Under Cabinet Lighting with Hue, An Illuminating Guide

Kitchens are the heart of homes. We prepare meals, bake cookies, and gather around the kitchen island for quality time. Kitchen lighting plays a key role in making these special moments possible. The right lighting sets the mood and enables us to cook safely and easily. Under cabinet lighting brings focused illumination to work areas. With Philips Hue under cabinet lights, you unlock a smart lighting system that elevates kitchen functionality.

Read on to learn how Hue lightstrips and accessories can transform your cooking space.

What is Under Cabinet Lighting?

Under cabinet lighting refers to light fixtures installed under kitchen wall cabinets. This directional lighting points down, resulting in targeted, task-oriented illumination. Under cabinet lights provide the visibility needed for food prep, cooking, and cleaning up.

Unlike overhead ceiling lights, under cabinet lighting offers more concentrated brightness on counter workspaces. The key benefit is reduced shadows and improved visibility. This makes under cabinet lighting ideal for safe knife use, reading recipes, seasoning dishes, and more.

Benefits of Under Cabinet Lighting

• Illuminates work areas for meal preparation and cooking
• Creates an ambient glow for atmosphere
• Showcases decorations displayed on countertops and backsplashes
• Serves as night lighting to navigate the kitchen safely

With customizable smart lighting like Hue, the possibilities expand even more. You can set lighting scenes, automate routines, and sync lights to music or entertainment.

Introducing Philips Hue

Philips Hue offers an ecosystem of smart LED lighting products. The Hue lineup includes white and color ambiance bulbs, fixtures, lamps, lightstrips, and accessories.

What makes Hue lights "smart" is their ability to connect to the Hue Bridge. This bridge enables wireless control through the Philips Hue app. From the app, you can change brightness, colors, effects, schedules, and more.

Hue lights also work with smart home systems like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit. This allows for convenient voice control.

Hue Under Cabinet Lighting Options

Several Hue products are specifically designed for under cabinet installation. Let's explore the top options:

1. Hue Lightstrips

The Hue Lightstrip Plus is likely the most popular under cabinet lighting choice. This ribbon of flexible, cuttable LEDs adheres easily. With color changing ability, it offers both form and function.

For smaller spaces, consider the Hue Lightstrip Plus (80 inch). It includes a power supply and lighting zone for focus. Extend coverage with 1 meter extension pieces.

Light output is ample at 1600 lumens. It produces cleaner, low glare illumination than some competitor LED strips. With 16 million colors, it makes a stylish accent light too.

2. Hue Play Bars

The Hue Play light bars pack vivid color in a compact shape. These rugged aluminum bars measure just under 7 inches long. Flexible mounting options allow positioning upside down too.

With diffused, glare-free light output, play bars work well under cabinets. Place them behind lip edges to graze light the counter or wall for a decorative glow.

For larger spaces, daisy chain up to three play bars on one power supply. Syncing to music and videos brings an entertainment vibe through Hue Sync.

3. Hue Go Portable Lights

Although not sold specifically for installation, the unique Hue Go delivers portable accent lighting. This battery-powered, rechargeable light is lightweight and highly positionable.

For under cabinet uses, the Hue Go's small profile affords placement even in tight spots. The adjustable beam spread ranges from concentrated to 60 degrees wide.

Colors and effects make this playful light a fun way to illuminate a buffet station, wet bar, or Galley kitchen. Control it via Bluetooth when Wi-Fi is out of reach.

4. Hue Bloom Accent Lights

Add a glowing pop of color with the Hue Bloom. This spherical smart lamp produces 360 degrees of variable color light. Place it atop cabinets to cast lively hues below.

Bloom's ambient glow can also highlight display collections. A frosted white glass shade diffuses the LED brightness. Power it with the included USB cable for unlimited placement flexibility.

Now that we've covered top products, let's talk through installation and setup.

Installing Hue Under Cabinet Lights

Installing Hue under cabinet lighting involves a few key steps. But first, check that cabinets offer sufficient room for lights. Our guide covers best practices to make setup smooth and successful.

Wiring and Placement Prep

Proper planning prevents problems down the road. First, decide on light placement and management of wires. Measure cabinet depth to see if lights fit.

