There is a good chance that if you’ve been watching home remodeling videos, you’ve already got your eye on the kitchen. The addition of under cabinet lighting can considerably influence your kitchen interior. Additionally, upgrading your home with under cabinet lighting is one of the most cost-effective ways to do so. Is there a way to get started, though?
In addition to cooking, dining, and eating, a kitchen serves several different purposes. Install some under-cabinet lights for a warm and inviting appearance to make the most of your kitchen as a hangout spot for your friends, kids, and family.
Under-cabinet lighting is a difficult chore since you have to decide which type is best for your kitchen’s decor and the, most important. Learn more about picking and installing the best under cabinet lights by reading on.
Under-Cabinet Lighting Has A Significant Impact On The Overall Ambiance.
Everything in your kitchen plays its part in adding to the space’s overall beauty. When it comes to your kitchen, you can’t go wrong with anything from a fancy kitchen countertop or cabinets to under cabinet lighting and fancy lighting to give your kitchen a modern and upscale appeal.
To enhance the kitchen’s aesthetic appeal, consider installing under-cabinet lights in upper cabinets and above the counter.
Things To Consider
Keep these considerations in mind while choosing under cabinet lights for the kitchen to avoid later complications.
Size And Location
The first step is to ensure that the lights are shallow enough to have been hidden under the cabinet. Measurements can be taken to verify the fixture’s final location before it is tucked away.
Choose a finish that matches your cabinetry for a well-balanced and unified design.
Use light bars the same width as the cabinets to ensure enough counter lighting.
Make sure to place the puck lights 8 to 12 inches apart to maximize light exposure.
When mounting fixtures, place the fixtures close to the front of your cabinets to get the best illumination across the counter.
Line Voltage
Line-voltage can be installed directly to lighting by connecting it directly to your home’s power system. Low-voltage or battery-powered lighting produces less heat than high-voltage bulbs.
Source Of Energy
There are two ways of supplying power energy to your lights:
One type is plug-in, while the other is directly wired.
Plug-In Under Cabinet Lighting
Plug-in under cabinet lighting is a simple design that is quick and simple to install. It’s as simple as mounting them, plugging them in, and enjoying the lights.
Direct Wire Under Cabinet Lighting
Direct wire under cabinet lighting requires the services of a professional or a certified electrician. It is hardwired in the home, meaning that a single or dimmer switch controls all lights.
Source Of Light
Choosing LED lighting for an under cabinet is the most cost-effective alternative because of its low energy consumption rate, which allows you to save money on your electricity bill.
Although there are numerous options for under cabinet lighting, including Xenon lights, fluorescent lights, and halogen lights, LED is the most practical for use in the kitchen food preparation area because it emits very little heat and performs at a comparable level. LED lights are available in various color temperatures ranging from golden warm to cool tones for enhanced appearance.
Features Such As A Remote Control And Dimmers
When choosing LED lights, there are a few more features that you should consider.
Remote Control Feature
Under-cabinet light can also be equipped with additional functions such as remote controls. LED lights can be controlled using a remote control for on and off, dimming, and color switching functionality, among other things.
Dimmer Feature
Under-cabinet lighting can be controlled with a dimmer, which allows you to modify the light according to your mood.
With dimmer, you can switch to bright light that can be used while preparing meals or cutting vegetables on the kitchen counter, while dim lighting can provide a warm atmosphere when you are not cooking but want to keep the atmosphere warm.
Different Types Of Undercabinet Lighting
Under-cabinet lighting comes in various styles and colors, so you have plenty of alternatives to pick from. It is possible to install under-cabinet light in multiple configurations, including hardwired, plug-in, and battery-operated.
Hardwired
This option allows you to use a pre-existing switch to turn on the lights, but it is also the most costly.
Plug-in
It will be necessary to plug in the light bar or pucks themselves, which will be a relatively inexpensive addition.
Battery operated
The batteries in these will have to be replaced regularly because they will have to be turned on by hand every time.
Under-Cabinet Lighting Fixture Types
Puck Lights
According to the design of your kitchen, you may choose from a variety of finishes for your puck lights. The puck lights are round-shaped lights that can be positioned directly on the work surface or a tile backsplash for more direct lights. Puck lights can be easily installed under-display shelves for accent lighting.
