How To Create Lighting Behind Cabinets?

Under cabinet lighting is a type of lighting installed on the underside of upper cabinets to illuminate the area directly below a section of cabinets. It provides “task lighting” for kitchen surfaces that might otherwise be shaded. LED tape light systems or strip systems can create functional detail lighting, highlight objects on display, and create a well-lit kitchen.

Under cabinet lighting is a key element in modern kitchen design, offering both aesthetic appeal and practical functionality. It comes in various styles and configurations, from strip lights and puck lights to tape lights and bars. The color temperature of under cabinet lights affects the mood and feel of the kitchen. Warm white light (2700K-3000K) creates a cozy atmosphere, while cool white light (3500K) creates a cool atmosphere.

Under cabinet lighting is not limited to traditional downlights beneath wall-hung cupboards. There are three primary ways to conceal under cabinet lighting: a valance, recessed bottoms, or a coverboard. When deciding which type of under cabinet lighting is best suited to your needs, consider three key considerations: attaching it towards the front of the cabinet to avoid casting shadows, and choosing the right fixtures.

Our range of under cabinet lights offers a host of modern kitchen lighting options, including strip lights, bendable tape lights, LED spotlights, ambient overhead fixtures, spots, stylish pendants, and over-the-sink lighting. Beautiful finishing touches like decorative fairy lights can add a touch of elegance to your kitchen.

How do you design a lighting layout?

All rooms in a home should have both ambient and task lighting, with accent lighting used to highlight architectural features or artwork. Properly positioned fixtures and energy-efficient bulbs are chosen for each fixture, and light switches and dimmers are placed logically throughout the home. A meticulously crafted lighting plan can create a personalized space with warm hues and focused task lighting, transforming the space into a personalized masterpiece.

Creating a lighting plan early in the building or renovation process, ideally before the “first fix” stage, ensures optimal results. Technical tips include planning early, understanding electrical capacity, planning circuit placements, consulting a qualified electrician, and researching different fixture types and their technical specifications. By doing so, a well-crafted lighting plan can create a personalized and functional space that meets the needs of the homeowner.

How do you calculate lighting layout?

The “E = F x UF x MF / A” formula can be employed to calculate lighting, which involves the variables of illuminance (I), average lumens (F), coefficient of utilization (UF), and maintenance factor (MF). There are multiple methodologies for calculating lighting, including the calculation of lux and the conversion of watts to lumens. The complexity of light calculation is contingent upon the specific type of calculation being performed.

How many undercabinet lights do I need?

It is recommended that the cabinet length for puck lights be between 8 and 12 inches.

What are the 5 steps in lighting design?

The basement refurbishment in West London aimed to optimize natural light by moving kitchen worktops to the side wall and creating access to the garden. The design also considered architectural features, limitations, and opportunities. The space’s low ceilings allowed for extensive waterproofing works to lower the floor, allowing for the use of multiple spotlights to create a warm ambience. Downlighting is more effective in rooms with higher ceilings, and the light could bounce off the pale but warm paint on the walls and splash-back, as well as the glass sliding door.

To create a more efficient lighting scheme, it is recommended to imagine the lighting in layers, considering the practical needs of task, decorative, or safety light requirements. This approach not only addresses practical needs but also adds interest to the overall scheme. The choice of color temperature is also crucial in achieving the desired lighting effect.

What type of lighting is best for under cabinets?

The available options for under-cabinet lighting include light bars, which provide a sophisticated and unobtrusive light; puck lights, which are designed to add focused light in a quick and efficient manner; and tape lights, which can be used to alter the ambience of the kitchen with minimal effort and the simple installation of a plug-in tape light.

How to layout under cabinet lighting?

To install under cabinet lighting as task lighting, position the strip lights closer to the middle front edge of the cabinets, exposing the countertop to as much light as possible. For ambient or accent lighting, place them closer to the back edge, but avoid placing them so far back that they touch the back wall, as this can result in light loss and over-illumination. When in doubt, place them in the middle of the underside of the cabinet.

Choose the appropriate style of LED power supply based on your setup and how you want to control your lights with a dimming system. Choose from a list of compatible power supplies and drivers to turn on your lights.

Should under cabinet lighting be 3000K or 4000K?

The optimal color temperature for kitchen applications is 3000K to 4000K. This is due to the yellowish-orange hue cast by lights below 3000K, which can impede color perception in food preparation areas. Higher temperatures facilitate superior color acuity. The 4000K temperature provides a balanced white with a reduced yellow/orange bias, thereby enhancing color perception.

How do you determine lighting layout?

To ensure proper lighting spacing, divide the total height of your ceiling in half and leave 8 feet between each light. LF Illumination is a leading manufacturer of high-performing recessed LED lighting systems and fixtures for commercial and industrial use. They offer an extensive selection of recessed LED slot lighting systems to meet specific needs. Customization is also available, allowing customers to choose their own configuration and fixtures and lights. This ensures customer satisfaction with their solutions and ensures a well-lit room.

How bright should under cabinet lighting be?

To determine the purpose of under-cabinet lights, consider their usage as task or general lighting. Task lighting requires 200-500 lumens per foot, while general lighting requires 500-1000 lumens per foot. A dimmable, color-tunable under-cabinet fitting allows for versatile lighting. Consider the size and layout of the kitchen, as brighter under-cabinet lights may be necessary for large spaces or small ones. Surface reflectivity, such as countertops, backsplash, and appliances, can also affect the brightness of the under-cabinet light.

Research materials to identify the most suitable under-cabinet lighting requirements. Ultimately, the right under-cabinet lighting can enhance the overall aesthetic appeal and functionality of your kitchen.

Is under cabinet lighting still popular?

LED lighting under kitchen cabinets is still popular, with many homeowners installing it daily. To hide wires, use cable management pads underneath or inside cabinets to keep everything neat. Match the color temperature of under cabinet lighting to the existing lighting in your kitchen, and consider using a tunable white strip to switch between warm and cool white. This ensures no wires hang down into sight and keeps everything neat. The use of cable management pads and a tunable white strip can help maintain a clean and organized workspace.

Should you put warm or white light under cabinets?

When installing LED under cabinet lights in the kitchen, it is essential to choose a color temperature between 3000K and 6000K, which is either warm white, natural white, or cool white. A lower temperature will cast a yellowish-orange hue, making it difficult to distinguish colors. A higher temperature like 4000K provides a balanced natural white light without any yellow or blue hints, allowing for better color differentiation. If used in an industrial area, 6000K or cool white is recommended.

However, if only used for home use, it is not necessary to have a brighter color temperature, as most kitchen lights are around 3000K – 4000K. Having LED under cabinet lights with a higher color temperature may result in a lighting mismatch.