Under Cabinet Lighting: The Kitchen Game-Changer
If you do only one lighting upgrade, make it this one. Under cabinet lights eliminate counter shadows, make food prep easier, and transform your kitchen's ambiance—all for as little as $20.
Quick Summary
$20-50
$50-150
$150-300+
Why Under Cabinet Lighting Matters
Stand at your counter and look down. Does your body cast a shadow over your work surface? That shadow is your overhead light being blocked—and it makes cooking harder and more dangerous than it needs to be.
Under cabinet lights shine directly onto your countertop, eliminating shadows and giving you clear visibility for chopping, reading recipes, and seeing exactly what you're cooking. Beyond function, they add a warm glow that makes kitchens feel inviting.
Types of Under Cabinet Lights
LED Light Strips
Flexible strips of LEDs that can be cut to length and bent around corners.
- Pros: Affordable, customizable length, flexible, thin profile
- Cons: Visible dots if too close to front, can look DIY
- Best for: Budget-conscious installations, unusual cabinet sizes
- Cost: $15-50 for 16 feet
LED Light Bars
Rigid fixtures that mount under cabinets with even, diffused light.
- Pros: Professional look, even light distribution, easy install
- Cons: More expensive, fixed lengths
- Best for: Most kitchens, clean finished look
- Cost: $30-80 per bar (12-24 inches)
Puck Lights
Small round lights that create pools of illumination.
- Pros: Easy to position, good for accent lighting, often battery-powered
- Cons: Creates uneven "spotlight" effect, not ideal for task lighting
- Best for: Accent lighting, inside cabinets, renters
- Cost: $15-40 for 3-pack
| Type | Best For | Light Quality | Install Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| LED Strips | Budget, flexible layouts | Good with diffuser | Easy |
| Light Bars | Most kitchens | Excellent | Easy |
| Puck Lights | Accents, renters | Spotty | Very Easy |
Power Source Options
Battery-Powered
- Pros: No wiring, install anywhere, renter-friendly
- Cons: Replace/recharge batteries, may dim over time, some have motion sensors only
- Best for: Renters, quick install, accent lighting
- Battery life: 3-6 months typical with moderate use
Plug-In
- Pros: Consistent power, no batteries, affordable
- Cons: Visible cord (can be hidden), needs outlet nearby
- Best for: Most DIY installations, reliable daily use
- Tip: Look for outlets inside cabinets, above counters, or use cable channels to hide cords
Hardwired
- Pros: Clean look, no cords, controlled by wall switch
- Cons: Requires electrical work, most expensive
- Best for: New construction, major renovations, permanent installations
- Cost: Add $100-300 for electrician if not DIY
Pro Tip: You can get a "hardwired look" with plug-in lights by hiding the cord. Run it inside the cabinet, through the back, or in a painted cable channel along the wall. No one will know it's not hardwired.
Choosing the Right Brightness
Under cabinet lights serve as task lighting, so they need adequate brightness:
- Minimum: 250 lumens per linear foot of counter
- Ideal: 300-400 lumens per linear foot
- For a 4-foot counter section: 1,000-1,600 total lumens
Always choose dimmable options if possible—what's perfect for cooking may be too bright for late-night snacking.
Color Temperature: Match Your Kitchen
Under cabinet lights should match your overhead lighting:
- 2700K: Warm, cozy glow (like incandescent bulbs)
- 3000K: Warm white, most popular for kitchens
- 3500K: Neutral, good for food prep
- 4000K+: Cool white, can feel clinical in residential kitchens
Important: Mixing color temperatures looks terrible. If your overhead lights are 2700K warm white, your under cabinet lights should match. Check the Kelvin rating before buying.
Installation Tips
Positioning
- Front of cabinet: Position lights toward the front edge to avoid shining directly into your eyes when standing at the counter
- Behind the rail: If your cabinet has a face frame or rail, mount lights behind it to hide them from view
- 1-2 inches from front: Ideal placement for most cabinets
Surface Prep
- 1.Clean thoroughly: Remove grease and dust with degreaser
- 2.Dry completely: Adhesive won't stick to damp surfaces
- 3.Test adhesion: Press a piece of tape and remove—if it falls, clean again
Installation Steps (Adhesive Mount)
- 1.Measure and mark: Position lights before removing adhesive backing
- 2.Cut to length: LED strips cut at marked intervals (usually every 2-3 inches)
- 3.Peel and stick: Remove backing and press firmly for 30 seconds
- 4.Connect power: Plug in or connect to transformer
- 5.Test and adjust: Make sure even coverage, no dark spots
Recommended Products by Budget
Budget ($20-40)
- LED Strip Kits: Amazon Basics, HitLights, Wobane
- Battery Puck Lights: GE, Brilliant Evolution
- Good for: Testing the concept, temporary solutions
Mid-Range ($50-100)
- Plug-in Light Bars: Good Earth, Black+Decker, Eshine
- Quality LED Strips: Philips Hue strips, Govee RGBIC
- Good for: Most homeowners, reliable long-term solution
Premium ($100-200+)
- Hardwired Fixtures: WAC Lighting, Kichler, Sea Gull
- Smart Systems: Philips Hue with hub, Lutron Caseta
- Good for: Permanent installations, smart home integration
Smart Options
Smart under cabinet lights add convenience:
- Voice control: "Hey Google, turn on kitchen lights"
- Scheduling: Automatic on at sunset, off at bedtime
- Color changing: Warm white for cooking, accent colors for entertaining
- Dimming: Adjust brightness from your phone
Popular options include Philips Hue strips, Govee, and Wyze light strips.
FAQ
What's the best type of under cabinet lighting?
LED light bars or strips are best for most kitchens. They provide even, continuous light without hot spots. Light bars are easier to install and look more finished; strips are more affordable and flexible.
Can I install under cabinet lights without an electrician?
Yes! Battery-powered and plug-in options require no electrical work. Even a hardwired look can be achieved by hiding plug-in cords. True hardwired installation requires electrical knowledge but isn't necessary.
How bright should under cabinet lights be?
Aim for 250-400 lumens per linear foot. A 4-foot counter needs 1,000-1,600 lumens total. Dimmable options let you adjust for tasks vs. ambiance.
Should under cabinet lights be warm or cool?
Match your main kitchen lighting—usually 2700K-3000K. Mixing warm and cool creates a disjointed look. For food prep areas, 3000K-3500K shows accurate colors.