Hoping for some advice on a small project next week. I would like to add lighting to a small pantry that is 2.5 ft. deep, 4.5 ft wide, with a 9 ft ceiling. The pantry is enclosed with a door. There are five shelves in the pantry. I can run outlets or switches anywhere in the pantry (currently doesn't have any).

What type of lighting and switch would yall recommend? I was thinking of a motion-activated switch so I wouldn't have to install one in the door jamb (pressure or ball switch). I was also thinking about placing a 2-3 ft LED light fixture up on the ceiling so light would shine downwards from it. Then, I was thinking about using some type of lighting under each shelve. However, I am really not sure about the durability of LED light strips which is what everyone seems to be using under their shelves.

Would anyone be able to make me a recommendation on what to use for my fixture from the ceiling and under the shelves?

I've done both, much prefer the motion sensor fixture over the pressure switch. Way too much work for the same result.

I've installed 3 of these and have been satisfied with their performance over the past two years.
CLOUDY BAY Motion Sensor Ceiling Light Indoor,120V CRI90 10W 5000K Bright Day Light,6.5 inch LED Flush Mount Ceiling Lighting Fixture for Garage,Walk-in Closet,Attic,Pantry Wet Location White Finish https://a.co/d/04o1YcN

I think ForeverAg's got the right idea. I'd personally look at some other fixtures you could embed, but that technique will open up a lot of options and have better quality/selection than ribbon lighting.

They make some good products for both motion and door switches, but a big driver for me would be to follow whatever is already installed in the house and match.

We didn't have the $$$ when newly built in-the-day in light a pantry or even under upper cabinets and in those days, everyone's budget was formica, not granite! So very dark cabinet pantry, EZ to cram full until nothing visible.

Tried all sorts of things, even xmas string lights (dim after only one year) & never again battery powered .... until TexAgs referred us to tape lights https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09W4R52SB/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
and never looked back since WhooHoo!
An external outlet - extension cord to inside pantry - plug in the always on lights, whose tiny amps needs no motion-maybe on-off $, press tape into place ... onto beertime ... for years now working.
Life is good.

Lots of light options with Motion activation built in so you don't have to use a separate module. I have the haiku light from BAF in all of my pantries and smaller closets. They don't make it any more, but I'm sure there are tons of similar devices.

Here you go.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/EcoSmart-40-in-Battery-Operated-Dimmable-Linkable-Bright-White-LED-Strip-Light-with-Motion-Sensor-and-Remote-Control-LR411U-2-4X7-1M/325156238

ForeverAg said:

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I would use a door activated switch and put two light bars on the inside, installed on both sides of the door frame trim aimed towards the shelves.

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I agree with the inside the door frame. I used angle LED channel to direct light inward. There are many options, I used similar to the link below.

I used motion activation for ease of install, I wish I would have used door activated. I have a small gap where my cabinet doors meet, occasionally exterior motion will trip them without opening. It's only a minor annoyance though.

https://www.amazon.com/Diffusers-StarlandLed-Aluminum-Complete-Accessories/dp/B0721744QQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?crid=303UY8TC7V0B4&keywords=led+track+angle&qid=1698061519&sprefix=led+track+angle%2Caps%2C149&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9zZWFyY2hfYXRm&psc=1

The light to my pantry is on a switch that is mounted outside the pantry. How would yall handle this? Just hard wire in the light and put a blank plate where the switch was? To make things more complicated, the switch is a double gang with another switch for a light outside the pantry, so it would have to be some odd looking single switch/blank plate.

I would use the switch to turn off and on the lights.

If that doesn't work, you can leave that switch and put a motion detector inside. Putting a blank or anything else in that spot is going to be very obvious.