Feel like your kitchen’s aesthetic is missing a little something? Well-placed under-cabinet lighting can enhance your kitchen’s look by adding a warm ambiance. It also makes meal prep safer and more efficient by providing adequate lighting. But with all the kitchen lighting products available in the market, how do you know which is best for you?
HomeLet American Wood Reface be your guide. We’ll provide expert tips on choosing under-cabinet lighting and compare different styles to help you find the one that fits your budget and needs.
Why Under-Cabinet Lighting Is Essential
Under-cabinet lighting lets you cook with precision. No more fumbling in the shadows—now, every nook and cranny of your countertop is illuminated, making slicing, dicing, and seasoning a breeze. Plus, it draws attention to your backsplash, creating a focal point that elevates the ambiance.
In terms of energy usage, under-cabinet lighting is also more efficient, particularly LED options. Compared to ordinary bulbs, they offer a lower carbon footprint and a range of lighting styles to match every kitchen’s mood.
Comparing Bulb Types
LED Lights
LED under-cabinet lighting has become popular in modern kitchens, and we at American Wood Reface highly recommend them for their efficiency. According to the US Department of Energy, LEDs emit very little heat and can last 30 times as long as incandescent bulbs. This is a big win for busy kitchens, offering fewer replacements and lower costs and maintenance over time.
Halogen Lights
Halogen light bulbs are a great source of warm light, perfect for task lighting. However, compared to LEDs, they fall short when it comes to longevity and heat emission. A type of incandescent bulb, halogen lights release 90% of their energy as heat, making them hot to touch during or after use.
Fluorescent Lights
Fluorescent fixtures are popular under-cabinet lights that consume one-third of the energy incandescent bulbs do. However, they can emit harsh lighting that may change over time, going from a crisp white to warmer orange or dimmer tones.
Xenon Lights
Xenon lights offer warm yellow-white light, closely resembling natural sunlight. However, these traditional bulbs produce a lot of heat, which can make them uncomfortable for prolonged use. Plus, when it comes to energy efficiency, they fall short compared to modern LED alternatives.
Advanced Lighting Features to Consider
Dimmable Options
Adjusting light intensity adds flexibility to your kitchen, helping you set the right mood for any task. It also enhances the presentation of your food, elevating the experience of savoring its flavors.
Motion Sensors
Motion sensors in under-cabinet lighting stand out for their convenience and energy efficiency. Motion sensors with a range of 6 to 12 feet accurately detect motion, turning the lights on and off as needed.
Remote Control
With remote-controlled under-cabinet lights, you can adjust your lighting without ever leaving your seat. Whether using a physical remote or a smartphone app, you can change the brightness and color and even set timers with just a tap.
Smart Home Integration
Smart under-cabinet lighting takes convenience to the next level by integrating with smart home systems like Alexa, Google Home, or Apple Home. You can control your lights with voice commands or automate them to match your daily routine.
Best Under-Cabinet Lighting Ideas
Task Lighting for Food Prep
When choosing under-cabinet lighting for food prep, consider putting up puck lights or LED light bars that provide bright and focused illumination. These lights ensure that your countertops are lit as you chop, slice, and cook.
Ambient Lighting for a Warm Glow
Ambient lighting combines warmth and low brightness. Unlike harsh, glaring lights, ambient lighting casts a gentle shimmer that eases eye strain and helps your body unwind and relax. It’s the ideal choice for kitchen islands and breakfast nooks.
Accent Lighting to Highlight Decor
Overhead lighting alone is insufficient to showcase your decor. By incorporating accent lighting, you can effortlessly illuminate your backsplashes, beloved vases, and artworks, significantly enhancing the overall beauty of your kitchen.
Understanding Light Temperature and Brightness
Color Temperature (in Kelvin)
The style of your kitchen plays a key role in selecting the right color temperature. For modern kitchens with sleek finishes, aim for 4000K to 5000K for daylight to bluish-white light. In contrast, rustic spaces benefit from warmer tones around 2700K to 3000K, creating a soft yellowish light and a cozy atmosphere.
Brightness (in Lumens)
Carefully balancing lighting for different purposes is the key to achieving an overall practical and aesthetically pleasing effect.
For task lighting where precision is needed, 70 to 80 lumens per square foot is recommended. For ambient lighting, 30 to 40 lumens per square foot can provide sufficient overall illumination without causing harsh shadows or overly bright spots.
Installation Options and Useful Tips
Plug-In vs. Hardwired
Choosing between plug-in and hardwired installations depends on your needs and setup. Here’s what you need to know.
- Plug-In Lights: These lights are an excellent choice for DIY enthusiasts, offering a quick and straightforward installation. However, the visible cords might detract from a sleek and modern aesthetic.
- Hardwired Lights: For modern under-cabinet light styles, choose hardwired lighting. These lights eliminate visible wiring, providing a clean aesthetic. However, to ensure safe installation, it is recommended to call a professional electrician.
Placement Tips
For the majority of under-cabinet lights, we recommend installing them near the front edge of the cabinets to maximize countertop light. For LED under-cabinet lighting options, place them 2 inches from the front edge. For puck lights, use one puck every 8–12 inches of cabinet length to ensure even lighting and reduce glare.
Budget Considerations
If updating your kitchen lighting sounds like a big expense, consider combining premium fixtures with more affordable ones in less-used areas. We also recommend using LED lights as they use less power than fluorescent and halogen lights.
Maintenance and Lifespan of Lighting Options
Cleaning Tips
Keep your kitchen bright by showing your lighting fixtures some TLC. For LED strips, use a soft, dry cloth to gently wipe them down. Don’t forget those glass covers—grab a microfiber cloth or a feather duster to sweep away any loose debris. Clean your kitchen lighting only when they are turned off and given plenty of time to cool.
Replacing Bulbs
Below are the typical lifespans of common bulb types.
- LED: 50,000 hours or more
- Fluorescent: 10,000–60,000 hours
- Halogen: 2,000–4,000 hours
- Xenon: 2,000–2,500 hours
Keep in mind that power fluctuations, faulty wiring, or defective sockets can cause your light bulbs to burn out sooner than expected. Flickering, reduced brightness, and excessive heat are clear indicators that you should consider upgrading your fixtures.
Longevity
For those managing a busy household, LEDs are the perfect low-maintenance option. With a lifespan of 50,000 hours or more, they not only spare you the trouble of frequent replacements but also use less energy, helping you save money over time.
Takeaway
Enhance your food prep space, highlight design features, and set the perfect ambiance for any occasion with under-cabinet lighting. With the right fixtures, thoughtful placement, and attention to detail, you can elevate both the efficiency and beauty of your kitchen.
Need help choosing under-cabinet lighting? Talk to our kitchen specialists here at American Wood Reface! When you enlist our solid wood cabinet refacing expertise, you can opt to modify your cabinets with customized lighting solutions that enhance both their function and style.
Contact us today for a free in-home consultation!