Puck lights must be installed with precise spacing. Make sure to get enough pucks to install each light apart from 8 to 12 inches of cabinet space you have. With their warm-tone lighting, Puck lights create a cozy atmosphere in the kitchen.
Bar And Strip Lights
Strip lights are available in various lengths and voltages, including low voltage and standard voltage, to accommodate a variety of cabinetry configurations. Choose light fixtures having the same length as your cabinet to ensure even light dispersion.
Stick the LED strip lights at the bottom of the kitchen console table if your kitchen has a sequence of wall cabinets. Adjust the color to your liking based on the design of your kitchen and your personal preferences, and create a new vibe in the kitchen.
If you want to connect multiple light strips from a single point, you should use a corresponding light fixture for integrated led light bars. You can dim and power all of your lights from a single light fixture.
Bar lights are the most prevalent type of under-cabinet lights. Because they include an aluminum housing and a light diffusion cover, they are durable enough to be used in the most task-oriented sections of your kitchen, such as the island.
Low voltage bar lights are available in lengths ranging from 6 to 48 inches in diameter. Bar lights have the disadvantage of being complex; therefore, you should take meticulous measurements of your installation before purchasing bar lights.
Tapes Or Ropes Lighting
LED tape lights or rope lights can be used to create practical under-cabinet illumination. Using this light, you can illuminate objects on display while also making it easier to tuck away items in deep cupboards and drawers for later use.
16-foot spools of LED strip tape can be used to create a variety of effects. This means they can be rolled around corners and fitted on the undersides of almost any surface.
Customizable lengths of LED tape can be employed in a wide range of settings.
Tape lights can be installed under cabinets, on the kitchen counter, and on kitchen islands to make them stand out.
Mounting LED tape is a simple matter of applying adhesive on the backside of the tape.
Add some flair with tape lights installed under kitchen cabinets and beneath an island. LED tape strip reels lighting is a popular choice for a wide range of applications since it is versatile and dimmable and comes with a handy power supply. Using LED tape lighting requires a little more planning and foresight on the user’s part.
How To Install Under Cabinet Lighting
Each light design style has its own set of installation requirements. Lighting fixtures come in various power configurations, each with its own set of pros and cons. It’s hard to find an electrician capable of handling intricate electrical systems. Direct wiring of your under cabinet lights may improve their professional appearance. The most frequent way to power a light bar is to plug it into an electrical outlet. Having a dependable power source with the correct voltage is essential in any situation.
Under-Cabinet Lighting Bulb Types
Varied light bulbs with various temperatures and color variations are available on the market; let’s read about some of the most popular options available today.
Xenon
Xenon is one of the oldest lights used in kitchen cabinet lighting projects, but it still has a lot of life left in it. With a Xenon lighting fixture, a marble or granite surface is illuminated with a crisp white light under the cabinet.
Because of its high heat output, it is not recommended to use Xenon throughout the day; instead, it should be reserved for specialized tasks and turned off when not in use as its excessive exposure can melt off anything on the work surface.
Fluorescent
Under-cabinet illumination has often relied on fluorescent bulbs. Instead of the large-diameter T12 bulbs initially standard in fluorescent lighting, the T5 bulbs used today are much smaller.
The color rendering index (CRI) of fluorescent isn’t as high as comparable halogen bulbs or xenon fixtures, but neither is its heat output. It’s a middle solution for many applications that don’t require bells and whistles.
LED
With LED fixtures and light bars, under-cabinet lighting has never been more efficient and environmentally friendly. Since LED light comes in various colors and brightness settings, LED countertop lights are the most adaptable. They emit less heat and consume less voltage, so you can keep it on without thinking about the high electricity bill. If you consider having led under cabinet lighting, consider that LED fixtures are wider than LED light bars.
Color Selection In Cabinet Lighting
You’ve made up your mind that LED lighting is the best option. LEDs have the advantage of having a more comprehensive range of colors, but this can also be a disadvantage because of the potential for confusion with so many alternatives. The choices you have are listed in the following paragraphs.
Two numbers indicate a light’s “yellow” or “blue” color: color temperature. It would be best to keep in mind that there is no one-size-fits-all answer, and a lot of it comes down to personal style.
