rolling Workbench

Every rolling workbench is like a rolling stone, ready to conquer every home improvement project in its path! A rolling workbench is a perfect balance between craftsmanship and convenience: it’s much easier to move around than a stationary one and it also provides you with ample storage, organization, and workspace. Tailor-made for all kinds of projects, a rolling workbench can easily assist with everything from small quick fix-its to detailed woodworking designs.

Whether they’re rolling through the garage or strutting fancy in the workshop, rolling workbenches are sure to make home improvements delightful!

6. Workbench Made With Reclaimed Wood

Perfect for a vintage or rustic-inspired space, a workbench made with scrap wood or reclaimed wood can say just as much about the person using it as their work does. If you’re looking for something more distressed and faded with age, an antique workbench can give the impression that it has been used and loved many times – adding a sense of character to your work area.

Whether searching for an old workbench in grandma’s shed or building your own from scraps around the house, adding any kind of workbench to your space will make it just that little bit more unique.

7. Workshop Table With Multi-storage

A workshop bench with multi-storage is essential in any workshop. It can provide an organized space to store tools, materials, and supplies while also providing a surface to work on delicate tasks. With well-crafted windows, drawers, and shelves, this workbench can keep your workshop clutter free and help you become more efficient.

Having an organized workspace promotes creativity and reduces stress, making it easier to focus on intricate projects. Having the right workshop bench with multi-storage will give you the edge when completing tasks faster and with superior results.

8. Workbench With Tool Peg Board

Setting up a workbench with a pegboard can help any project become more efficient. Add some colorful tools, and an organized workstation, and your workbench is ready to go! Having a workbench will make DIY work easier by providing a sturdy base to work from and a surface that encourages efficient organization.

Tools in easy sight on the pegboard make it simple to put together projects right away. Its stability gives you the confidence to hammer nails into the wood without worrying about it rocking while doing so. On top of that, its great design adds character and brightens up any workspace.

9. Rolling Workbench Island

Finding the perfect workbench to fit your needs can be challenging, and it’s even more difficult when you’re limited in space. A rolling workbench island is an ideal solution! This multi-functional tool makes use of small spaces while providing ample workspace and storage, all on conveniently rolling wheels.

It’s a great way to maximize productivity while optimizing space in any garage or shop. With a rolling workbench island, you can do everything you need without ever sacrificing function for cramped spaces.

10. Steel Work Desk

There’s something special about a steel work desk. Whether you need it for the workshop, the kitchen, or even the living room, these steel workbenches are not only hardy but also highly versatile and resilient. A steel workbench is not only durable enough to withstand tough tasks, but it can last through generations if given enough care.

With a steel workbench in your home, you’ve got a timeless piece of furniture that’ll serve a variety of purposes and last for years to come.

11. Workbench With Built In Peg Board

A workbench is more than just any old work desk; it’s a place of organization with the potential to bring together all the right tools. By investing in a workbench with built-in peg board, crafters, makers and professionals alike can save valuable time by having their most-used items on display and easily accessible.

No more searching through drawers for hours trying to find what you need! With an organized workbench that includes many different compartments and storage options, you’ll be able to get the job done more quickly and efficiently.

12. Circular Work Desk

Looking for a multi-functional work space that is both stylish and functional? A workbench is a perfect solution. It provides an ideal multi-purpose circular work desk, giving you more space for seating, and many can be placed at just about any angle to best fit your needs.

With its unique design, it can transform any room and bring a touch of class that will make all your work more enjoyable. Whether you need it for crafting, planning, or taking care of business, a workbench is a perfect tool to help you accomplish all tasks with ease.

13. Workbench With Custom Storage

Transform your workspace with a workbench that features custom storage that is tailored to fit your specific needs. Whether you’re looking for the perfect spot to work on a special project, or need an area to organize equipment and tools, this workbench with custom storage has you covered.

Constructed from top-of-the-line materials and put together with expert craftsmanship, your new workbench will look great, hold up against everyday wear and tear, and provide the convenience of having exactly what you need just an arm’s reach away at any time.

14. Wall-mounted Shelves

Crafting the workspace of your dreams starts with the right workbench. A wall-mounted shelf system adds extra workspace to any hobby or shop space, allowing you to store and organize materials without compromising valuable floor space. And when it comes to customizing your wall-mounted shelves for a bench that’s made just for you, there’s no limit!

