Dale Sorensen Real Estate, Inc

Under Cabinet Lighting Options

by Debbie Caldwell 03/29/2020

Image by StockSnap from Pixabay

Your kitchen is the ultimate workspace, but only if it has the lighting needed to properly illuminate your work area. Without the right lighting, you could end up fumbling through your tasks, failing to complete them to the best of your ability. Thankfully, resolving that problem is as easy as installing LEDs under the cabinets. Here’s what you need to know about this awesome lighting solution for your kitchen.

Types of Under-Cabinet LEDs

When choosing under cabinet lighting for your kitchen, the following types tend to work best.

Pucks

Resembling hockey pucks in size and shape, LED pucks allow you to shine light wherever you need it. As a standalone lighting option, these typically use batteries for power, giving you virtually unlimited placement options. But remember, if you choose this design, make sure you have plenty of batteries on hand to avoid losing light when you need it most.

Bars

Available in a variety of sizes and shapes, LED bars are the most popular under cabinet option. These lights securely fasten to the bottom of whatever cabinet you like and plug right into a nearby outlet for power. Since these use a plug, you are somewhat limited in placement options, depending on your kitchen design.

Strips

For a little more flexibility, you may want to consider LED strip lights, which come in a variety of lengths and sizes. These strips are typically plug in, though some run on batteries instead. Their extra length can make it easier to place them in hard to reach areas that are far from an outlet.

Once you decide which LED light design you favor most, you can pick up as many as you need to create the task lighting of your dreams.

Key LED Light Features for Under Cabinets

Under cabinet LED lights have a large price range, which is largely built around the standard features included with each unit. At the high end of the price range you might find lights with dimmable bulbs, motion sensors, and even color-changing features. At the low end, you just get basic lights that can be turned off and on with the press of a button.

To find your ideal options, take a look at your expectations, budget, and kitchen activities. If you frequently need extra light while cutting up meat, for example, you may want motion sensors to have light on demand without having to flick a switch.  

Installation Tips for Under Cabinet Lighting

Whether you choose strips, bars, or pucks, there are a few things to remember when installing these lights:

  • Perform a mockup to determine if their placement will provide the light you seek
  • Check that the lights function properly before installing them in your desired location
  • Measure your installation points to accurately line up the lights where you want them
  • When you take the time to select and install your LED under cabinet lights, you can transform your kitchen into a truly effective workspace. So, get started in planning this smart upgrade to treat yourself to a well-illuminate space to complete all your kitchen tasks.

    About the Author
    Author

    Debbie Caldwell

    When you first meet Debbie Harris-Caldwell, you are immediately drawn to her charming Welsh accent and the twinkle in her eye. The well-traveled transplant from Wales is quick to set you at ease and time spent with her promises to be time well spent.

    Debbie has been a real estate agent for 40 years and takes great pride in her customer service skills. "I make myself available to my customers when they need me, whether it's on a Sunday Evening or after their long day at work. I make my schedule fit theirs. I also keep my customers updated on everything happening with their listings or purchase, I am their conduit for information." She has built a business following her key principles of clear communication, attention to detail, client advocacy, and comprehensive knowledge of the area. Debbie comes to every new transaction with positive energy, determination, a strong understanding of the currents driving the market, and the expertise that comes from a lifetime of experience. She knows the importance of marketing and whether a home is for sale for $200,000 or for $2 million, she always has professional photography done and creates a listing presentation that best shows off her customer's home.