The traditional incandescent light bulb’s color temperature is 2700 degrees Kelvin (K).
The color temperature of 3000K is considerably bluer than that of halogen lights, but it has some warm, inviting yellow hue.
The color temperature of 4000K is sometimes referred to as “neutral white” because it is not purely blue or yellow.
5000K is often used to determine color in the printing and textile industries.
A color temperature score ranging from 3000K to 4000K is highly recommended for kitchen use.
Lighting below 3000K is not recommended because it has a yellowish-orange cast and can make color vision difficult if the space is used for food preparation.
Better color perception is attainable with higher color temperatures. Colors can be seen more clearly when the light source is 4000K, with a more neutral color temperature and less yellow/orange bias.
Going below 4000K for domestic under cabinet lighting applications is suggested unless you’re fighting an industrial area where natural daylight hue is required.
When it comes to lighting, 2700K and 3000K are the most common, and if you opt for something too “cool” for the kitchen, you may end up with an unattractive hue mismatch.
When it comes to mimicking the appearance of natural daylight, keep the color temperature at 6500K for more color accuracy.
While most home table lamps have a correlated color temperature of 2700-3000 Kelvin (K), workplace lamps often have a range of 3000-3500 K (K).
Pros Of Under Cabinet Lighting
If you’re still confused about getting under cabinet lights or not, consider these advantages. After reading them, you may decide to do so.
Lower Your Electricity Bills
If you choose an LED light fixture for your under-cabinet light, you can save a lot of money on your electricity bills. With minimal power consumption and low voltage dc required for LED lights, it can save money by saving more energy because you don’t need to illuminate a whole room to obtain a tiny bit of light on the counters below.
Simpler To Setup
Additionally, the ease of installation and configuration of under cabinet lighting cannot be overstated. When installing this type of light, it doesn’t matter whether you’re not currently working on a kitchen remodel. It’s far easier to install under cabinet light than for hanging and recessed lighting, which may require hiring a professional to do the job.
Fewer Shadows
Standard light usually contains shadows because you are standing directly between the kitchen counter and the direction of light, which typically darkens the work area owing to shadow. Direct illumination provided by LED light fixtures, on the other hand, can be beneficial while chopping food on the countertop or in the kitchen.
Adds A Distinct Flair
Lighting under your kitchen cabinets can provide a unique flair to the room because of the tiered nature of the lights. Having a kitchen with a unique and contemporary style can increase the value of your property.
Saving Money Is A Breeze
You may save money by installing your under-cabinet lighting fixtures, and there is a wide range of led options to select from. For the most part, battery-powered fixtures are the cheapest.
Add Value To The Interior
Under-cabinet lighting can make small spaces attractive by giving them the desired look with a light effect. The ambient lighting can illuminate a room effectively if properly installed. Real estate agents recommend this as one of the simplest DIY tasks you can do to boost the value of your property.
Cost Of Under Cabinet Lighting
Under-cabinet lighting is getting more economical for the standard kitchen, making it a more attractive option. These projects typically cost between $1,500 and $2,500.
The average cost of a single under cabinet light installation in the United States is $421.00. Hardwired, plugged-in, or battery-operated lighting can drastically alter this number.
Due to the vast range of material costs, even DIY projects can be different from one another. Remember that you may need an electrician to run the wires even if you do it yourself. Electricians typically charge between $50 and $100 an hour for their installing cabinet lights.
Consider the cost of various lighting options.
Xenon
Strip lights made of incandescent or gas filament are typically six or seven inches long and cost between $40 and $50 per. Compared to LED and fluorescent, these are not the most energy-efficient options.
Light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs
The initial investment in LED lighting is higher than fluorescent and Xenon luminaires. LED lights are more energy-efficient, perform longer and better, and don’t emit as much heat as traditional incandescent bulbs. It is strictly recommended not to use LED strip light tape adhesive near the stove where they can get affected by heat.
Installing five strips from an electrician will cost $500 and $550. Choosing tape strips and plugging them can save you a lot of money than getting it installed from someone else.
Fluorescent
Installing fluorescents is a cost-effective and energy-saving alternative. Each fluorescent light bulb will cost you between $100 and $200 to install, but the cost per unit will decrease if you install more of them.
