Best Under Cabinet Kitchen Lighting

Under-cabinet kitchen lighting is a great way to improve the functionality and ambiance of your kitchen. By providing additional light to your countertops and workspaces, under-cabinet lighting can make it easier to see what you're doing and create a more inviting atmosphere. There are a variety of different under-cabinet lighting options available, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs and budget.

Types of Under-Cabinet Lighting

There are three main types of under-cabinet lighting:

Puck lights: Puck lights are small, round lights that are mounted directly to the underside of your cabinets. They are a good option for providing general illumination and can be easily adjusted to point the light where you need it.
Strip lights: Strip lights are thin, flexible strips of LED lights that can be mounted under your cabinets or inside cabinets. They provide a more diffused light than puck lights and can be used to create a more ambient atmosphere.
Under-cabinet light bars: Under-cabinet light bars are a newer type of under-cabinet lighting that combines the benefits of puck lights and strip lights. They are typically longer than puck lights and provide a more even distribution of light than strip lights.

Choosing the Right Under-Cabinet Lighting

When choosing under-cabinet lighting, there are a few things to keep in mind:

The size of your kitchen: The size of your kitchen will determine the number and type of under-cabinet lights you need. A small kitchen may only need a few puck lights, while a large kitchen may need a combination of puck lights and strip lights.
The amount of natural light in your kitchen: If your kitchen has a lot of natural light, you may not need as much under-cabinet lighting. However, if your kitchen is dark, you may need to install more lights to provide adequate illumination.
The style of your kitchen: The style of your kitchen will also influence the type of under-cabinet lighting you choose. Puck lights are a good option for modern kitchens, while strip lights are a good option for traditional kitchens.

Installing Under-Cabinet Lighting

Installing under-cabinet lighting is a relatively easy task that can be completed in a few hours. The following steps will help you get started:

Turn off the power to your kitchen: This is a safety precaution that will prevent you from getting shocked while you are working.
Remove the old lighting: If you are replacing old under-cabinet lighting, remove it by unscrewing the mounting screws.
Mount the new lighting: Mount the new under-cabinet lighting according to the manufacturer's instructions. Most under-cabinet lights are mounted using screws or adhesive strips.
Connect the wiring: Connect the wiring for the new lights to the wiring for your kitchen. If you are not comfortable doing this yourself, you can hire an electrician to do it for you.
Turn on the power and test the lights: Once the wiring is connected, turn on the power to your kitchen and test the lights to make sure they are working properly.

Benefits of Under-Cabinet Lighting

Under-cabinet lighting offers a number of benefits, including:

Improved visibility: Under-cabinet lighting can make it easier to see what you are doing on your countertops and workspaces, which can reduce the risk of accidents.
Increased ambiance: Under-cabinet lighting can create a more inviting atmosphere in your kitchen. By providing a soft, diffused light, under-cabinet lighting can help to create a cozy and relaxing space.
Energy efficiency: Under-cabinet lighting is a more energy-efficient way to light your kitchen than traditional overhead lighting. LED under-cabinet lights use very little energy and can last for up to 50,000 hours.