Whether you want an open-air shelf tailor-made to perfectly fit paints and brushes, or if you need enclosed cabinets for housing delicate tools and parts, creating custom storage solutions has never been easier – or so convenient! Add wall-mounted shelves today and create your ultimate workbench tomorrow.

15. Workbench With Lighting

Investing in a workbench with custom storage featuring drop lights can make all the difference. No matter what task you’re tackling, having easy access to the supplies you need—and bright lighting to work by—can help banish work-related stress.

You won’t have to worry about obscure shadows or weak light – the workbench and lights will provide plenty of coverage. Plus, the workbench will help maintain order within your workspace so that you can focus on maximizing productivity, allowing for more efficient work!

16. Small Desk Organizer

Are you looking for the perfect wood desk organizer that is great for holding your drawing supplies or small tools? Look no further than this amazing workbench with a desk organizer.

With plenty of slots and compartments for all of your items, this wood desk organizer guarantees everything will be in its place so you can focus on the task at hand with no distractions.

17. Framed Peg Board

The stylish construction of a framed peg board combines functionality with a modern design that makes it ideal for organizing tools and supplies.

Invest in a framed peg board workbench and make quick work of your DIY tasks. Enjoy the convenience that comes with having every tool within reach—it’s the perfect way to get projects done quickly and professionally.

18. Workbench With Pull-out Furniture

If you’re looking for a workbench to make the most of your small space, consider a workbench with pull-out furniture. This workbench not only serves as a work surface but also includes a cleverly hidden drawer that pulls out and can be used for storage or organization.

It’s the perfect solution for both novice and expert DIYers who need to maximize their workspace, no matter how limited their square footage is. No more cramming tools and materials into tight spaces. And when you’re done working, simply push in the drawers and close your workbench, reclaiming all of your hard-won space!

19. Workbench With Dividers

Nothing simplifies your work life like a workbench with space dividers. This practical, efficient setup allows you to work smarter, not harder – everything from tools and supplies to projects in progress has their own dedicated space, allowing for an orderly workflow.

Get the workbench that fits your specific needs and tasks so that work is pleasantly organized, leading to higher satisfaction and improved productivity.

20. Themed Workbench

Crafting a themed workbench out of repurposed materials is not only an ideal way to brighten up a workspace but also can be an incredibly fulfilling project. From constructing a one-of-a-kind tool storage center to complimenting the décor of a themed office, the possibilities are endless.

A themed workbench is also perfect for those who take pride in their accomplishments, as it can be fantasized, tailored, and personalized – making it truly unique.

Whether made for practicality or aesthetics (or both!), themed workbenches provide designers with an excellent opportunity to craft something that is entirely their own.

21. High Workbench

A high workbench—such as a stand-up desk on wheels—can be the key to limitless productivity, creativity, and improved ergonomics. It has the look of a high-end modern office, with adjustable heights to suit users of all sizes. Plus, it adds an extra level of comfort and convenience to any workspace.

Not only does it eliminate inefficient movement between sitting and standing positions, but it also helps prevent fatigue and increases focus when working with interactive applications like those related to graphic design, coding, or programming. Say goodbye to back pain and muscle tension while you stay productive all day long!

22. Workbench With A Pop Of Color

A workbench with painted legs is an excellent way to add a unique touch to any workshop. The combination of wood and paint can be used to create a tool space that is both professional and creative.

Adding a pop of color brings vibrant energy to the workbench, inviting you to take on impossible tasks and look for innovative solutions. With a workbench this stylish, it’s impossible to not get inspired!

23. Kids’ Workbench

Every kids’ workbench is like a dream come true – the perfect place to let their inner handyman shine! Not only are kids’ workbenches fun and useful, they also provide parents with peace of mind knowing that kids are safely tinkering away in their own personalized space.

Smaller-sized workbenches can make a great addition to any home, as they’re perfect for kids who may not have the space to spare. Whether your kids want to make a robot or tinker on some rustic woodcraft, a workbench will become their go-to spot for creative play.

24. Wall-Mounted Workbench

Create any type of DIY project quickly and efficiently with the wall-mounted workbench! This all-in-one workspace, designed to be wall mounted, offers a spacious amount of storage, space to craft and assemble projects, as well as all necessary power tools you’ll need. The wall-mounted workbench was crafted with the organization in mind; providing quick access to your everyday work essentials, allowing you to maximize production time and quality outcomes.

Your home projects will become a breeze with this wall-mounted workspace taking center stage in your home or garage – bringing order, creativity, and productivity all into one.