Kitchen Under-Cabinet Lighting: The Secret Ingredient to an Inviting Kitchen
Why Under-Cabinet Lighting Matters
Under-cabinet lighting is one of those home upgrades that makes you wonder, “Why didn’t I do this sooner?” It’s the secret weapon in the lighting game, especially for your kitchen cabinets, turning bland countertops into beautifully lit workspaces and giving your whole kitchen that cozy glow that whispers, “Welcome home.”
But choosing the right cabinet lights isn’t just about picking out a few bulbs and calling it a day. From puck lights to LED tape lighting, every choice has an impact. So, let’s dive into everything you need to know about under-cabinet lighting and explore which options will help your kitchen reach its full, glowing potential.
What is Kitchen Under-Cabinet Lighting?
Simply put, under-cabinet lighting refers to fixtures installed beneath your kitchen cabinets, creating task or accent lighting on your kitchen countertops. This form of lighting serves a dual purpose: it’s functional, making meal prep and other kitchen tasks easier, and it’s decorative, adding a soft, stylish ambiance that elevates your kitchen’s overall vibe. We all need a good vibe in the kitchen!
Types of Under-Cabinet Lighting: The Right Fit for Your Space
Puck Lights
Puck lights are small, round fixtures named after—you guessed it—hockey pucks. These are a popular choice for people looking for focused, direct light in specific areas. Puck lights work wonders as task lighting on kitchen countertops, providing good lighting exactly where you need it. They’re also easy to install, either as surface mounts or recessed, and can be powered by batteries or a direct wire connection. They are very cost effective and usually fairly easy to install.
Light Bars
Looking for something a bit more streamlined? Light bars are long fixtures that provide even, widespread lighting. These work great for kitchens with larger areas that need consistent light across the entire length of the cabinet. Light bars often come with dimmer switch compatibility, giving you control over brightness. So you can really control the mood.
Strip Lights
If you’re after a more continuous, uninterrupted glow, strip lights or LED tape lighting are perfect. This flexible option is ideal for open spaces, curving around corners, and adding a clean line of light to any cabinet lighting solution. LED strip lights can come with adhesive backing, so they’re a breeze to install and can be customized to fit various lengths and shapes.
Rope Lights
Similar to strip lights, rope lights are flexible, tubular fixtures that can be looped and shaped to fit under almost any cabinet. These lights are perfect for kitchens with unique layouts or a desire for softer, indirect lighting.
Cabinet Bar Lights
Cabinet bar lights are a bit like light bars but are more compact and often used as task lighting in specific areas. They’re ideal for display cabinets or glass doors, adding a subtle, sophisticated glow to show off your kitchen’s best features. If you have a feature you would like to spot light the cabinet bar lights are a great option.
Benefits of Kitchen Under-Cabinet Lighting
Beyond just adding some extra light, under-cabinet lighting brings a whole host of benefits to the table:
Enhanced Visibility and Safety
Under-cabinet lighting provides good lighting for food preparation, illuminating your workspace without casting shadows from overhead lighting. It also reduces the risk of accidents when slicing, dicing, or measuring ingredients.
Aesthetic Appeal and Ambiance
Under-cabinet lighting has a way of making kitchens feel warm and inviting, whether you choose white light or something with a color temperature suited to creating a cozier atmosphere. By providing accent lighting, you create a welcoming environment that can transform your entire kitchen’s aesthetic appeal.
Energy Efficiency
LED lights, especially LED tape lights, are energy-efficient and boast a long lifespan, meaning fewer replacements and a lower carbon footprint. Plus, with options like dimmers and remote control, you can control the brightness level and conserve even more energy.
Flexibility for Functional Spaces
Under-cabinet lighting isn’t just for kitchens. It’s also great for home offices, laundry rooms, and any work surfaces that need focused light. Whether you’re working on meal prep or reviewing notes, the right lighting can make all the difference in visibility and comfort.
We are partial to using this niche lighting in your bathroom in addition to the kitchen to give it that elevated feeling.
Choosing the Right Color Temperature and Brightness
When it comes to under-cabinet lighting, color temperature is a major consideration. Color temperature is measured in Kelvin (K) and can range from warm (around 2700K) to cool (around 5000K).
- Warm Light (2700K – 3000K): Great for creating a cozy, ambient glow, warm light is ideal if your goal is to create an inviting atmosphere. It’s easy on the eyes and pairs well with wooden or neutral-colored cabinets.
- Cool Light (4000K – 5000K): Cool light is often referred to as white light and is perfect for task-heavy areas like kitchens. This temperature brings clarity and focus, helping you see details clearly on your countertops.
Installation Tips for Kitchen Under-Cabinet Lighting
Getting the right look with under-cabinet lighting isn’t just about picking the best lights. Placement and installation play a huge role in ensuring that your lights provide consistent, even coverage.
Power Source and Power Supply Options
First, decide if your lights will be hardwired or plugged in. A hardwired installation provides a seamless look, but it usually requires professional help. Plug-ins are simpler for DIY setups but might have visible cords. Low voltage options are safer for these applications and work well with LED lighting.
Mounting and Positioning
Think about your light placement to avoid dark spots. Position lights near the front of the cabinet to cast light over the whole countertop rather than just the backsplash. Flexible tape strips or lights with adhesive backing are easy to install and can be adjusted to fit your space perfectly.
Dimmer Switch and Remote Control
A dimmer switch gives you control over brightness, allowing you to adjust the lighting for different times of day. Some systems also come with a remote control, offering even more convenience when you want to switch up the ambiance quickly.
Smart Home Integration
In recent years, more homeowners are turning their kitchens into smart homes, and lighting is no exception. LED tape lights and other under-cabinet lighting options are often compatible with smart home systems, letting you adjust brightness, color, and even turn lights on or off via voice command. It’s the ultimate way to add ease and efficiency to your kitchen.
Popular Lighting Kits and Where to Find Them
Finding the right under-cabinet lighting is as easy as popping into Home Depot, Lowe’s, or checking with your local stores. Most retailers carry a variety of cabinet lighting options like puck lights, strip kits, and cabinet bar lights. Some popular picks include:
- LED Tape Kits: Perfect for adding flexible light to cabinets and display shelves.
- Puck Light Kits: Great for creating focused lighting on countertops or under cabinets.
- Direct Wire Kits: These offer a sleek, cord-free look that’s ideal for homeowners who want a more permanent, professional installation.
Each option has its own set of benefits and can be tailored to fit both your kitchen’s aesthetic and practical needs.
You can also find a full lighting kit in our shop.
Extending Cabinet Lighting Beyond the Kitchen
Don’t stop at the kitchen—cabinet lighting solutions are fantastic for other areas in your home. Add strip lights or rope lights under cabinets in your home office for a productive workspace, in the laundry room for better visibility, or in a living room with display cabinets to showcase collections. Or our favorite place, your shower! Wherever you need a light source, these versatile solutions bring both function and flair.
Elevate Your Kitchen with Under-Cabinet Lighting
Whether you’re updating an older kitchen or designing a brand-new one, under-cabinet lighting is an upgrade you won’t regret. With a variety of options like puck lights, strip lights, and light bars, it’s easier than ever to find a solution that fits both your style and needs. Plus, with options for smart controls, dimmers, and even remote controls, under-cabinet lighting has evolved to be more than just a fixture—it’s a way to truly personalize your space.
From improved food preparation visibility to adding a layer of elegance, under-cabinet lighting transforms your kitchen from purely functional to a welcoming, well-lit centerpiece of your home. So, whether you’re looking to light up your entire kitchen or just add a little extra glow to specific areas, there’s a lighting solution that’s the perfect match for you.
