Under Cabinet Lighting Buying Guide

LED light bars are long strips of light that are used to give you that extra bit of light that you need under cabinets, as task lighting, etc. They’re easy to install and use and some models come with a remote control for convenience. Many LED light bars are dimmable.

Hardwired light bars connect to the wires in your in-wall light switch or ceiling box to avoid the clutter of cords. Some hardwired light bars have a dimmable feature, allowing you to change the color from warm to bright.

Plug-in light bars are corded bars and work the same as hardwired light bars. Some plug-in bars have motion sensors, while others are smart-compatible, allowing you to control the light from anywhere from your smart phone.

With no cords to plug in and no electrical systems to tap into, battery powered light bars are the simplest to install and operate. And because they’re powered by battery, there’s no electrical outlet needed. Another advantage of these lights is they’re portable so you can reposition and move them around until you find the right place for them. With battery powered light bars, you do need to check them on a regular basis to see if the battery needs changing.

Puck lights are available in a variety of finishes to match your décor, if they’re visible. The light can be positioned straight down at the work surface or directed toward the backsplash for a more ambient glow. And if you have display shelves or glass cabinet fronts, puck lights are easy to install under shelving for accent lighting.

Spacing is important when installing puck lights. Buy enough pucks to allow for one light for every 8 to 12 inches of cabinet space. This creates an even light, without pooling or scallops.

While there are other forms of puck lights on the market, like the use of halogen or xenon bulbs, LED puck lights are the most common form of puck lights. LED puck lights are efficient and use less energy than halogen.

Hardwired puck lights are connected directly to your home’s electrical system and require professional installation. These puck lights have a consistent power source and are compatible with home automation systems. Hardwired puck lights can be controlled and customized by connecting them to various instruments, like motion sensors, dimmers and switches. And because there are no unsightly cords to try and disguise, you get a clean, sleek look.

Plug-in puck lights are a great DIY project and one of the quickest and easiest ways to get the extra light you need. Customize the light you need with a dimmer. These lights generate minimal heat so they’re safe to use. The bright, uniform light produced by plug-in puck lights ensures even light distribution.

Under cabinet light strips come in several lengths, with customizable options for irregular cabinetry, and with both normal and low voltages. For the most even light distribution, choose fixtures to match your cabinet length.

If you’re installing several light strips, look for linkable fixtures. This means you’ll have several fixtures connected, working off one outlet. You’ll control all of the fixtures with one parent fixture, including both power and dimming capabilities.

Tape lights are a space-saving lighting option. Tiny light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are embedded in a flexible tape strip that secures to the bottom of the cabinets with a peel-and-stick adhesive. Tape strips operate off a standard outlet; however, linking the light strips and running the associated wiring can be tricky. If your floor plan isn’t straightforward, it may be best to hire a professional for installation.

Rope lights have a larger diameter than tape lights. LED string lights are housed inside plastic tubing that can be installed under cabinets or along toe kicks. Generally, rope lights are sold in 12-, 24- and 120-volt variants

Because it’s hard to gauge the look of the light from package descriptions, visit the in-store display for light output and color temperature. And to keep things consistent, try to buy all fixtures from the same family of products to ensure color continuity throughout your kitchen.

Some under cabinet lighting systems let you customize the kitchen with add-ons. Besides lighting, you can add docking stations, speakers, tablet cradles and hidden outlets for a more functional workspace.

Under cabinet lighting is task lighting. It’s usually meant to supplement or function as accent lighting for existing lighting. Where you install the lighting may make a difference. If you’re installing in the kitchen, you’ll want a focused cool light that will help you as you prep food.

The number of lumens to use depends on the brightness level you’re seeking. The greater the number of lumens, the brighter the light. If you plan to use the under counter lighting as the main light source in the room, it should be between 500 and 1,000 lumens. If the lights will serve as accent light or task lighting, choose lumens between 200 and 500. For low accent or mood lighting, choose lights that have between 80 and 200 lumens.

To help you find the best under cabinet lighting, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, consider where you want to add extra light and why you want the lighting. Will it be a task light or strictly for ambience? Do you want a warm temperature light or a cold temperature light? Also, the type of light is important. Will an LED light bar do the job or are you a fan of hardwired puck lights? All of these questions, and more, will help you decide what light is best for the space.

A bulb’s temperature is identified in Kelvins, which is the temperature scale for lights. A number on the lower end of the scale means the color is warmer, while a higher number means cooler. Look for bulbs that are between 3,000k or 4,000k which will give you a warm to natural white.