Under-Cabinet Lighting Ideas For Kitchen Cabinets
Check out these under-cabinet lighting ideas for some inspiration.
1. Cool Lighting In A Gloomy Kitchen
These white lights perfectly match the dark brown oak kitchen decor.
2. Warm Bar Lights In White Kitchen
The warm tone of the under-kitchen-bar lighting is ideal for making your kitchen appear luxurious and inviting.
3. Golden Puck Lights In Wooden Theme Kitchen
In a wooden kitchen, these golden puck lights provide task lighting that allows you to concentrate more on the cooking and chopping areas while also adding warmth to the room.
4. Kitchen With A Blue LED Motif
These LED lights, hidden beneath the kitchen borders, kitchen counter, and kitchen island, considerably improve the kitchen’s overall appearance while also providing a luxurious look.
5. All White Luxury Kitchen Theme
When used in conjunction with an all-white kitchen, these warm puck lights create a bright yet pleasant atmosphere that is inviting and classy.
6. Dark Blue Kitchen Theme
In a matte dark blue kitchen theme, these white rope lights create a sophisticated and sleek effect that enhances the overall design of the kitchen space.
7. Warm Bar Lights
The warm bar lights over the kitchen counter may lighten up the kitchen’s theme while also adding depth to the kitchen.
8. Lighting Fixtures Might Help It Stand Out From The Crowd
It is best to arrange the golden puck lights closest to the counter to enhance the entire kitchen.
When puck lights are exposed on the counter, anything kept on the counter appears to be more noticeable.
9. The Use Of Tape Lights Creates A Streamlined Appearance
The use of golden tape lights in the kitchen style creates a clean and modern appearance. The addition of a golden tape light to a simple kitchen design can completely modify the appearance of the entire space.
10. The Combination Of Bar Lighting And A Marble Countertop
When directed at a white marble countertop, warm bar lights create a traditional feel in a kitchen’s interior design.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Is The Purpose Of Under-Cabinet Lighting, Specifically?
The primary aim of under cabinet lights is to keep the brightness focused on the entire kitchen and counter area while also adding warmth and depth to the overall kitchen design aesthetic. There are fewer shadows, and more light focused on the counter area to cook, bake, or chop, allowing you to work more efficiently and keeping everything immediately visible with the comparable performance of light.
Is It Possible To Add Value To Your Kitchen With Under Cabinet Lighting?
Small details like lighting in your kitchen can have an enormous impact on the overall worth of your kitchen. It’s the least expensive aspect of a kitchen remodel, but it significantly affects the space’s overall look and market value. There are various options for task lighting, including LED strips, LED puck lights, halogen bulbs, and many more, which you can purchase from electrical outlets.
What’s The Best Place To Put The Under-Cabinet Lighting?
You should install the strip lights closer to the middle front border of the cabinets if you want them to be used as task lighting. This will ensure that the countertop is exposed to the maximum amount of light feasible. If you’re going to use them for ambient or accent lighting, you may want to situate them closest to the back for dispersed light output.
What Is CRI And Why It Is So Essential?
CRI or Color Rendering Index measures the accuracy of color rendering under a light source.
With a CRI of around 70, older LEDs had a poor color rendering index (CRI). In today’s world, 80 is the benchmark. Premium fixtures are available with CRI values as high as 98 for those who desire significantly more than the average kitchen’s 80 Color Rendering Index.
When Choosing Under-Cabinet Lighting For The Kitchen, What Else Should I Keep In Mind?
The term “under cabinet lighting” refers to lighting installed on the walls beneath the cabinetry to enlighten the immediate area around the cabinets. When choosing under cabinet lighting, pick materials and colors complement your cabinetry to create the most seamless appearance possible.
Under-cabinet lights can be made more versatile by including dimmer switches and remote controls.
Conclusion – Last Few Words!
Under-cabinet lighting is a wise investment because it serves a practical purpose and is aesthetically pleasing. To avoid slicing your fingers while chopping vegetables and other meals, you must use the form of lighting fixtures. Under-cabinet lighting not only brightens up your kitchen but also provides an intriguing look into its inner workings.