Modern Under Cabinet Lighting

LED strip lights are a popular choice for under cabinet lighting due to their energy efficiency, slim profile, and bright, even illumination.

Expert Tip: Many high-end LED strips now include a "chip-on-board" (COB) design, which eliminates the visible dots of light and creates a seamless, diffused glow—perfect for modern kitchens.

A light bar delivers bright and consistent light output over a wider area, making it useful for tasks that require high visibility, such as prepping food or reading recipes.

Expert Tip: Light bars often include built-in diffusers that soften the light and reduce harsh shadows on countertops, making them a great alternative to puck lights.

Install a puck light from above or hide a linear LED strip behind the cabinet’s face frame. These discreet fixtures illuminate stored items without cluttering the space.

Expert Tip: For glass-front cabinets, installing LED strips along the vertical sides instead of the top ensures more even illumination, preventing dark corners.

If you plan to use under cabinet lighting as the main light source in the room, aim for fixtures delivering 500 to 1,000 lumens per linear foot. Adjust brightness and color temperature based on your specific tasks and preference.

Expert Tip: Some high-quality LED fixtures allow you to adjust both brightness and color temperature, giving you flexibility between cool task lighting and warm ambient light in the same fixture.

A general rule is one puck light for every 8–12 inches of cabinet length. This spacing ensures even illumination without creating dark spots.

Expert Tip: Puck lights cast a focused beam rather than diffused light. For better coverage, stagger their placement slightly toward the front edge of the cabinet rather than centering them.

Most under-cabinet lights run on low voltage (12V or 24V), though some fixtures are designed for direct line voltage (120V). Check your fixture’s specifications for compatibility.

Expert Tip: Low-voltage systems often last longer and run cooler, but they require a transformer. Make sure you place the transformer in an accessible location for maintenance.

Battery life depends on usage and battery quality. Some lights can run for weeks with intermittent use, while continuous operation drains batteries more quickly. Rechargeable units offer a convenient alternative.

Expert Tip: Motion-activated battery lights are a great way to extend battery life, as they only turn on when you need them.

Professional installation can range from $200 to $500 or more, depending on factors like fixture type, wiring complexity, and regional labor rates. DIY installation can reduce costs if you’re comfortable with electrical work.

Expert Tip: If you’re retrofitting an older kitchen, look for wireless options or plug-in light bars that don’t require hardwiring—saving you on labor costs.

Common styles include LED strip lights, light bars, puck lights, and rope lights. Each style offers different looks, brightness levels, and installation methods.

Expert Tip: Some high-end LED strips come with tunable white or smart features, allowing you to change brightness and color temperature with a smartphone or voice control.

Neutral white (around 3000K–4000K) is often preferred for task lighting in kitchens. This color temperature provides clarity without appearing too warm or too stark.

Expert Tip: If your kitchen has a lot of natural light, choose a color temperature that matches—daylight-balanced LED strips (4000K–5000K) blend better with sunlit spaces.

Aim for 200 to 500 lumens per linear foot for supplemental task lighting. If it’s your primary light source, consider going up to 1,000 lumens per foot to ensure adequate illumination.

Expert Tip: The type of countertop material affects perceived brightness. Dark, matte surfaces absorb more light, so opt for higher-lumen fixtures in those cases.

Warm or cool color temperature depends on personal preference and kitchen decor. Warm white (2700K–3000K) creates a cozy feel, while cooler temperatures (3500K–4000K) offer a brighter, more modern look.

Expert Tip: If you’re installing lighting near wood cabinets, warm white enhances the wood grain, while cooler white gives a more contemporary feel.

For everyday cooking tasks, 200 to 500 lumens per foot is typically sufficient. If you rely heavily on under cabinet lights, opt for closer to 1,000 lumens for improved visibility.

Expert Tip: Layered lighting is key—combine under cabinet lighting with overhead and pendant lighting for a balanced, shadow-free workspace.

Legality varies by region. Generally, red and blue lights are reserved for official emergency vehicles, while amber is permitted for construction or towing. Always consult local laws before adding emergency-style lights.

Expert Tip: Some LED under-cabinet lighting can double as emergency lighting during power outages—look for models with battery backup or smart-home integration.

Measure the length of your cabinets and select fixtures that provide adequate coverage. Evenly spaced light bars or strips ensure a uniform glow across the entire countertop.

Expert Tip: To avoid "hot spots," choose diffused LED strips or install an aluminum channel with a frosted cover for a more even light spread.

Official emergency vehicles commonly use red, blue, or a combination of these. Tow trucks, snowplows, and security vehicles typically utilize amber or white lighting to indicate caution.

Expert Tip: White strobe lights are sometimes used in emergency situations because they cut through fog, smoke, and heavy rain more effectively than colored lights.

LED-based emergency lights are considered among the brightest and most reliable. They offer high visibility, energy efficiency, and long life compared to traditional incandescent or halogen options.

Expert Tip: High-powered LED emergency lights often use TIR (Total Internal Reflection) optics to focus the beam, making them appear even brighter without consuming more power.