Ideas For Under Cabinet Lighting In Kitchen

Under-cabinet lighting is a great way to improve the functionality and ambiance of your kitchen. It can provide task lighting for cooking and cleaning, and it can also create a warm and inviting atmosphere. If you're considering adding under-cabinet lighting to your kitchen, here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Type of lighting

There are two main types of under-cabinet lighting: fluorescent and LED. Fluorescent lighting is less expensive than LED, but it also produces more heat. LED lighting is more energy-efficient and lasts longer than fluorescent lighting, but it is also more expensive.

2. Color temperature

The color temperature of a light bulb refers to the warmth or coolness of the light. A higher color temperature (measured in Kelvins) produces a cooler, more bluish light, while a lower color temperature produces a warmer, more yellowish light. For under-cabinet lighting, a color temperature of around 3000K is a good choice. This will provide a warm, inviting light that is also bright enough for task lighting.

3. Brightness

The brightness of under-cabinet lighting is measured in lumens. A higher lumen output will produce a brighter light. For task lighting, a lumen output of around 300-500 lumens per foot is a good choice. For ambient lighting, a lumen output of around 100-200 lumens per foot is sufficient.

4. Placement

Under-cabinet lighting can be placed under the cabinets on the wall or on the underside of the cabinets. If you're placing the lights on the wall, make sure to leave enough space between the lights and the cabinets so that you don't create shadows. If you're placing the lights on the underside of the cabinets, make sure that they are close enough to the counter so that they provide adequate task lighting.

5. Installation

Under-cabinet lighting can be installed by a qualified electrician or by a do-it-yourselfer. If you're not comfortable wiring electrical fixtures, it's best to hire an electrician.

6. Cost

The cost of under-cabinet lighting will vary depending on the type of lighting, the length of the fixture, and the installation method. A basic fluorescent under-cabinet lighting fixture will cost around $20-$30, while a more expensive LED fixture will cost around $50-$100. Installation costs will vary depending on the electrician and the complexity of the installation.
Here are a few additional tips for choosing and installing under-cabinet lighting:

- Use a dimmer switch to control the brightness of the lights. This will allow you to adjust the lighting to the desired level for different tasks. - Consider using motion-sensor lights. These lights will automatically turn on when motion is detected, which is convenient for tasks like cooking and cleaning. - If you have a small kitchen, you can use under-cabinet lighting to create the illusion of more space. Place the lights under the cabinets on the wall to make the ceiling appear higher. - Under-cabinet lighting is a great way to add a personal touch to your kitchen. Choose a color temperature and brightness that complement your kitchen's décor.