How To Add Lights Under Kitchen Cabinets

Have you ever struggled to see what you’re doing while cooking or preparing food in your kitchen? Adding lights under your kitchen cabinets can solve this problem and give your kitchen a modern and stylish look. In this article, I’ll share my personal experience with adding lights under my kitchen cabinets and guide you through the process.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Choose Your Lights

The first step is to decide what type of lighting you want to use. There are several options, including LED strips, puck lights, and linear lights. LED strips are the most popular choice because they are easy to install and provide even lighting.

2. Measure Your Cabinets

Measure the length of your cabinets so you know how many lights you need. You can use a tape measure or a measuring app on your phone.

3. Install the Lights

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to install the lights. Generally, you’ll need to attach the lights to the underside of your cabinets and connect them to a power source. If you’re not comfortable working with electricity, consider hiring a professional electrician to do the installation.

4. Connect the Lights

If you’re using LED strips, you can connect them together using connectors or soldering. If you’re using puck lights or linear lights, you may need to connect them to a transformer or power supply.

5. Test the Lights

Once the lights are installed, turn them on and test them to make sure they are working properly. Adjust the positioning of the lights as needed to achieve the desired lighting effect.

Top 10 Tips and Ideas

Here are some tips and ideas to consider when adding lights under your kitchen cabinets:

1. Choose LED lights for energy efficiency and long-lasting performance.
2. Consider adding dimmer switches so you can adjust the lighting as needed.
3. Install lights in areas where you need the most visibility, such as above the stove or sink.
4. Choose warm white or cool white light depending on your personal preference.
5. Use puck lights for accent lighting or linear lights for more even lighting.
6. Hide the wires by running them behind the cabinets or using wire clips.
7. Install motion sensors so the lights turn on automatically when you enter the room.
8. Add a timer switch so the lights turn off automatically after a certain amount of time.
9. Consider installing lights in other areas of your kitchen, such as above your cabinets or inside your drawers.
10. Experiment with different lighting effects, such as backlighting or color-changing lights.

Pros and Cons

Adding lights under your kitchen cabinets has several benefits, including:

• Improved visibility while cooking and preparing food
• A modern and stylish look for your kitchen
• Energy efficiency and long-lasting performance with LED lights

However, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider:

• The installation process can be complicated, especially if you’re not comfortable working with electricity
• The lights may need to be replaced periodically if they stop working
• Some types of lights can be expensive to purchase

My Personal Review and Suggestion

Adding lights under my kitchen cabinets has made a huge difference in the functionality and appearance of my kitchen. I installed LED strip lights, and they provide bright, even lighting that makes it easy to see what I’m doing. The installation process was relatively easy, but I did have to hire an electrician to connect the lights to a power source. Overall, I highly recommend adding lights under your kitchen cabinets if you’re looking for an easy way to improve your kitchen’s functionality and style.

Question & Answer

Q: Do I need to hire an electrician to install lights under my kitchen cabinets?

A: It depends on your level of comfort working with electricity. If you’re not comfortable, it’s best to hire a professional electrician to do the installation.

Q: How long do LED lights last?

A: LED lights can last up to 50,000 hours, which is significantly longer than traditional incandescent or fluorescent bulbs.

Q: Can I install lights under my cabinets if I have a tile backsplash?

A: Yes, you can install lights under your cabinets even if you have a tile backsplash. Just be careful when drilling into the tile to avoid cracking it.

FAQs

Q: What is the best type of lighting to use under kitchen cabinets?

A: LED strip lights are the most popular choice for their energy efficiency and even lighting.

Q: How many lights do I need for my kitchen cabinets?

A: Measure the length of your cabinets and consult the manufacturer’s instructions to determine how many lights you need.

Q: Can I install lights under my cabinets if I have a duct or vent above them?

A: Yes, you can install lights under your cabinets even if you have a duct or vent above them. Just make sure to leave enough space for air circulation.