How to Choose the Best Under Cabinet Lights for Kitchen for Your Project?
- 7 Apr 2023
Any kitchen fad knows the importance of good lighting, especially for the area under the cabinets. General lighting can have limitations where there are cabinets, faucets, and other kitchen equipment. On the other hand, LED lights for kitchen cabinets provide sufficient task lighting when preparing food, creating a warm and inviting kitchen ambiance. Sometimes, the lights serve as adequate night lighting for the kitchen.
Lighting designers talk a lot about creating layers of light in a living space. Under cabinet lights for kitchencan create a light layer for the perfect design. But how do you choose the right LED lights for the kitchen cabinets?
Factors to Consider when Choosing Under Cabinet Kitchen Lights
Under counter LED strip lights or LED lights for kitchen cabinets are vital to any kitchen. These rechargeable under-cabinet lights are designed to offer a seamless and sleek lighting solution for the kitchen. They are available in bars, puck lights, and tape lights. The under-cabinet kitchen lights also offer a range of light temperature and luminance options.
Here are some of the factors to ponder when choosing the lighting fixtures for your project:
Types
Under-cabinet lighting typically falls into three categories: LEDs, fluorescent, and xenon. Among these, LED lights are the top choice due to their durability, energy efficiency, and minimal heat emission. They are also environmentally friendly, lasting up to 50,000 hours while consuming significantly less energy.
When it comes to LED options, here’s what to consider:
- Puck Lights: These small, circular fixtures are ideal for task lighting. They create concentrated beams of light, making them perfect for illuminating specific areas, like countertops used for food prep.
- Tape Lights (Strip Lights): These thin, flexible strips can be mounted discreetly under cabinets. They’re highly versatile, providing even, diffuse lighting across larger areas, which is excellent for ambient or accent lighting.
- Light Bars: Rigid and longer than puck lights, light bars are suitable for broader illumination. They provide more consistent light coverage compared to puck lights, with fewer shadows.
When choosing between these types, think about your kitchen layout and needs. For example, tape lights are great for achieving a modern, streamlined look, while puck lights work well for highlighting specific areas.
Luminance
The brightness of under-cabinet lighting is measured in lumens. But how do you know how much brightness is enough?
- 200–500 lumens per linear foot of cabinet space is generally recommended for task lighting, such as food preparation areas.
- For ambient or accent lighting, you may opt for lower brightness levels to create a softer, more relaxing vibe.
Keep in mind that the size of your kitchen, the amount of natural light, and the height of your cabinets can also affect how much light you need. If in doubt, opt for dimmable LED lights, allowing you to adjust the brightness as needed.
Color temperature
Color temperature, measured in Kelvin (K), determines the warmth or coolness of the light:
- Warm White (2700K–3000K): Creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere. This is ideal if your kitchen has wood finishes or a more traditional design.
- Cool White (3500K–5000K): Offers a clean, crisp light, making it perfect for modern or minimalist kitchens. It also helps make spaces feel brighter and more spacious.
For a balance of warmth and clarity, consider neutral white (3500K), which works well in most kitchen styles.
Smart Control
Modern under-cabinet lighting often comes with features that add convenience and energy efficiency:
- Motion Sensors: Lights automatically turn on when you approach or open a cabinet, saving energy and adding a touch of luxury.
- Dimmers: Allow you to adjust brightness levels depending on the time of day or your needs. This is especially useful for transitioning between task and ambient lighting.
- Smart Controls: Some LED lights are compatible with smart home systems, enabling you to control them remotely via an app or voice assistant.
Design and Flexibility
The design and flexibility of under-cabinet lights can significantly impact the overall look of your kitchen. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Finish: Choose a finish that complements your kitchen’s style. For example, sleek aluminum or white finishes work well in modern spaces, while bronze or brushed nickel might suit a traditional design.
- Size and Placement: Ensure the size of the fixtures fits your cabinet dimensions. Placement is also critical to avoid shadows and dark spots.
- Installation Options: Many under-cabinet lights come with easy DIY installation, such as adhesive backing for tape lights or magnetic mounts for puck lights. However, for hardwired solutions, professional installation may be required.
How to Install Under Cabinet Lighting?
How we place the LED lights determine how effective they are. Install the lights as close to the cabinet’s front edge as possible. This avoids shadows and glare. On the other hand, use multiple lights, such as under-counter LED strip lights with a deep cabinet. Here is the step by step under cabinet installation guide from DIY Smart Home Guy
LEDIA Offers Multiple Types of Under Cabinet Lights for Your Projects
LEDIA offers a range of high-quality LED lights for kitchen cabinet options that are perfect for your project, visit our website for more advanced LED lighting solutions.