Some guidelines for planning:

• Position lightstrips 3 to 5 inches from cabinet fronts to reduce glare.
• Plan gaps in lightstrips to avoid appliances like microwaves.
• Consider adding aluminum channels to diffuse stick-on lightstrips.
• Use 90-degree connectors to wrap strip lights around corners.

Also prep power supplies. Extension cables, power strips, and duplicate supplies may be needed for multiple under cabinet light circuits.

Connecting Lights to the Hue Bridge

To enable smart lighting features, Hue lights must connect to the Hue bridge via Zigbee. This bridge plugs into your router.

During setup, the Hue app discovers bridge-connected lights automatically. You can also manually search for new lights. The process involves pressing the button on each light.

We recommend installing one room's lighting on a single Hue bridge. Large homes may require additional bridges for full coverage and capacity.

Programming and Customization

Once connected, the Philips Hue app unlocks lighting controls. Personalize brightness levels, colors, routines, and more to your taste.

Common customizations include:

• Creating automated "Good Morning" and "Good Night" routines
• Setting a timer for lights to automatically turn off
• Saving favorite light settings as scenes
• Syncing cabinet lights to music, movies, and games

Don't be afraid to experiment! Adjustments are made instantly through the app.

Hue Under Cabinet Lighting Features

Under cabinet lights do far more than simply add visibility! Let's explore some of the biggest benefits of installing Hue.

Vibrant Color Options

Unlike plain white LEDs, Hue lights produce millions of vibrant colors. From icy cool tones to warm ambers, lighting atmosphere is easily adjusted.

Beyond solid colors, specialty modes create firelight, candlelight, rainbow, and festive effects. Sync colors to music, movies, and games through the Hue app.

Complete Dimming Control

Through the app or voice controls, simply slide to brighten or dim Hue lights. This adjustability makes it easy to set the perfect light level.

Gradually brighten lights to wake up gently. Or, dim cabinet lights for a soothing dinner ambience.

Automation Based on Routines

Programming custom lighting routines takes Hue to the next level. Default recipes help automate cues:

• Brighten kitchen lights slowly to help wake you up
• Turn on pathway nightlights on motion detection
• Flash colorful alerts for incoming calls or appointments

These automations, and many more, are configured entirely through the user-friendly Hue app.

Entertainment Syncing

The Hue Sync desktop app analyzes on-screen entertainment and reflects matching colors in real time. This creates an immersive viewing or gaming experience.

Kitchens come alive as colorful splashes from cooking shows splash cabinet lightscapes. Interior design programs mode video-synced color palettes too.

Using Hue Under Cabinet Lighting

Under cabinet lighting has many helpful uses. Let's explore how Hue unlocks kitchen functionality and atmosphere.

Task Lighting for Meal Prep

Extra brightness keeps countertop workspaces clearly visible. This visibility ensures safe chopping, no slipped ingredients between cutting boards, and easy reading of recipes or measuring markers.

Automate Hue scenes to turn on food prep lighting when you arrive home from work. Bright under cabinet lights prevent you from accidentally underexposing Instagram foodie pics too!

Mood Lighting for Ambience

The right lighting sets the tone for special dinners and cocktail parties. Transform kitchen ambience with a tap by saving and activating lighting scenes.

Romantic reddish hues set the mood for a cozy anniversary meal. Cool blue tones lend an airy, relaxing feel for laid-back gatherings.

Accent Lighting to Showcase Decor

Spotlight displayed dinnerware, framed art, and prized houseplants with strategic under cabinet lighting. Illuminate particular areas to make cherished items pop.

For extra visual interest, program Hue lights to gently shift colors throughout the evening when guests arrive.

Night Lighting for Safety and Convenience

Motion-triggered Hue lights provide low-level illumination for late night snacking. Gentle LED glow prevents stubbing toes or tripping hazards.

Set Hue taps, dimmers, or motion sensors to activate subtle wayfinding lights. The peace of mind makes those midnight munchies less daunting.

Smart Home Integration

Philips Hue works with popular smart home platforms for expansive lighting control:

• Amazon Alexa : "Alexa, turn on the kitchen lights."
• Google Assistant : "Hey Google, dim the under cabinet lights to 50%"
• Apple HomeKit : Use Siri or the Home app to control Hue scenes.

Voice commands deliver convenient hands-free adjustments. Routines also automate cues based on set schedules, sensors, or device triggers.

