Over Kitchen Cabinet Lighting Ideas

Over Kitchen Cabinet Lighting Ideas: Illuminating Your Culinary Space

Over kitchen cabinet lighting plays a vital role in transforming your kitchen into a functional and inviting space. Here are essential aspects to consider when choosing and installing over cabinet lighting:

Types of Over Cabinet Lighting

Choose from various lighting options, including:

Puck lights: Compact, energy-efficient lights that provide focused illumination.
Strip lights: Flexible LED strips that create a continuous line of light.
Under cabinet lights: Lights mounted beneath the cabinets, providing indirect illumination.
Recessed lights: Lights installed within the ceiling, directing light downwards.

Light Temperature and Color

Consider the desired ambiance and function when selecting light temperature:

Warm white: Creates a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.
Cool white: Provides bright, task-oriented lighting.
Natural white: Balances warmth and coolness, creating a natural look.

Brightness and Coverage

Determine the required brightness and coverage based on the size of your kitchen and the desired level of illumination. Consider:

Output: Measured in lumens, determines the amount of light emitted.
Beam angle: Controls how wide or concentrated the light is.

Installation Considerations

Ensure proper installation for optimal functionality:

Height: Position lights 12 to 18 inches above the counter for maximum illumination.
Spacing: Place lights evenly spaced to create a uniform spread of light.
Wiring: Hire a licensed electrician for professional wiring and switch installation.

Control Options

Choose from various control options to enhance convenience and functionality:

Switches: Traditional on/off control.
Dimmers: Adjust the light intensity to create different moods.
Motion sensors: Activate lights automatically when movement is detected.
Smart controls: Control lighting through smartphones or voice commands.

Design Ideas

Incorporate over cabinet lighting into your kitchen design:

Highlight backsplash: Illuminating the backsplash adds depth and visual interest.
Showcase open shelving: Enhance the display of decorative items and kitchenware.
Accentuate tall ceilings: Create the illusion of increased height.
Create ambiance: Set the mood with dimmable or color-changing lights.

Conclusion

Over kitchen cabinet lighting transforms your kitchen into a well-lit and visually appealing space. Consider various aspects, including lighting types, light temperature, brightness, installation considerations, control options, and design ideas when choosing and installing these lights. Enhance functionality, create ambiance, and elevate the overall aesthetics of your culinary sanctuary with carefully selected over cabinet lighting.