Choosing the Right LED Under Cabinet Lighting
Under cabinet lighting is a great way to add extra illumination to your kitchen or workspace, making it easier to see what you’re doing and creating a more inviting atmosphere. But with so many different types of LED under cabinet lighting available, it can be tough to know where to start. In this guide, we’ll discuss the different types of LED under cabinet lighting, their pros and cons, and how to choose the right one for your needs.
Types of LED Under Cabinet Lighting
There are a few different types of LED under cabinet lighting available, each with its own unique set of advantages and disadvantages.
- Strip Lights: These are thin, flexible strips of LEDs that can be easily installed under cabinets. Strip lights are available in a variety of lengths and colors, making them a versatile option for under cabinet lighting. They are also very affordable, making them a popular choice for homeowners on a budget.
- Puck Lights: Puck lights are small, round lights that are typically installed in groups of two or three. They are a good option for providing focused light on a specific area, such as a countertop or sink. Puck lights are also relatively easy to install and are available in a variety of colors.
- Track Lighting: Track lighting is a more sophisticated option that uses a track system to hold multiple light fixtures. Track lighting is often used in kitchens with large countertops or islands, as it allows you to adjust the position of the lights to provide optimal illumination. Track lighting is also available in a variety of styles, making it a good choice for kitchens with different design aesthetics.
Pros and Cons of Different LED Under Cabinet Lighting
Here is a table comparing the pros and cons of different types of LED under cabinet lighting:
| Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Strip Lights | – Affordable – Easy to install – Versatile – Available in a variety of lengths and colors |
– May not be as bright as other options – Can be difficult to hide the wiring |
| Puck Lights | – Provide focused light – Easy to install – Available in a variety of colors |
– Can be expensive – May not provide enough light for larger spaces |
| Track Lighting | – Provides bright, adjustable light – Available in a variety of styles – Can be used to create a sophisticated look |
– Can be expensive – More difficult to install than other options |
Choosing the Right Color Temperature
The color temperature of LED lights is measured in Kelvin (K). A lower Kelvin number indicates a warmer, more yellow light, while a higher Kelvin number indicates a cooler, more blue light.
- Warm White (2700-3000K): Warm white light is often used in living rooms and bedrooms to create a cozy and relaxing atmosphere. It can also be used in kitchens to create a warm and inviting ambiance.
- Soft White (3000-3500K): Soft white light is a good all-around choice for kitchens and workspaces. It provides a bright, but not too harsh, light that is easy on the eyes.
- Cool White (4000-4500K): Cool white light is often used in offices and workspaces, as it provides a bright and stimulating light that helps to improve focus and concentration.
- Daylight (5000-6500K): Daylight light is the closest to natural sunlight and is often used in kitchens and workspaces to provide a bright and natural light.
Determining the Optimal Length and Placement of Under Cabinet Lights
The length and placement of your under cabinet lights will depend on the size of your space and the type of lighting you want to achieve.
For example, if you have a large kitchen with a long countertop, you may need to use multiple strip lights or track lights to provide adequate illumination.
If you want to create a focused light on a specific area, such as a sink or stovetop, you can use puck lights or track lights with adjustable heads.
Installation and Wiring: Best Led Under Cabinet Lighting Hardwired
Installing hardwired LED under cabinet lighting is a bit more involved than using plug-in options, but it offers a more permanent and often more aesthetically pleasing solution. It’s like taking your home lighting game to the next level, bro! Let’s dive into the process, step by step, so you can get those under cabinet lights shining bright.
Tools and Safety Precautions, Best led under cabinet lighting hardwired
Before you start monkeying around with wires, it’s crucial to have the right tools and safety gear. You wouldn’t want to get electrocuted, right?
- Voltage Tester: This tool helps you confirm if the power is off before you start working on the wiring. It’s like checking if the engine is off before you start tinkering with your car.
- Wire Strippers: These tools help you remove the insulation from the ends of the wires to expose the copper strands for connections. It’s like getting rid of the outer layer of a banana to get to the good stuff.
- Wire Connectors: These are essential for securely connecting the wires together. They are like the glue that holds the pieces of your lighting puzzle together.
- Screwdriver: You’ll need this for attaching the lights to the cabinets and for securing the wiring to the junction box. It’s like the trusty wrench that helps you tighten everything up.
- Safety Glasses: Protect your eyes from any flying debris or sparks that might occur during the installation. It’s like wearing a helmet when riding a motorcycle, for safety’s sake.
- Gloves: Protect your hands from cuts or electrical shocks. It’s like wearing a protective suit when handling hazardous materials.
Direct Wiring
Direct wiring is the simplest way to connect your LED under cabinet lighting. It’s like plugging your phone directly into the wall socket. You’ll need to connect the wires from the lights directly to the electrical wiring in your cabinets.
- Locate the Electrical Box: Find the nearest electrical box in your kitchen. This is where the power source for your lights will come from.
