Under-cabinet LED lights

Hey everyone, welcome back to my channel! Today, I’m going to be talking about surface-mounted LED lights for kitchen under cabinets. If you’re looking for a way to brighten up your kitchen and make it more functional, then these lights are a great option.

I’ll be going over the different types of surface-mounted LED lights available, as well as the pros and cons of each type. I’ll also show you how to install these lights yourself, so you can save some money on the installation costs.

So, if you’re interested in learning more about surface-mounted LED lights for kitchen under cabinets, then keep watching!

LED overhead lights for kitchen under cabinets offer a multitude of features and advantages that make them a popular choice for modern kitchens. Let’s delve into some of the key benefits:

• Energy efficiency: LED lights are renowned for their exceptional energy efficiency, consuming significantly less power than traditional incandescent or halogen bulbs. This translates to lower electricity bills and a reduced environmental impact.
• Long lifespan: LEDs boast an incredibly long lifespan, lasting up to 50,000 hours or more. This means you won’t have to worry about frequent bulb replacements, saving you time and money.
• Brightness and color options: LED under cabinet lights come in a wide range of brightness and color options, allowing you to customize the lighting to your specific needs and preferences. Whether you desire a warm, inviting glow or a bright, task-oriented light, there’s an LED option to suit your taste.
• Dimmability: Many LED under cabinet lights are dimmable, providing you with the flexibility to adjust the brightness to create the perfect ambiance for any occasion.
• Easy installation: Installing LED under cabinet lights is typically a straightforward process, often involving simple peel-and-stick application or mounting with screws.
• Safety: LEDs operate at a low voltage, making them a safe choice for use in kitchens and other areas where water or moisture may be present.
• Sleek and modern design: LED under cabinet lights often feature a sleek and modern design that complements a variety of kitchen styles. They can add a touch of sophistication and elegance to your kitchen space.

LED under cabinet lights come in a variety of styles and configurations to suit different needs and preferences. Here are some of the most common types:

• Puck lights: These small, round lights are a popular choice for under cabinet lighting. They are typically installed in a series and can be spaced evenly or clustered in specific areas.
• Strip lights: LED strip lights offer a continuous line of light, providing a more uniform illumination. They are available in various lengths and can be easily cut to fit your desired size.
• Linear lights: Linear lights are similar to strip lights but have a more defined shape and profile. They often feature a diffuser lens to soften the light and reduce glare.
• Integrated lights: Some cabinets come with integrated LED lights that are built into the cabinet itself. This option provides a seamless and streamlined look.

Color temperature is an important consideration when choosing LED under cabinet lights. It refers to the perceived color of the light, measured in Kelvin (K). Here’s a breakdown of the different color temperatures and their effects:

• Warm white (2700K-3000K): This color temperature produces a soft, warm glow that is often used in living rooms and bedrooms. It can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere in your kitchen.
• Neutral white (3500K-4000K): Neutral white light is a versatile option that is suitable for a variety of tasks. It provides a balance between warmth and coolness, making it ideal for general kitchen lighting.
• Cool white (4000K-5000K): Cool white light has a bluish hue and is often used in task-oriented areas, such as kitchens and bathrooms. It provides a bright and crisp light that is ideal for food preparation and other activities that require good visibility.
• Daylight (5000K-6500K): Daylight LEDs produce a light that closely resembles natural sunlight. It is often used in areas where color accuracy is important, such as kitchens and art studios.

The choice of color temperature ultimately depends on your personal preferences and the intended use of the lighting. Consider the overall ambiance you want to create in your kitchen and the tasks you will be performing under the lights.

The first step is to decide what kind of LED lights you want. There are two main types: puck lights and strip lights. Puck lights are small, round lights that are typically installed individually. Strip lights are long, flexible strips of lights that can be cut to length.

Once you’ve decided on the type of lights you want, you need to consider the following factors:

• Brightness: LED lights come in a variety of brightness levels, measured in lumens. For under cabinet lighting, you’ll typically want lights that are between 200 and 400 lumens.
• Color temperature: LED lights also come in a variety of color temperatures, measured in Kelvin. Warm white lights (2700K-3000K) are a good choice for kitchens, as they create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Cool white lights (4000K-5000K) are brighter and more modern-looking.
• Power source: LED lights can be powered by batteries, AC adapters, or hardwired into your electrical system. Battery-powered lights are the easiest to install, but they need to be replaced regularly. AC adapters are more convenient, but they require an outlet nearby. Hardwired lights are the most permanent option, but they require professional installation.
• Dimming: Some LED lights are dimmable, which allows you to adjust the brightness to suit your needs. This can be a useful feature if you want to use the lights for both task lighting and ambient lighting.
• Price: LED lights vary in price depending on the features and quality. It’s important to compare prices and features before making a purchase.

The most common place to install LED lights under cabinets is on the underside of the cabinets themselves. This provides direct light onto the countertop, which is ideal for tasks like chopping vegetables or reading a recipe.

You can also install LED lights on the backsplash, above the cabinets, or even inside the cabinets themselves. These locations can provide additional ambient lighting or task lighting, depending on your needs.

Installing LED lights under cabinets is a relatively easy project that can be completed in a few hours. The specific steps will vary depending on the type of lights you choose, but here are the general steps:

1. Plan the layout: Decide where you want to install the lights and how many you will need.
2. Mark the locations: Use a pencil to mark the locations of the lights on the cabinets or backsplash.
3. Drill the holes: If you are using puck lights, you will need to drill holes for the wires. If you are using strip lights, you can simply stick them to the surface.
4. Connect the wires: Connect the wires from the lights to the power source. If you are using AC adapters, you will need to plug them into an outlet. If you are hardwiring the lights, you will need to connect them to your electrical system.
5. Test the lights: Turn on the lights to make sure they are working properly.

There are many creative ways to use LED lights under cabinets. Here are a few ideas:

• Create a color-changing light show: Use LED lights that can change color to create a fun and festive atmosphere in your kitchen.
• Highlight artwork or other decorative items: Use LED lights to highlight artwork, plants, or other decorative items on your backsplash or countertops.
• Create a reading nook: Install LED lights under a cabinet to create a cozy reading nook.
• Light up your pantry: Install LED lights in your pantry to make it easier to find what you’re looking for.

No matter how you choose to use them, LED lights under cabinets can add both style and function to your kitchen.