Types of Under Cabinet Lighting: Add Under Cabinet Lighting Kitchen
Under cabinet lighting is a popular choice for illuminating kitchen countertops and workspaces, offering a functional and stylish solution to brighten up the heart of your home. Choosing the right type of under cabinet lighting depends on factors like your budget, desired brightness, and installation preferences.
LED Strip Lights
LED strip lights are a popular choice for under cabinet lighting due to their versatility and energy efficiency. They come in various lengths and colors, allowing you to customize the look and feel of your kitchen.
- Advantages: LED strip lights are known for their energy efficiency, long lifespan, and ability to produce bright, even light. They are also relatively inexpensive and easy to install, often with adhesive backing for simple mounting.
- Disadvantages: One potential drawback is that LED strip lights can be susceptible to damage from water or heat, so proper installation and maintenance are crucial. Additionally, some models might require a separate power source or dimmer switch.
Puck Lights
Puck lights are small, round lights that are often used in under cabinet lighting applications. They are known for their compact size and ease of installation, making them a good option for smaller spaces.
- Advantages: Puck lights are easy to install and provide a focused beam of light, ideal for highlighting specific areas on your countertop. They are also relatively affordable and come in various colors and finishes.
- Disadvantages: Puck lights typically produce a less bright light compared to LED strip lights and may not be as energy-efficient. They can also be more challenging to install in certain configurations, requiring additional wiring and mounting hardware.
Fluorescent Tubes, Add under cabinet lighting kitchen
Fluorescent tubes have been a staple in under cabinet lighting for many years, offering a bright and efficient light source. They are available in various sizes and shapes, making them adaptable to different kitchen layouts.
- Advantages: Fluorescent tubes provide a bright and even light, making them ideal for tasks that require clear visibility. They are also relatively energy-efficient and have a longer lifespan than incandescent bulbs.
- Disadvantages: Fluorescent tubes can be bulky and may require more installation time compared to other options. They also emit a slightly cooler light compared to LED strip lights, which might not be as warm or inviting for some kitchens.
Halogen Bulbs
Halogen bulbs are known for their bright and warm light, making them a popular choice for under cabinet lighting. They offer a more traditional look compared to LED strip lights or fluorescent tubes.
- Advantages: Halogen bulbs provide a bright and warm light that can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere in the kitchen. They are also relatively inexpensive and readily available.
- Disadvantages: Halogen bulbs are less energy-efficient than LED strip lights and have a shorter lifespan. They also generate heat, which can be a concern in enclosed spaces like under cabinets.
Comparison Table
| Type | Features | Advantages | Disadvantages | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LED Strip Lights | Versatile, energy-efficient, long lifespan, customizable | Energy efficient, bright light, easy installation, affordable | Susceptible to water and heat damage, may require separate power source | General under cabinet lighting, task lighting, accent lighting |
| Puck Lights | Compact, focused beam, easy installation | Easy installation, affordable, focused light | Less bright than LED strip lights, less energy-efficient, may require additional wiring | Accent lighting, highlighting specific areas, small spaces |
| Fluorescent Tubes | Bright, even light, long lifespan, various sizes | Bright light, energy-efficient, long lifespan, adaptable | Bulky, may require more installation time, cooler light | General under cabinet lighting, task lighting |
| Halogen Bulbs | Bright, warm light, traditional look | Bright, warm light, affordable, readily available | Less energy-efficient, shorter lifespan, generates heat | General under cabinet lighting, accent lighting |
Installation and Wiring
Installing under cabinet lighting can seem daunting, but it’s a DIY project that can be done with basic tools and a bit of electrical knowledge. Whether you’re hardwiring the lights directly to your electrical system, plugging them into an outlet, or using battery-powered options, understanding the steps involved and the necessary safety precautions is crucial.
Hardwiring Under Cabinet Lighting
Hardwiring under cabinet lights directly to your electrical system offers a permanent and efficient solution. This method provides consistent power and eliminates the need for cords or batteries.
Here are the steps involved in hardwiring under cabinet lighting:
- Turn off the power: Before starting any electrical work, it’s crucial to turn off the power to the circuit you’ll be working on. Locate the circuit breaker for the area where you’re installing the lights and switch it off.
- Determine the wiring: Identify the existing wiring in your cabinet area. You’ll need to connect the new lighting fixture to the existing electrical wiring. The most common wiring types are 12/2 or 14/2 NM-B cable, often referred to as “Romex.”
- Prepare the wiring: Using wire strippers, remove about ½ inch of insulation from the ends of the existing wires and the wires on the new lighting fixture.