- Turn Off Power: Before you touch any wires, make sure to turn off the power to the electrical box. This is like switching off the main power supply before working on your computer.
- Connect the Wires: Connect the wires from the lights to the wires in the electrical box. Make sure to match the colors of the wires (usually black to black, white to white, and green to green). It’s like connecting the right puzzle pieces together.
- Secure Connections: Use wire connectors to ensure the connections are secure and won’t come loose. It’s like double-checking your knots when tying a rope.
- Turn Power Back On: Once the connections are secure, turn the power back on and test the lights. It’s like hitting the power button on your computer to see if it works.
Using a Junction Box
Using a junction box is another option for connecting your LED under cabinet lighting. It’s like having a central hub for all your wires.
- Install the Junction Box: Mount the junction box to a convenient location near the lights. This is like creating a central control panel for your electrical system.
- Connect the Wires: Connect the wires from the lights to the junction box, matching the colors of the wires. It’s like plugging all the wires into the right slots on the control panel.
- Connect to Electrical Box: Run a wire from the junction box to the electrical box in your kitchen. It’s like creating a communication line between the control panel and the main power supply.
- Secure Connections: Use wire connectors to ensure all the connections are secure. It’s like double-checking the connections on your control panel.
- Turn Power Back On: Once everything is connected, turn the power back on and test the lights. It’s like pressing the “on” button on your control panel to see if everything is working.
Connecting to a Wall Switch or Dimmer Switch
You can control your LED under cabinet lighting with a wall switch or dimmer switch. It’s like having a remote control for your lights.
- Install the Switch: Install a wall switch or dimmer switch in a convenient location near your cabinets. This is like setting up the control center for your lighting system.
- Connect the Wires: Connect the wires from the lights to the switch, matching the colors of the wires. It’s like connecting the wires from your lights to the control center.
- Connect to Electrical Box: Run a wire from the switch to the electrical box in your kitchen. It’s like creating a communication line between the control center and the main power supply.
- Secure Connections: Use wire connectors to ensure all the connections are secure. It’s like double-checking the connections on your control center.
- Turn Power Back On: Once everything is connected, turn the power back on and test the lights. It’s like pressing the “on” button on your control center to see if everything is working.
Hiding Wiring
To keep your installation looking clean and professional, it’s important to hide the wiring. It’s like putting on a nice suit to make a good impression.
- Use Wire Molding: Wire molding is a great way to hide wiring along the walls or cabinets. It’s like putting a cover over your electrical wires.
- Run Wires Inside Cabinets: If possible, run the wires inside the cabinets to keep them out of sight. It’s like keeping your wires hidden inside a secret compartment.
- Use Cable Ties: Cable ties can help keep the wires organized and tidy. It’s like putting your wires in a neat little bundle.
Features and Functionality
Hardwired LED under cabinet lighting offers a range of features and functionalities that can enhance the look, functionality, and ambiance of your kitchen or workspace. Let’s explore these features in detail.
Dimming Capabilities
Dimming capabilities allow you to adjust the brightness of your under cabinet lights to suit your needs. This is particularly useful in a kitchen where you may need bright light for tasks like cooking or preparing food, but want a softer, more ambient light for dining or entertaining.
Dimming switches are available in various styles and technologies, including rotary knobs, slide controls, and remote controls. Some dimmer switches even offer features like preset lighting levels or integration with smart home systems.
Motion Sensors
Motion sensor lights automatically turn on when they detect movement and turn off after a set period of inactivity. This feature is especially useful for under cabinet lighting in kitchens, pantries, or workspaces where you need quick and hands-free illumination.
Motion sensors can help you save energy by only illuminating the space when it’s needed. However, they can also be a bit sensitive, triggering the lights when you don’t want them to turn on, such as when you’re simply walking by.
Color-Changing Options
Color-changing LED lights offer the flexibility to adjust the color temperature and hue of your under cabinet lighting. This allows you to create different moods and ambiances in your kitchen or workspace.
For example, you can use warm white light for a cozy and inviting atmosphere during dinner, or cool white light for a brighter and more focused workspace. You can also use color-changing LEDs to highlight specific features or create a festive ambiance.
Best LED under cabinet lighting hardwired offers a stylish and functional way to illuminate your kitchen, but the overall aesthetic depends on the countertop choice. If you have white cabinets, consider checking out our guide on what color of countertops go with white cabinets to find the perfect match.
The right countertop will complement the lighting and create a cohesive and inviting kitchen space.
Best LED under cabinet lighting hardwired is a popular choice for kitchens, providing both functionality and style. If you’re working with a beige kitchen cabinet and black countertop scheme, as seen in this timeless design , under cabinet lighting can really highlight the contrast and create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Consider warm white or soft white LED bulbs for a more traditional feel, or go with cool white for a modern look.
