The Best Under Cabinet Lighting to Enhance Your Home

Finding the Best Under Cabinet Lighting According to Experts

I was recently looking for under cabinet lighting for my new apartment and I couldn’t believe how much these things can cost! Now don’t get me wrong, I’d love to invest in premium lighting fixtures but are these really renter-friendly? Since then I’ve been on a hunt for the best under cabinet lights that aren’t just affordable and renter-friendly but also easy to install. If you’re someone like me (who’s not a handyman) and want a quick and easy way to illuminate your kitchen on a budget, here’s what you need to consider before buying under cabinet lights.

Why Do You Need Under Cabinet Lighting?

Under cabinet lighting is a game-changer in the kitchen. Not only does it cut down on the chances of messing up or getting hurt while cooking, but it also makes the whole experience a lot more fun when everything’s lit up nicely. And it’s not just about making things brighter—this kind of under cabinet lighting adds a touch of style, too.

Image by @hafelecanada

That soft glow under the cabinets can totally transform your kitchen, giving it a fancy, professional vibe. Plus, it’s great for showing off a cool backsplash. And at night, it’s perfect for getting around without having to flick on the big lights.

Figuring Out Which Type Is Best (There Are So Many!)

It turns out there are a bunch of different types of under cabinet lighting, and what you pick really depends on your space. Like, if it’s for a kitchen, you have to think about your countertops. If they’re matte, you’ll get this smooth lighting vibe, but glossy ones will reflect the light. Now, let me break down the types for you, starting with my personal favorite:

Strip lights

Also known as “tape” lights, these are long, flexible strips with tiny LEDs. You can cut them to fit your space, and they’re really slim, so they’re easy to hide. They’re not super bright, though, so if you’re after strong under cabinet lighting, these might not be your go-to.

LED bars

These are like long, rigid under cabinet lighting sticks that give off a consistent, wide beam. They’re awesome if you want to light up the whole area without any weird shadows or gaps. You can link several together and control them with one switch, which is super handy. They’re also great for hardwiring!

Puck Lights

These are neat little round under cabinet lighting discs, kind of like hockey pucks. You can either mount them flush or recess them into the cabinet. The cool thing is you can link some together for more light without needing extra power.

Halogen bulbs

These under cabinet lights are like incandescent lights in long tubes. They have halogen gas that makes the filament inside burn brighter, giving you more light than LEDs. The downside? They can get pretty hot, which might not be ideal in smaller spaces.

Xenon tubes

This under cabinet lighting option is similar to halogen bulbs but use a gas discharge to create light flashes. They’re bright, look cool on finished countertops, and don’t get as hot as halogen bulbs. Plus, they use less energy, which is always a win.

Other Factors To Consider

How the Under Cabinet Lighting is Powered

So, when it comes to powering under cabinet lights, there are three ways to go about it: battery-operated, hardwired electric, and plug-in electric.

• Plug-in under cabinet lighting options are super easy to set up, but you might end up seeing the cord unless you’ve got an outlet hidden under the cabinets. They’re cool, but maybe not the sleekest look if you’re going for really discreet lighting or don’t have a socket nearby!
• Battery-powered under cabinet lighting options are pretty neat (and my personal favorite) because you can charge them with a USB, or use disposable or rechargeable batteries. The only downside is that if you’re not recharging them or replacing the batteries on time, they might not be as effective.
• Then there’s hardwired electric under cabinet lighting that’s perfect for homeowners who are looking for a more permanent lighting solution for their kitchen.

Expert Tip:

Do not try to install hardwired under cabinet lighting yourself as it can be hazardous! Always get professional help to install these safely.

What lighting temperature are you going for?

The color temperature of the light bulb determines how your cabinets and countertops will appear. Generally, bulbs with 2,700 to 3,500 Kelvin temperatures cast a warm glow, while 500 to 5,000 Kelvin cast a cool light. If you are looking for task lighting, go for cooler tones, otherwise, warm lights are excellent for ambient lighting.

Finding the best lighting placement

Correct lighting placement is essential for maintaining the aesthetic appearance of your kitchen. So, before purchasing anything, make sure the fixture fits just the way you want it. Right placement is also important for reducing glare and reflection on any surface.

What Are the Advantages of Under Cabinet Lighting?

With under cabinet lighting, we can achieve various goals, but it is commonly used to enhance a kitchen’s ambiance. Below, we have mentioned some more benefits of under cabinet lighting:

Saves Energy

Under cabinet lighting fixtures, especially LED under cabinet lights, are excellent energy savers. LED lights have the longest life, and they can last for decades. This means that you don’t have to periodically spend money just to replace these lights. Additionally, these lights are also easy on the pocket as they significantly reduce your electricity bill since these tiny lights can easily function on a minimum electric supply, reducing electric bills.

Prevents accidents

Kitchens are one of the most accident-prone spaces in a home, especially with children or elderly people in the house. Installing under cabinet lighting in the kitchen can help reduce accidents significantly. These lights allow us to see countertops clearly, and avoid knocking over or stepping on things that we didn’t notice.

Easy to Install

Most under cabinet lightings are DIY projects, even for the most amateur installer. Almost all fixtures come with easy installation guides and are usually installed with an adhesive, magnet, or nails. So, if you can handle a hammer or a peel-and-stick product, you can easily install most under cabinet lights.

Enhances the Ambiance of the Kitchen

Layered lighting can instantly make any place look extra luxurious and cozy. If you are installing under cabinet lighting in your kitchen, it will work excellently to enhance the overall ambiance. While most under cabinet lights also work well as task lights, installing separate task lights can help the entire kitchen design come together.

Video by @donice.designs

How To Maintain Under Cabinet Lighting

Under cabinet lighting requires regular maintenance to keep running for a long time. Keep the following instructions in mind to improve efficiency and longevity:

Xenon lights maintenance

You can use xenon lights 4 times longer if you keep them dimmed. A 25% dimmed xenon light uses 20% less energy, while a 75% dimmed xenon light uses 60% less energy. So, only use your xenon under cabinet lights at full brightness when preparing meals.

Fluorescent lights maintenance

Turning a fluorescent light on and off frequently can reduce the lifetime of its electrodes, and as a result, its lamp life will be reduced. So be careful with how you use your fluorescent bulbs on a day-to-day basis.

LED lights maintenance

LED lights are the most long-lasting option when it comes to under cabinet lighting. However, these lights do not thrive well in the heat, so try placing these lights in your kitchen in such a way that they do not come in contact with direct heat.

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