One of the best methods to accentuate and transform your kitchen, display counters, and accent areas is to install Under Cabinet LED Strip Lighting.
Not only is it commendable for its illuminating effects, but it also creates an illusion of depth and color that can improve your space’s ambiance.
Learn how to install Under Cabinet LED Strip Lighting with our tips and techniques below:
What is Under Cabinet Lighting?
As the name implies, Under Cabinet Lighting is the lighting mounted underneath cabinets. This lighting is mostly utilized in kitchens illuminating the surrounding areas directly.
Under Cabinet Lighting, unlike traditional bulb lighting, are designed to be a type of space-saving fixture. Because it is “hidden” or “concealed” by the cabinet edge, all you can see is its illuminating effects.
The seamless style provided by under cabinet lighting is perfect in making your space appear wider and brighter without any obstruction like hanging cords, electrical wires, or cables.
Apart from kitchens, this type of lighting can be used in other functional areas of your home too. For instance, you want great lighting for your home office or your child’s study area.
This type of fixture will not only be a nice task lighting set-up, but it can also set the mood for work.
Another area where you can install under cabinet lighting is in your accent spaces to add illusions of depth, color, and other lighting effects.
You can improve a space’s visuals by highlighting accents with this type of lighting. Some use under cabinet lighting for displays in glass cabinets and display racks. This is an eye-catching way to showcase your collection.
One of the best types of lighting available in the market is Under Cabinet LED Strip Lighting.
Choosing Between Types of Under Cabinet Lighting
There are different types of lights that you can use for under cabinet lighting perfect for different areas, placements, and functions.
Below are the lighting options you have and their pros and cons:
Puck Lights
By the name itself, you can already picture what this type of lighting looks like. Puck Lights can either be xenon, halogen, or LED. They are easy to install and are very durable. One of the best advantages of this type of lighting is its cost. Puck lights are extremely affordable!
However, because of its shape, it produces circles of light instead of a linear light effect. Halogen puck lights can also become too warm with prolonged use. These are cons to watch out for if you’re choosing this type of lighting system.
Fluorescent Lights
Fluorescent lights have been a popular choice for under cabinet lighting for years now. One of the prime advantages of using this type of light is its light quality. Fluorescent lights produce a brighter light than other options, although color rendering may be an issue.
LED Under Cabinet Lighting
Thanks to the continuous improvement and innovation in LED technology, a highly energy-efficient option for under cabinet lighting is in: Under Cabinet LED Strip Lighting. This is the newest and most versatile type of lighting your space can have!
What’s great about LED lighting is they have a long list of advantages! LED Lights give off a brighter light, are customizable with various setting options, and have a long lifespan.
Under cabinet LED Strip Lighting is also known to have a very sturdy design with hard-wired and plug-in options.
LED Strip Lights can be mounted end to end – even on the darkest areas. They are very inexpensive too, which is why many homeowners prefer this type of lighting.
Learn about the materials needed and the steps on how to install Under Cabinet LED Strip Lighting below.
Supplies and Tools For Installation
To successfully install your lights, you will be needing the following tools and supplies:
- LED Strip Lights
- A pair of scissors
- Extension wires
- Solderless LED strip light connector or a soldering iron
- Power cord
- Drill
- Command strips, hooks, or screws
- Screwdriver
Steps to Install Under Cabinet LED Strip Lighting
1. Choose strips that match the length of your cabinet.
While it may seem easy to look for an LED strip light that matches your area’s dimensions perfectly, some strip lights may be too short or too long. Don’t worry though – you can cut the strips following the black lines along with the copper indicators.
Adjust the length so that it can provide illumination across the entire counter or space. Once you’re done determining the perfect length and cutting the LED strip, you may connect two strips by using a quick solderless connector or by using a soldering iron.
When choosing an LED strip, make sure to buy those of the same brand for consistency. Because strips emit flooded light to all surrounding areas, you want to be as uniform as possible.
2. Set the lights, wires, and power hub.
Gather the materials needed and check if they are working well. Cutting and working with damaged parts can void your warranty.
You also have to ensure that the surface where you will be installing the LED strip lights is clean. Wipe off all dirt and dry the area.
3. Check the layout.
Position the lights where you think is the ideal placement for your space. For kitchens, it’s best to have them mounted towards the front of your cabinets. You can do this for display cabinets and collection racks as well.
When doing this step, plan where the power supply will be. This is a very important step others forget about!
You can place your power source inside the top cabinet or beside the end of your countertop. For display cabinets, most people prefer to use power sockets below the lights.
4. Start drilling.
Mark where your socket will be. From there, drill holes for the wires and ensure that they can pass through easily. Make sure that the wires are nicely concealed. You can use hooks or screws to hide wires that may be dangling underneath your cabinets.
5. Connect your LED strip lights.
After drilling and setting up the cables and power hub, connect your LED strip lights to the power source.
And ta-da! You’re all set and ready to light your space out. Test if the lighting set-up fits your preference and makes some adjustments if necessary.
Over Cabinet Lighting
But, what if you want to install light strips above cabinets too?
If you have unlit spaces above your cabinet and you want to brighten those areas up, we have a solution for that. Transforming your dim space above cabinets is possible through over cabinet lighting with LED modules and LED strip lights.
Installing over cabinet lighting is just as easy as installing under cabinet lighting. The steps are similar so you can refer to our quick guide above.
Frequently Asked Questions About LED Strips Cabinet Lighting
What are the things to know before buying LED Strip Lights for Cabinet Lighting?
Consider the following before shopping for Under Cabinet LED Strip Lighting:
- Your space: Know how much room you have for this lighting set-up. To be as precise as possible, you may use your tape measure to determine the exact dimensions and placement of your LED lights.
- Available types of lighting fixtures: There are many types of fixtures you can choose from and that depends on where you will use them. Kitchens require more light, so you want to choose larger light strips.
How do I choose the best LED Strip Light Color Temperature?
There is no right or wrong choice when picking which color temperature to go for. It still depends on your preference and the look you want your space to achieve.
Here’s a quick comparison between the different color temperatures to help you out:
- 2700K (Soft white): This gives off the same soft and warm light color as the traditional incandescent light bulb.
- 3000K: This produces a slightly cooler hue similar to a halogen light bulb, but still has a warm tone to it.
- 4000K(Neutral white): This is considered to be the middle option. This color temperature is neither blue nor yellow.
- 5000K: This is most commonly used to accentuate colors. Giving off blue-white light, this variety of light is most commonly seen in bathrooms, study areas, and basements.
- 6500K (Daylight): This color temperature mimics natural daylight, which is why it is often installed for task lighting and to simulate outdoor conditions. However, some consider this to be harsh and unrelaxed.
Is Under Cabinet LED Strip Lighting safe?
Yes. LED strip lights use only a little amount of energy. They do not generate too much heat enough to start a fire. Hence, installing LED strips in your kitchen area is extremely safe.
Summary
Once you see your space all brightened and lit up, it’s visually satisfying and appealing. Truly, it is a great idea to install under cabinet LED Strip lighting in your home, giving beautiful transforming results.
With good lighting, you can set the mood for every task. Your once dim and dull kitchen or workspace is now bright and happy – all thanks to LED strip lights!