Lights For Under Kitchen Cabinets

The Essential Guide to Lights For Under Kitchen Cabinets

Under-cabinet lighting is an often overlooked but essential element of a well-designed kitchen. These fixtures provide task lighting, making it easier to prepare food and clean up. They can also create a warm and inviting ambiance, setting the perfect tone for cooking and entertaining.

### Types of Under-Cabinet Lighting

There are several types of under-cabinet lighting available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages:

LED strips:

LED strips are one of the most popular options for under-cabinet lighting. They are thin, flexible, and low-profile, making them easy to install under most cabinets. LEDs are also very energy-efficient and produce a bright, even light. -

Puck lights:

Puck lights are small, round fixtures that can be mounted under cabinets. They are available in a variety of finishes and can be used to create a variety of lighting effects. Puck lights are relatively easy to install, but they can be more expensive than LED strips. -

Bar lights:

Bar lights are long, narrow fixtures that can be mounted under cabinets or on the underside of shelves. They are available in a variety of lengths and can be used to create a more diffused light than LED strips or puck lights. ### How to Choose the Right Lighting

When choosing under-cabinet lighting, there are several factors to consider:

Brightness:

The brightness of the light is measured in lumens. The higher the lumen output, the brighter the light. For most tasks, a lumen output of 300-500 lumens per square foot is sufficient. -

Color temperature:

The color temperature of the light is measured in Kelvin. The lower the Kelvin number, the warmer the light. For under-cabinet lighting, a color temperature of 3000-4000 Kelvin is ideal. -

Beam angle:

The beam angle of the light is the angle at which the light is emitted. A wide beam angle will create a more diffused light, while a narrow beam angle will create a more focused light. For under-cabinet lighting, a beam angle of 120 degrees is ideal. -

Dimmability:

Dimmable lights allow you to adjust the brightness of the light to suit your needs. This is a great feature for under-cabinet lighting, as you can adjust the brightness depending on the task at hand. ### Installation Tips

Installing under-cabinet lighting is a relatively easy task that can be completed in a few hours. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

Plan the layout:

The first step is to plan the layout of the lights. Decide where you want the lights to be placed and how many lights you need. -

Mark the mounting locations:

Once you have planned the layout, mark the mounting locations on the underside of the cabinets. -

Mount the lights:

The next step is to mount the lights to the cabinets. Most lights will come with mounting hardware that can be used to attach the lights to the cabinets. -

Connect the lights:

Once the lights are mounted, connect them to a power source. The lights can be connected to a wall outlet or to a circuit breaker. -

Test the lights:

The final step is to test the lights to make sure they are working properly. Turn on the lights and adjust the brightness and color temperature to suit your needs.