3 Min. Read
Proper lighting is vital to any good kitchen design. Unless natural light constantly floods your kitchen and you only cook on bright sunny days, you’ll need decent light fixtures. Must-haves include ambient overhead fixtures, spots, stylish pendants, and over-the-sink lighting.
Beautiful finishing touches like decorative fairy lights on crown molding complement a kitchen’s decor as well. But an often overlooked option is under-cabinet lighting. For this task lighting to be effective, it should shine directly down from beneath wall cabinets to countertop prep areas.
Under-cabinet task lighting fits perfectly in small spaces and provides focused lighting without affecting the kitchen’s overall ambient light. There are many lighting options to choose from that offer different shades and light temperatures to match your style. Plus, most of these lighting ideas don’t require a full-scale remodel, or even much DIY ability on your part.
Of course, lighting placement is important. Your busiest prep areas are where under-cabinet lighting is most essential. Task lighting can also double as display lighting to showcase vintage cookbooks, decorative china, or crystal.
LED Light Bars
This is the easiest option to install and use right away. These lightweight fixtures attach to the underside of a cabinet or shelf with either screws or velcro strips. Simply plug them into an outlet to charge them. Most have motion-sensing technology and auto-off timers to control the lights when they sense movement close by.
LED under-cabinet light bars can be easily installed almost anywhere, and moved when necessary. No wires, no tools, no mess, no damage. The only downside is the batteries need to be recharged after every 20 hours of use, and they may not provide a bright enough light. Another option is to keep them plugged into an outlet, which can lead to a cluttered look.
LED Puck Lights
With the same principles as light bars, LED puck lights are easy to install and move from place to place. These light rechargeable discs run with motion sensors or can be turned on and off with a simple tap of the hand.
Mounted Strip Lights
For brighter under-cabinet lighting, choose a fluorescent strip or track light with halogen bulbs. Benefits include surface mounting, easy installation, and wireless technology.
Most come in several wattages to provide bright light. However, be careful when placing your lights. These higher-wattage halogen bulbs can create more heat, so they shouldn’t be installed near anything flammable.
Hard-Wired Lights
For a more permanent and professional look, consider investing in hard-wired light fixtures. Recessed puck lights offer a sleek option and must be installed directly into shelves. This usually requires adjustments to cabinets. A licensed electrician will need to install these and other hard-wired lighting, which must tap into a power source or have a new circuit added to the area.
Other hard-wired options include custom under-cabinet track lighting and strip lights. Switch placement is also something to consider when taking the hard-wired route.
Once you’ve decided on the perfect type of lighting, the next step is to add decorative molding. Light rail molding conceals under-cabinet light fixtures, prevents glare, and provides a finished look to your cabinets.
Details like crown molding, light rail molding, and base molding give you that special finishing touch to your kitchen design. This is true when it comes to under-cabinet lighting. We offer milled solid hardwood trim and molding options factory finished to match your cabinet paint color.
As always, you can reach out to a CliqStudios kitchen designer with any questions you have. They can help with everything from kitchen design ideas to cabinet selection, lighting, and everything in between!
Speak with a kitchen designer today!
Under Cabinet Lighting FAQs
What type of lighting is best for under wall cabinets?
The best under cabinet lighting is hardwired LED strip lighting. There are many reasons, but professionally installed lights will always give a more professional look. LED lighting is also energy efficient. From a design perspective, strip lighting will create an even glow all the way across your backsplash and countertops. Puck lights tend to make scallops of light across the wall which is less desirable for task lighting.
Should under cabinet lighting go on the front or back of wall cabinets?
Under cabinet lighting should be placed on the front of the cabinet bottom. Easily install an angled piece of wood behind the face frame at a 45-degree angle. Then, install your lighting (ideally strips) on the angled wood so it prevents shadows on your backsplash. This is an easy to install solution that provides a beautiful look.
How do you layout under cabinet lights?
Depending on the type of under cabinet lighting, it should be mounted in a few different places. Puck lights should be mounted in the center of the cabinet, but LED lighting is better placed behind the front face frame. Avoid placing lights by your backsplash because it’s easier to see them when sitting down at a table. Most lighting will provide instructions on placement or have trim-to-fit capabilities. This gives you the ability to adjust based on your cabinet size.
How do you hide LED strips under cabinets?
The most common and easiest way to hide under cabinet lighting is by installing light rail molding. Even though light rail is considered a decorative element in kitchen design, it’s also a functional molding that helps conceal lighting. There are many styles to choose from to match your kitchen cabinets whether modern or transitional. If you need help choosing the right style, your CliqStudios designer will be happy to help!
