How to Choose Under Cabinet Lighting for Your Kitchen Remodel

Key Takeaways:

Under cabinet kitchen lighting improves both visibility and ambiance by illuminating countertops and backsplashes directly below wall cabinets. The main fixture types are light bars (sleek, linear, even distribution), puck lights (focused, round, repositionable), tape lights (flexible adhesive LED strips, cuttable to size), and motion sensor lights (automatic, energy-saving). Key selection factors include available clearance space, power supply method (direct-wire, plug-in, or battery), bulb type (LED is most energy-efficient), moisture rating (damp vs. dry), and whether visible finishes need to coordinate with cabinetry. LED bulbs are generally recommended for lowest long-term energy costs.

While most homeowners put thought into their overhead lighting fixtures, under cabinet lighting is often overlooked during a kitchen remodel. But the right under cabinet lighting can improve both the function and aesthetics of your kitchen. It can create a warm, soothing ambiance and help highlight the beauty of your countertops and backsplashes. This lighting also enhances your visibility when preparing meals, making it an essential finishing touch to your new kitchen.

What Is Under Cabinet Lighting?

As the name implies, under cabinet lighting refers to fixtures that get installed underneath your kitchen cabinets, providing illumination for your countertops and other workspaces. Under cabinet light fixtures are typically discreet, energy efficient and provide targeted lighting in areas where you typically need improved visibility to complete routine kitchen tasks.

Types of Under Cabinet Lighting

Under cabinet lighting comes in a variety of options, each with numerous variations regarding color, brightness, design and finish, making it easy to tailor your solution to your specific kitchen layout and functional needs.

Light Bars

Light bars help give your kitchen a sleek, modern look. These long, slim fixtures consist of linear-style bars that evenly distribute light along your countertops. They come in different lengths and can be linked together, allowing you to customize these fixtures based on the dimensions of your kitchen cabinets. Many light bars come with advanced features such as dimmers and remote controls, making it easy to adjust the brightness to your specific needs at any moment.

Puck Lights

Puck lights are small, round fixtures that provide bright, focused light. They come in a variety of fixtures, so you can easily find an option that matches your kitchen décor. You can position puck lights straight down at your countertops to provide enhanced illumination on your work surfaces, or you can aim them toward your backsplash if you prefer a more ambient lighting that highlights the other features of your kitchen. When installing puck lights, plan on having one light for every 8-12 inches of cabinet space to ensure even lighting across your countertops.

Tape Lights

Tape lights are an effective option if you’re looking for a flexible, low-profile lighting solution. Tiny LED lights are embedded in a tape strip that gets attached to the bottom of your cabinets with an adhesive. They’re available in tape reels and can be cut to the dimensions of your cabinet. Their flexibility make them ideal for curved spaces. Tape lights are great for providing accent lighting or soft, even illumination along your countertops. Our cabinet lines offer these lights set inside a diffuser for a tailored and custom look.

Motion Sensor Lights

Motion sensor lights provide a practical solution that ensures you always have light at night when you need it. These lights automatically turn on when their sensors detect movement, and they shut off after there is no activity for a set period of time, ensuring you don’t waste energy running lights when no one is in the kitchen.

Important Considerations When Choosing Under Cabinet Lighting

Make sure to evaluate the following considerations when choosing the right under cabinet lighting for your kitchen remodel:

• Space – The space you have underneath your cabinets will often dictate which option will work best. Always measure carefully to ensure your under cabinet lights will fit properly, remain hidden from view and illuminate your space properly.
• Power Supply – Direct-wire lights offer the cleanest appearance, but will require a licensed electrician to ensure installation is completed properly. Plug-in lights are a great option as long as you have an outlet near each fixture. Battery-powered lights will require you to change out batteries periodically, so this option will require the most ongoing maintenance on your end.
• Bulb Type – The type of bulb you choose (fluorescent, xenon or LED) will impact the amount of light you get, the energy consumption and how long the bulb lasts. In general, LED lights will help keep your energy costs the lowest.
• Add-Ons – Certain under cabinet lighting systems come with add-on features such as docking stations, speakers and hidden outlets. These items can provide additional convenience and functionality.
• Color and Finish – If your lights aren’t visible, then color and finish aren’t all that important to consider. But if your lights can be seen at certain angles, you’ll want to choose colors and materials that complement your cabinets and countertops.
• Location Rating – In general, choose fixtures with a damp rating if they will be placed in an area of the kitchen where there is exposure to moisture and steam. If your fixtures aren’t near a sink or stove, then you can most likely choose one with a dry rating.

Sander & Sons Can Bring Your Vision to Life

The right kitchen remodel partner plays a major role in delivering your desired results. At Sander & Sons, we’ve been providing kitchen design and remodel services in the Denver area for 30 years, and our team has the experience to bring your vision to life. We take pride in providing the thoughtful recommendations and quality workmanship necessary for a truly customized kitchen remodel, and we always go the extra mile to ensure you have a great experience working with us.

During your consultation, our team will listen carefully to understand your unique goals and vision for your new kitchen. This allows us to recommend the right cabinets, countertops and fixtures to maximize your enjoyment of the space. If you’re interested in under cabinet lighting, we’ll make sure you choose the right option to align with your functional and aesthetic needs.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation. Sander & Sons serves customers in Denver and the surrounding areas.