In any kitchen where there are cabinets, there is a possibility of light blockers, so countertops underneath those cabinets may not receive as much light as they need for things like reading recipes or chopping vegetables. With so many options available, picking the right one for you can be quite challenging. However, the best way to make sure you have adequate lighting where you need it is to add under cabinet lights.
Under cabinet lighting can be a great addition to any kitchen, providing both style and practicality. With the right lighting, you can make your kitchen appear brighter and more inviting, and you can also create an atmosphere that is ideal for cooking and entertaining. The wide array of under cabinet lighting options on the market can be overwhelming, but with the right advice, you can find the perfect lighting solution for your kitchen. In this blog post, we will explore the different under cabinet lighting available and provide some helpful tips and tricks for achieving the perfect look.
Types of Under Cabinet Lighting
When it comes to under cabinet lighting, there are a variety of options available. The three most common types of under cabinet lighting are fluorescent, LED, and halogen. Each type has its own pros and cons, and you should research the differences before deciding. Fluorescent under cabinet lighting is the most affordable option, but LED lighting is the most energy-efficient. Halogen lighting is the brightest, but also the hottest, so it might be more suitable for certain applications. Additionally, you may want to consider motion-sensor options or even multi-colour LED strips.
Battery Powered Under Cabinet Lighting
Under cabinet lighting is an essential addition to any household. For those looking for a solution that doesn’t require wiring, battery powered under cabinet lighting is a great option. These lights are powered by long-lasting, rechargeable batteries that are easy to install and maintain. They come in a variety of sizes and styles, allowing you to customise your setup to suit your needs and space. Battery powered under cabinet lighting provides efficient, even lighting that can be adjusted to the desired intensity, making it a great addition to any home.
Hard-wired LED Under Cabinet Lighting
A hard-wired light system under your cabinet will allow you to control your light simply by connecting your lights to a switch, allowing you to use a switch to control your lights. As well as hiding wires easier with a hard-wired lighting system, since they connect to an existing circuit within the kitchen wall, you will hide them more easily. The only problem with hard-wired lighting is that, unlike battery-powered or plugin lights that can be installed on their own, hard-wired lighting requires the expertise of a professional. Consequently, in order to ensure that the hard-wired lighting will be installed correctly and safely, the installation will have to be carried out by a trained electrician.
Plugin Under Cabinet Lighting
In this lighting option, a good balance can be reached between using a battery or a hard-wired system. Plug-in systems are extremely convenient, as they can be used wherever an outlet is available, and they do not require batteries to be replaced. As long as the power stays on, the lights will remain on. However, with this option, one of your existing outlets will become occupied with the lights, which might be required for a countertop appliance. Adding an extra outlet to your kitchen can also be a good option (which is not such a bad thing anyway).
How Bright Should Under Cabinet Lighting Be?
For under cabinet lighting, the brightness depends on the atmosphere you’re trying to create in your kitchen. The brightness of the light should also depend on how much light you naturally have in the room. Bright lights are ideal for brightly lit or naturally lit kitchens, while dimmer lights are better for a dimly lit space. For task lighting, you want to aim for at least 500 lumens, which are bright light. For accent lighting, around 300 lumens is usually enough. For mood lighting, you can go down to as low as 100 lumens. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what works best for your kitchen.
Are LED Under Cabinet Lights Dimmable?
LED lights can be controlled by your existing dimmer switch, so if you have an existing switch, you can use it. The LED lights under your cabinets can also be dimmed and brightened remotely with the use of a remote control, which is another advantage of using LED lights under your cabinets. In addition, you can connect them to an existing smart home system, which is another enormous advantage. If you have a smart home app, you can also control your lights remotely using your voice through the app, so that you can turn them on and off even when you are not at home.
Benefits of Under Cabinet Lighting
Under cabinet lighting is an excellent way to add practical lighting to any room. It provides task-specific lighting that can be used for food preparation, reading, and studying. It can also provide a warm, cosy atmosphere. The benefits of under cabinet lighting include increased safety, improved functionality, and additional aesthetic value. Increased safety is achieved through the use of bright and focused lighting that helps to reduce the risk of accidents in the kitchen or any other area where the lighting is installed. Improved functionality is achieved through the use of lighting that can be adjusted to meet the specific needs of the user, such as dimming or increasing the brightness. The additional aesthetic value provided by the under cabinet lighting helps to create a more attractive atmosphere in the room.
Still Have Cabinet Lighting Questions?
If you are looking for a kitchen light that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional, we can assist you in selecting the best kind of light for your kitchen. In case you still have questions about which type of light would work best in your kitchen, we can assist you with that as well. If you need more outlets installed or if you’d like to discuss a hard-wired option, our service professionals can help you. For more information, please contact us on 01622 27810.