Beyond basic controls, smart integration allows:

• Activating colors and effects like "computer screen mode" or "arctic aurora"
• Grouping cabinet lights with other Hue room or outdoor lighting for simultaneous control
• Triggering light changes based on security system events or IFTTT applets

With flexible third-party connectivity, possibilities abound for home automation!

Helpful Tips and Tricks

Optimizing under cabinet lighting arrangements takes some finesse. Follow these pro tips for enhanced aesthetics and utility:

Angle Lights to Reduce Glare

Directly visible LEDs create harsh glare on reflective countertop materials like granite. Angle lightstrips to graze surfaces instead.

Diffusers and aluminum housings also redirect illumination for softer, shadowless lighting. These help lighting appear more seamless too.

Leave Gaps Around Appliances

Leave a gap between lightstrips when appliances like microwaves are centered under cabinets. This prevents mechanical damage and uneven lighting.

Alternative options include redirecting lightstrips vertically. Just be sure wires stay hidden and out of heat zones.

Layer Lightstrips for More Options

Stack lightstrips across separate rows for expanded accent lighting. Multi-level placement prevents single shadows and enables color mixing.

For example, install a white lightstrip on top for task visibility. Add a color strip below to cast a decorative underglow.

Match Finishes to Decor

Hue offers lightstrips with opaque and transparent outer layers. Opaque models blend in well with white cabinets and backsplashes.

Transparent strips complement dark cabinetry but still diffuse nicely. Match strip colors to cabinet stains for a cohesive look.

Pros and Cons of Hue Under Cabinet Lighting

Like any home upgrade, Hue under cabinet lighting has trade-offs. Let's weigh some top pros and cons.

Pros

• Highly customizable with millions of colors and effects
• Automates convenience and safety lighting
• Sets the mood with dimming capabilities
• Entertainment syncing creates immersive environments

Cons

• More expensive upfront than basic LED strip kits
• Setup can be complex for beginners
• Requires Hue Bridge and adept troubleshooting skills

For most homeowners, the benefits outweigh the cons. Smart conveniences and lively atmospheres motivate the splurge. Costs drop over time too compared to incandescent or CFL under cabinet lighting.

Comparing Hue Against Alternatives

How does Hue under cabinet lighting stack up against other options? Here's a high-level comparison:

Vs. Standard LED Strip Lights

Basic LED strip lights offer plug-and-play simplicity with solid cost savings. But they lack Hue's automation, color changing, and smart home connectivity.

If customization isn't a priority, standard LED strips still provide energy efficiency. Just expect manual-only controls.

Vs. Other Smart LED Brands

Hue pioneered smart lighting, but competitors like LIFX now also exist. LIFX offers similar voice-activated lighting without a hub requirement.

However, LIFX lacks Hue's comprehensive ecosystem of compatible products. Entertainment syncing and robust integrations give Hue an edge for advanced smart home owners.

Unique Aspects of the Hue Ecosystem

Beyond under cabinet lights, the Hue lineup includes white and color smart bulbs, outdoor lighting, sensors, switches, and accessories.

This unified environment enables lighting scenes and automation to extend roomwide or throughout the home. Hue entertainment sync also remains best-in-class for colorful, dynamic environments.

Decor Ideas with Hue Under Cabinet Lighting

Under cabinet lighting serves both aesthetic and functional purposes. Let's explore some styling ideas to inspire your design.

Modern and Contemporary Kitchens

Clean lines and minimalism define contemporary spaces. Emphasize these principles with hidden lightstrips and recessed lighting design.

Alternate between crisp cool whites for tasks and bold accent colors. Sync dynamic cues to music for parties.

Traditional Kitchen Aesthetics

Warm white and amber hues enhance traditional decor better than stark white. Position bloom lights or hue plays bars for softened, ambient glows.

Build cozy atmospheres with simulated candlelight. Display collections, cookbooks, and ornate dishware with focused beam placement.

Different Cabinet Materials and Styles

Match lightstrip colors and opacity to cabinet materials. For example, transparent strips complement dark wood tones. Opaque strips blend into white shaker cabinets.

Accent alcoves, glass fronts, open shelving and display nooks. Install cabinet top lights to shine down and highlight contents.

Under cabinet lighting unlocks kitchen potential in homes of all styles. Strategically installed lights create helpful task visibility, cozy or lively atmospheres, and accent lighting.