- Connect the wires: Connect the wires according to color code: black to black (hot wire), white to white (neutral wire), and bare copper to bare copper (ground wire). Twist the wires together and secure them with wire nuts.
- Mount the fixture: Securely mount the under cabinet lighting fixture to the underside of your cabinet using the provided mounting hardware. Ensure the fixture is level and properly positioned.
- Turn on the power: After you’ve connected all the wires and mounted the fixture, carefully turn the power back on at the circuit breaker. Test the lights to ensure they are working properly.
Plugging into an Outlet
For a simpler installation, you can choose under cabinet lights that plug directly into a standard electrical outlet. This method is ideal for smaller installations or when hardwiring is not feasible.
Here’s how to install under cabinet lighting that plugs into an outlet:
- Choose the right outlet: Ensure the electrical outlet you plan to use is accessible and within reach of the under cabinet lighting fixture.
- Mount the fixture: Securely mount the under cabinet lighting fixture to the underside of your cabinet using the provided mounting hardware. Ensure the fixture is level and properly positioned.
- Plug in the fixture: Plug the lighting fixture into the chosen electrical outlet.
- Test the lights: Turn on the power at the outlet and test the lights to ensure they are working properly.
Battery-Powered Under Cabinet Lighting
Battery-powered under cabinet lighting offers a convenient and portable option. These lights typically run on AA or AAA batteries and can be easily installed without any wiring or electrical work.
Here’s how to install battery-powered under cabinet lighting:
- Mount the fixture: Securely mount the under cabinet lighting fixture to the underside of your cabinet using the provided mounting hardware. Ensure the fixture is level and properly positioned.
- Install the batteries: Open the battery compartment on the back of the fixture and insert the required number and type of batteries.
- Turn on the lights: Turn on the lights using the switch located on the fixture or the remote control.
Choosing the Right Power Source and Wiring Gauge
The power source and wiring gauge you choose for your under cabinet lighting will depend on the wattage of the lights and the length of the wiring run.
- Wattage: The wattage of the under cabinet lighting fixtures determines the amount of power they require. Higher wattage lights require more power and may need a thicker wiring gauge.
- Wiring gauge: The thickness of the wire is measured in American Wire Gauge (AWG). A lower AWG number indicates a thicker wire, which can handle more current. For under cabinet lighting, a 14 AWG wire is typically sufficient for most installations. However, if you have a long wiring run or high wattage lights, you may need to use a 12 AWG wire.
Creative Uses and Design Ideas
Under cabinet lighting isn’t just about providing light for tasks, it’s about elevating your kitchen’s functionality and aesthetics. It can transform your space into a more inviting and efficient environment.
Illuminating Task Areas
Under cabinet lighting directly illuminates work surfaces, eliminating shadows and improving visibility. This is especially beneficial for tasks like chopping vegetables, preparing meals, and washing dishes.
- Cooking: Install under cabinet lighting above the stovetop to brighten the cooking area, allowing you to see ingredients and monitor food as it cooks.
- Cleaning: Light under the sink and around the countertop enhances visibility, making it easier to clean spills and maintain a tidy kitchen.
- Food Preparation: Placing lights above the counter where you prepare food creates a well-lit workspace, making chopping, mixing, and measuring ingredients much easier.
Enhancing Ambiance
Beyond functionality, under cabinet lighting can add a touch of elegance and warmth to your kitchen.
- Accent Lighting: Use under cabinet lighting to highlight specific features like backsplashes, countertops, or decorative elements. Dimmable lights can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere for entertaining.
- Mood Lighting: Experiment with different light colors and intensities to set the mood for various occasions. Warm white lights create a welcoming and relaxing ambiance, while cooler white lights can provide a more focused and energized environment.
Enhancing Storage and Display
Under cabinet lighting can also illuminate your kitchen cabinets and shelves, showcasing your collection of dishes, glassware, or other decorative items.
- Cabinet Lighting: Install lights inside cabinets to make it easier to find items and create a visually appealing display of your favorite dishes or cookware.
- Open Shelving: Highlight open shelving with under cabinet lighting to create a dramatic display of your kitchenware and showcase your personal style.
Visual Guide
Imagine a modern kitchen with sleek white cabinets and a stainless steel backsplash. Under cabinet lights with a warm white glow illuminate the countertop, highlighting the natural grain of the wood and creating a welcoming ambiance. In a farmhouse-style kitchen, under cabinet lighting with a soft, yellowish hue can accentuate the warmth of the wooden cabinets and create a cozy atmosphere. A minimalist kitchen with open shelving can benefit from under cabinet lights that highlight the displayed items, creating a visually appealing focal point.
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