When it comes to creating an inviting and functional kitchen, lighting plays a pivotal role. Among the various lighting solutions available, under-cabinet lighting stands out as a practical and stylish option. By installing lights beneath your kitchen cabinets, you can enhance visibility, create a warm ambiance, and accentuate your kitchen’s aesthetic appeal. In this post, we will explore the ten best options for under-cabinet lighting, ensuring that your kitchen shines with brilliance.
1. LED Tape Lights:
LED tape lights are versatile and easily customizable, making them an excellent choice for under-cabinet lighting. They offer a slim design, allowing discreet installation while providing ample illumination. With energy efficiency and a wide range of color temperature options, LED tape lights can create the perfect ambiance for any kitchen style. Get your LED tape lights on Amazon.
2. Puck Lights:
Puck lights are small, round fixtures that can be mounted individually or in a series beneath your cabinets. These compact lights are ideal for focused lighting, such as illuminating specific areas of the countertop or highlighting decorative elements. With the ability to dim and adjust their positioning, puck lights offer both functionality and style. Amazon has a great selection of positively reviewed puck lights.
3. Light Bars:
Light bars, also known as linear under-cabinet lights, are sleek and stylish lighting options. They feature long, slender profiles that distribute light evenly across the counter space. Light bars are available in various lengths, finishes, and color temperatures, making them a versatile choice for any kitchen design. Amazon carries a large selection of light bars for your convenience.
4. Fluorescent Strips:
Fluorescent strip lights have been a popular choice for under-cabinet lighting for their bright, even illumination. They are energy-efficient, long-lasting, and provide excellent task lighting. With advancements in technology, you can now find fluorescent strips with improved color rendering and warm white tones, making them a practical option for kitchen lighting. There is a great selection of fluorescent strips on Amazon in all sizes and colors.
5. Xenon Lights:
Xenon lights emit a warm and natural glow that closely resembles halogen lighting. They are known for their excellent color rendering, making your kitchen colors appear vibrant and true. Xenon lights are dimmable and have a longer lifespan than halogen bulbs, making them a reliable choice for under-cabinet lighting. A little harder to find than our previous entries, you can still find a good amount of xenon lights on Amazon.
6. Rope Lights:
Rope lights, also called string lights, consist of a flexible tube containing small LED bulbs. They are easy to install and can be bent or curved to fit any cabinet layout. Rope lights create a soft, diffused glow, perfect for creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere in your kitchen. You can find all kinds of rope lights on Amazon, not just for your under-cabinet needs.
7. Battery-Powered Lights:
Battery-powered under-cabinet lights are an excellent option if you want to avoid wiring and electrical work. These lights can be easily installed and moved around as needed. With advancements in battery technology, you can find options that provide bright illumination and extended battery life. The great thing about the battery-powered lights is that they come in many of the styles discussed previously in this list.
8. Motion-Activated Lights:
For added convenience and energy efficiency, consider motion-activated under-cabinet lights. These lights automatically turn on when they detect movement, making them perfect for late-night trips to the kitchen. Motion-activated lights help conserve energy by ensuring that the lights are only on when needed. There are plenty of great motion activated lights to be found on Amazon.
9. Smart Lighting Systems:
If you want to take your kitchen lighting to the next level, consider smart lighting systems. These systems allow you to control your under-cabinet lights remotely using a smartphone or voice commands. With features like dimming, color-changing capabilities, and scheduling options, smart lighting systems offer unparalleled convenience and versatility. You can find many great smart lighting systems on Amazon that work with all kinds of apps and smart devices like Alexa or Google Assistant.
10. Linkable LED Light Strips:
Linkable LED light strips provide flexibility in terms of installation and customization. These strips can be easily interconnected, allowing you to cover long stretches of under-cabinet space. With their energy efficiency, color options, and dimming capabilities, linkable LED light strips provide an impressive lighting solution for your under-cabinet lighting needs. Find linkable LED light strips on Amazon.
As you can see from that extensive list, under-cabinet lighting not only adds some much needed functionality to a space, but can be a very inexpensive renovation that can be finished in an afternoon. Whether your goal is ambiance, accent lighting, or functionality, under-cabinet lighting is a great way to help achieve your dream kitchen goals.
Photo credit to jarino47