Under cabinet lighting is a great way to add a functional and decorative lighting element to any kitchen. It provides a great source of ambient light that will make countertops easier to work on and help increase visibility in that area.
Additionally, it can also be used to highlight certain areas such as work stations, countertops, decorations, or wall art. Under cabinet lighting also helps to create a modern and stylish atmosphere in the kitchen, as it can help create an aesthetic that is both attractive and practical.
It is also easy to install, as well as efficient and cost-effective. Under cabinet lighting can be beneficial in various ways and can be used to enhance any kitchen’s overall look and feel.
What are lights underneath cabinets called?
Under-cabinet lights, also known as cove lights, are typically surface-mounted fixtures placed underneath cabinets or other pieces of furniture that are used to provide task lighting or accent lighting.
These lights are ideal for illuminating work surfaces, such as kitchen counters, making it easier to complete tasks such as food preparation or finding items inside cabinets. Under-cabinet lights also create a warm, inviting atmosphere in any room, providing ambient lighting that adds to the overall ambiance.
Some under-cabinet lights are designed to be wireless and easy to install, while others require hard-wiring into an electrical outlet. In either case, they provide a flexible lighting solution that can be tailored to your individual needs.
How do you use LED strip lights under kitchen cabinets?
Installing LED strip lights under kitchen cabinets is becoming a popular trend in household lighting. By adding LED strips to an otherwise dark kitchen, you can dramatically enhance your cooking experience and create a warm, cozy atmosphere.
Here are the steps for using LED strip lights under kitchen cabinets:
1. Choose the right LED strips for your kitchen cabinets. Depending on the size and shape of your cabinets, you may want to choose between flexible and linear strip lights. Flexible strips can be easily molded and bent to fit in almost any area, while linear strips are great for straight lines and hard-to-reach spots.
Be sure to choose a strip with a light temperature that matches the vibe you’re going for.
2. Measure and mark the space underneath the cabinet. This will ensure that the lights are evenly spaced and centered.
3. Apply the adhesive backing of the LED strips. Start at the back of the cabinet and work your way forward, peeling and sticking the strips onto the underside of each cabinet in turns.
4. Connect the LED strips. Depending on your LED strips, you may have to plug multiple sets of strips into each other. If that is the case, use a Y-splitter to plug each set of lights into a single power source.
5. Test the LED lights. Flip the light switch to make sure all of the strips are working. If they aren’t, check your connections and make sure all wires are properly plugged in.
That’s it – you’ve successfully installed LED strip lights under kitchen cabinets! With this added illumination, your kitchen will look and feel much brighter and more inviting. Enjoy the new ambiance!.
Do under cabinet lights use a lot of electricity?
Under cabinet lights typically do not use a lot of electricity, and in fact many use LED lighting, which is very energy efficient. Depending on the type and brightness of your cabinet lights, you may use anywhere from 2-12 Watts of electricity.
The average lifespan of LEDs can range from 10,000-50,000 hours, which means you may not have to worry about replacing your lights for a long time. When choosing under cabinet lights, it is important to select energy efficient models that use minimal energy and that are compatible with your cabinet size.
It may be a good idea to choose dimmable models, as this can help you control the level of brightness and conserve power.
Should under cabinet lighting be warm or cool?
When selecting under cabinet lighting, it is important to consider both the color temperature and the beam angle of the light. If you are looking for a natural, homey feel in the kitchen, warm LED lighting is recommended.
Warm lighting provides a relaxed and inviting atmosphere, with a lower color temperature, usually around 2700K to 3000K. This type of light fills the room with a soft, orange tone that gives the kitchen a warm and inviting feel.
Cool LED lighting, on the other hand, is best suited to create a crisp, modern atmosphere. This type of light has a higher color temperature, around 4000K to 5000K, and a harsh, blue-white color that is sharper and brighter than warm lighting.
It is often used in areas that require more task lighting, such as a home office or in a cooking area.
Both cool and warm LED lights are suitable for under cabinet lighting and the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference and desired atmosphere. If the kitchen is cozy and inviting and the cabinets have a classic look, warm lighting should be used.
On the other hand, if the kitchen has a modern design and more task lighting is needed, cool lighting is the better choice.
Where should under-cabinet light strips be placed?
To achieve the best results with under-cabinet light strips, they should be placed in a manner that allows them to evenly light up the space. Measure the distance of the cabinets, and divide that number in half to determine the center point.
Then, place the light strips so that the center point of each light strip aligns with the midpoint of the cabinets. It is also important to note that you should leave at least a few inches of space between the light strips to prevent them from overlapping and to ensure that the entire cabinet is evenly illuminated.
For optimal lighting, mount the lights strips close to the edge of the cabinets and angle them inwards so that light is directed at the countertop. To create an even softer light, choose an opaque light diffuser when mounting the light strips.
