Guide to Installing Lights Under Kitchen Cabinets
Illuminating your kitchen cabinets from underneath can completely transform the look and functionality of your cooking space. Installing lights under cabinets provides targeted task lighting right where you need it while creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the benefits of under-cabinet lighting, factors to consider, and step-by-step instructions on planning and installing LED lights beneath your kitchen cabinetry.
Under-cabinet lights refer to lighting fixtures designed to be installed below wall-mounted kitchen cabinets, shining down onto countertops and food prep areas. They provide excellent task lighting that allows you to clearly see your work surfaces while creating a modern, upscale aesthetic. LED under-cabinet lighting is extremely energy efficient, cost-effective, and available in a wide range of fixture styles to suit any decor.
Benefits of Installing Lights Under Kitchen Cabinets
There are many compelling reasons to add under-cabinet lighting to your kitchen design:
Improved Visibility and Task Lighting
With under-cabinet lighting, shadows cast by wall cabinets are eliminated. This allows optimal illumination of kitchen counters, preventing accidents and eyestrain during food preparation tasks like chopping, measuring, and cooking. Focused task lighting right where you need it reduces daily frustrations in the kitchen.
Enhanced Aesthetic Appeal and Ambiance
Kitchen lighting has a major impact on ambiance and interior design. Warmly illuminating counters and cabinets with dimmable under cabinet LEDs can completely transform your space from drab to stunning. This lighting style provides softly diffused illumination and depth that upgrades any kitchen into an inviting, polished showpiece.
Energy Efficiency with LED Options
LED under cabinet light fixtures use at least 75% less energy than older incandescent bulbs - they can even outlast compact fluorescent lights (CFLs). ENERGY STAR certified LEDs are the most efficient choice, using 75-80% less energy and lasting 25 times longer than incandescent equivalents. This translates to major cost savings on energy bills over time.
Easy Installation and Versatile Options
Installing under cabinet lights as a DIY project is relatively easy, with many plug-and-play LED designs that don't require hiring an electrician for complex hardwiring. Sleek, low-profile fixtures like LED light bars, strips, and pucks come in lengths that can be cut and connected to fit under most standard cabinets using integrated connectors. With dimmable, color adjustable, and motion sensor options, it's simple to customize functional and aesthetic elements to suit any kitchen.
Types of Under Cabinet Lighting
LED technology dominates the under cabinet lighting market today. Within the LED category, there are various sleek fixture styles to choose from:
LED Strip Lights
LED strip lights feature tiny bulbs embedded inside a flexible silicone strip that can be trimmed with scissors to desired lengths. These connect end-to-end and can be mounted in long, continuous runs under cabinets using built-in adhesive backing or slim mounting clips for a seamless, minimalist look. Strip lights emit an even, linear distribution of light. Look for integrated dimming, adjustable color temperature, and ultra low-profile designs for optimal installation.
LED Puck Lights
LED puck lights consist of small, circular fixtures that mount individually to surfaces in a linear arrangement. Their compact size and focused light projection make puck lights ideal for very tight spaces under cabinets, allowing installation even when clearance is limited between counter and cabinet. Individual pucks can be aimed and positioned to highlight specific areas. However, seeing the individual fixtures means puck lights have a less seamless look than strip lighting.
LED Bars and Channels
LED bars provide a balance between puck lights and strips. Each bar is an enclosed unit with internal LEDs that directs light from either one or two aluminum-sided channels. LED light bars are highly customizable, easy to link together, and can be mounted with or without lenses for focused or diffused light distribution. Look for dimming, motion sensing, and color adjustable models for added versatility.
Fluorescent and Xenon Lights
While LED technology has overtaken these older styles, traditional fluorescent tube lights powered by a ballast as well as line-voltage xenon puck lights are still available. However, these require hardwiring into kitchen electrical circuits and lack the flexibility, efficiency, and lifespan of modern LEDs. More dated bulb options best suited for basic task lighting rather than upgraded, multi-functional under cabinet illumination.
Factors to Consider When Installing Lights Under Cabinets
Before purchasing under cabinet lighting, there are various factors worth considering to ensure your new fixtures will meet your needs:
Kitchen Cabinet Design and Layout
Look at the height, depth, construction material, and positioning of your existing cabinets. This will dictate whether you have adequate room for surface-mounted lighting versus needing ultra low-profile or recessed channels. Open shelving versus closed cabinetry also impact the lighting style most suitable.
Brightness Requirements and Light Output
Consider how brightly you need to light different areas based on typical tasks. LED lighting packages are measured in lumens - the higher the lumens, the brighter the light. Kitchens generally call for bright task lighting, so opt for fixtures rated at a minimum of 300-500 lumens per linear foot of countertop space.
Color Temperature and Dimmability
Kitchen lighting color ranges from warm to cool, with different tones suitable for various uses and aesthetics. Warmer light (2700K-3000K) provides an inviting, relaxing feel while cooler white and daylight hues are ideal for task areas. Select LEDs with adjustable color temperature or opt for a fixed temperature that fits your overall kitchen's style. Dimming also adds flexibility and ambiance.
Safety, Clearance, and Electrical Considerations
Underwriters Laboratory (UL) certification ensures a lighting product complies with safety requirements. Under cabinet LEDs are typically low-voltage systems powered by a plug, eliminating major electrical work. However, clearance depths as low as 1.25 inches are recommended between light and surface to prevent fire risk. Hardwired installations may require an electrician.
Control Options, Smart Home Integration, and Maintenance
Simple on/off switches or dimmers give you basic control of under cabinet lights. More advanced options include motion sensor activation, color changing presets via remote or app, and smart home integration with voice assistants or automation platforms. Whatever features you select, LEDs require minimal hands-on maintenance beyond occasional dusting.
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
Ready to brighten up your kitchen with new under cabinet lighting? Follow this step-by-step guide:
Assessing Layout and Measurement
Decide which areas of cabinets and work surfaces you want illuminated, then measure the total linear inches across the front of designated cabinets. For LED strips and bars, measure to the nearest 1/8" and add a few inches to allow for connections and overlaps. For puck lights, measure in inches then divide by the width of each fixture, spacing roughly 8-12" apart.
Selecting Lighting Type and Purchasing Supplies
Based on your needs, space constraints, and budget, select an LED strip, bar, or puck lighting system. Purchase enough fixtures to fit measurements plus any additional dimmer switches, wire connectors, or mounting supplies. For hardwired units, you may need conduit, junction boxes, and proper electrical wiring.
Begin by thoroughly cleaning the underside of cabinets with degreasing solution, making sure surfaces are smooth and dry. Install puck lights or built-in light channels by drilling holes just smaller than fixture width and inserting wiring before securing brackets or adhesive strips. For surface-mounted options, install clips using screws or strong adhesion tape.