How to Design Under Cabinet Lighting for Kitchen!

Under cabinet lighting is one of the most important elements in modern kitchen design. Not only does it enhance the aesthetics of your kitchen by providing a sleek and clean look, but it also serves practical purposes like improving visibility for cooking and kitchen tasks. Good under-cabinet lighting can transform your kitchen space into a well-lit, efficient, and pleasant area to work in. This guide will walk you through the process of designing under-cabinet lighting for your kitchen, focusing on different types, key factors to consider, and essential features.

1. What Is Under Cabinet Lighting?

Under cabinet lighting refers to light fixtures that are installed on the underside of kitchen cabinets, usually just above the countertop workspace. These lights provide localized illumination for tasks like chopping vegetables, reading recipes, or preparing food, which may otherwise be difficult to do under ambient kitchen lighting alone. Under cabinet lights are beneficial because they eliminate shadows cast by overhead lights, creating a more functional and visually appealing environment.

In addition to their practical uses, under cabinet lights contribute to the overall mood and atmosphere of the kitchen. They can provide a soft glow for ambient lighting, adding an inviting warmth or even a modern, high-tech vibe to your kitchen.

Given their versatility and functionality, it’s no surprise that under-cabinet lighting has become a popular feature in kitchens. However, choosing the right lighting setup involves more than just aesthetics; it requires careful planning and consideration of the type of lighting, brightness, and other technical aspects to ensure that your kitchen space is both functional and beautiful.

2. Types of Under Cabinet Lighting

There are several types of under-cabinet lighting to choose from, each offering its own advantages depending on your kitchen’s needs. Below are the three most popular types: LED strip lights, under-cabinet downlights, and puck lights.

A. LED Strip Lights

LED strip lights are among the most commonly used under-cabinet lighting options because they offer uniform and continuous light coverage. These are flexible strips that contain tiny light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and they can be installed along the entire length of the cabinet base. LED strip lights are ideal for providing smooth, even illumination across the countertop surface without harsh shadows or bright spots.

One of the major benefits of LED strip lights is their versatility. They can be cut to size, bent around corners, and easily installed using adhesive backing. This makes them a great choice for kitchens with varying cabinet shapes or layouts. Furthermore, LED strip lights are energy-efficient and have an impressive lifespan, making them a cost-effective option in the long run.

B. Under Cabinet Downlights

Under-cabinet downlights consist of small, recessed light fixtures that direct light downward onto the countertop. They offer a more focused and localized source of light compared to LED strips. Downlights work well for task lighting, especially if you want to highlight specific areas of the countertop where more light is needed.

Under-cabinet downlights often create a more dramatic look due to their focused beams, which can cast sharper shadows. It’s important to plan the placement of under cabinet downlights carefully to ensure even distribution of light across the workspace.

C. Puck Lights

Puck lights are small, round light fixtures that resemble hockey pucks (hence the name). They are typically installed at intervals along the bottom of the cabinet and provide pools of light on the countertop surface. Puck lights are ideal for creating focal points or spotlighting specific areas, such as a cutting board or coffee station.

Puck lights come in both plug-in and battery-powered options, and they can be surface-mounted or recessed into the cabinet. While they may not provide as much overall illumination as LED strip lights, puck lights are excellent for adding ambiance or accent lighting in the kitchen.

3. Factors To Consider When Selecting Under Cabinet Lights

When choosing under-cabinet lighting for your kitchen, several factors come into play. It’s important to consider not just the type of light fixture but also other elements like wattage, brightness, color temperature, energy efficiency, and advanced features like motion sensors or dimmable controls.

A. Brightness And Wattage

One of the key considerations when selecting under-cabinet lights is the wattage and brightness. This directly affects how well the lights will illuminate your countertop and kitchen tasks. The brightness of under-cabinet lights is usually measured in lumens rather than watts, as LED lights use much less wattage compared to traditional incandescent or halogen lights.

For task lighting, you’ll typically want brighter lights that are between 150 to 400 lumens, depending on your kitchen’s needs. For more ambient or mood lighting, you can opt for lower brightness levels. LED lights allow for a broad range of brightness levels while consuming less energy, making them an efficient option.

B. Color Temperature

Color temperature is another important factor to consider. It is measured in Kelvin (K) and determines whether the light appears warm (yellowish) or cool (bluish). For kitchen task lighting, most people prefer a neutral light, around 3,000K to 4,000K, as it provides a clean and bright illumination that’s ideal for food preparation.

If you want to create a more inviting or cozy atmosphere in your kitchen, you may opt for warmer lights, typically in the range of 2,700K to 3,000K. Warmer lights are great for accent lighting or for creating a soft, ambient glow during evenings.

C. Energy Efficiency And Longevity

LED lights are widely known for their energy efficiency, consuming up to 90% less energy compared to traditional lighting options. This can significantly reduce your electricity bill, especially if you use your kitchen frequently or keep the lights on for extended periods. Additionally, LED lights have a longer lifespan, typically lasting for up to 50,000 hours, which means fewer replacements and less maintenance.

Considering the energy efficiency and longevity of your under-cabinet lighting is essential, not only for cost savings but also for minimizing environmental impact.

D. Motion Sensor Function

Another useful feature to consider is motion sensor functionality. Lights equipped with motion sensors can automatically turn on when someone enters the kitchen or walks close to the countertops. This is a convenient and energy-saving feature, particularly in households where children or elderly family members may forget to turn off the lights.

Motion sensor lighting is especially helpful in the evening or during times when you want quick access to illumination without needing to fumble for switches.

E. Dim And Remote Control

Dimmable lights allow you to adjust the brightness of your under-cabinet lighting to suit different tasks and moods. Having the ability to dim the lights is particularly useful if you use your kitchen for multiple purposes, such as food preparation, dining, or socializing. It lets you switch between bright task lighting and softer ambient lighting as needed.

In addition to dimming features, many modern under-cabinet lighting systems come with remote controls, allowing you to turn the lights on or off and adjust brightness settings from a distance. Some even integrate with smart home systems, enabling you to control the lighting through voice commands or smartphone apps.

本文由 Jason謝易芨 | 共同創辦人/行銷經理 at TJ2 Lighting, led lighting manufacturer, lighting manufacturer and led lighting supplier in Taiwan 撰文分享