How many under-cabinet lights do I need?
The number of under-cabinet lights you need largely depends on the size of the area you are trying to illuminate, as well as the type of lighting you intend to use. Generally, you will want to use enough lights to provide even illumination with no dark spots.
Taking into account usage, a kitchen counter-top typically requires two foot-candles of light (a measure of light output). Assuming a typical counter-top length of 24 feet, this would require 48 watts of light output when using two-foot linear fixtures.
If you plan to use puck-style fixtures, you would need 8 fixtures, each with a 6 watt output. Additionally, it is important to consider the size and placement of the light fixtures to minimize glare and create a more aesthetic look.
As a general rule of thumb, we recommend spacing fixtures at least one foot apart from each other and 1 to 2 feet from the edge of the counter top.
What is puck lighting?
Puck lighting is an accent lighting technique utilizing small, circular lights. The lights get their name due to the fact that they remind people of the shape of a hockey puck, hence the term “puck lighting.
” Generally, puck lights will be comprised of a few small recessed lights mounted in either a square or circular configuration. These lights are available in a variety of sizes and styles, but their basic shape remains the same.
Puck lighting is often used to provide accent lighting in areas where it may be difficult to utilize typical lighting solutions. They are often recessed into a wall or a countertop, making them almost “invisible” in the environment.
This is especially useful for small spaces as the small size of a puck light creates a low profile lighting solution.
One of the most popular uses for puck lights is in kitchen applications. They are highly functional for providing task lighting for work surfaces, countertops, and even aiding with food preparation. Puck lighting can also be used in bathrooms, closets, and even in ladders or shelves where space is limited.
Additionally, they can be incorporated into artwork and decorative features to provide subtle accent lighting.
How long do LED Under cabinet lights last?
LED Under cabinet lights typically last a long time and have a much longer lifespan than other types of lighting. On average, an LED Under cabinet light can have a lifespan of between 10,000 and 50,000 hours before needing to be replaced.
This is significantly longer than traditional lightbulbs which typically need to be replaced after 1,200 to 2,000 hours. Also, since LED brightens quickly, it doesn’t require as much energy as other lighting, so LEDs don’t need to be replaced as often as other types of lighting.
Additionally, LEDs are very efficient, meaning that they output a higher amount of light with less energy. This means that LEDs emit less heat, which can reduce their risk of burning out quickly.
What color LED light is for kitchen?
The best color LED light for a kitchen would depend on the specific layout and aesthetic of the kitchen. In general, LED lights with higher Color Rendering Index (CRI) scores will show colors most accurately and create the most pleasing effect.
Many prefer high intensity cool daylight (5000-6000 K) which will make the kitchen look bright and clean. Soft white (2700-3000 K) is also popular since it offers a warm and inviting ambiance. For more dramatic lighting effects, color temperature adjustable LED bulbs can be used to switch between warm and cool tones.
Additionally, colored LED lights can create accent lighting for the kitchen and create a unique atmosphere. Colored LED lights typically range from shades of red, purple, blue, and green, so be sure to choose a color that complements the existing kitchen decor.
Is 3000k or 4000K better for a kitchen?
Which type of lighting you choose to use in your kitchen will ultimately depend on your own personal preference. However, both 3000K and 4000K lighting can be beneficial for a kitchen in different ways.
3000K lighting is considered to be a warm white light and is beneficial for creating a warm and inviting atmosphere in the kitchen, perfect for cozy meal times with family and friends. If you’re looking to create a soft and subtle glow, this temperature is a great option.
4000K lighting is a cool white light that provides a bright and clear illumination in the kitchen. To create a bright and vibrant cooking and prep space, this temperature is a great choice if you want extra clarity to see all of the colors and activities in the kitchen.
Thus, when deciding between the two temperatures, consider how you want the atmosphere of your kitchen to feel and what colors you’d like to bring out, and pick the one that fits best with your dream kitchen vision.
Is soft white or daylight better for kitchen?
When it comes to choosing the best type of light for a kitchen, there is no one size fits all answer. Both soft white and daylight bulbs have their advantages and disadvantages and the best choice for your kitchen will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Soft white bulbs create a warm, cozy atmosphere in the kitchen and are great for those who prefer that homey feel. They also tend to be dimmer than daylight bulbs, which can be better for creating a more relaxed atmosphere.
On the other hand, daylight bulbs are more energizing and create a brighter, more vibrant environment in the kitchen. They are usually less bright than soft white bulbs, and as such can still be considered energizing rather than overwhelming.
Ultimately, the best option for your kitchen will depend on which attributes are most important to you. If you prefer a warm, cozy feel, then soft white bulbs might be the best option. But if you enjoy a more energetic atmosphere, then daylight bulbs are a better choice.
Additionally, when installing lighting in a kitchen, it is a good idea to incorporate both types of light bulbs to create a balanced effect.