Transform Your Kitchen with Just One Change: Mains LED Under Cabinet Lighting

If you are thinking of making your kitchen more stylish and inviting, consider getting mains LED under cabinet lighting. They are inexpensive to install and add functional lighting to areas where fluorescent tubes or incandescent bulbs won't fit.

 

The best under-cabinet lighting can make your kitchen more beautiful and practical. However, with so much variety on the market, choosing the best under cabinet lighting for your kitchen can be confusing.

 

Fortunately, this article will guide you in choosing the best under-cabinet lighting and save money in the long run.

What is the best type of lighting for Kitchen under cabinets?

Under cabinet lighting is a worthy addition to modern kitchens for functional task lighting and aesthetic appeal.  Choosing the right under-cabinet lighting will enhance the overall look of your kitchen, highlight beautiful areas like your counter tops, and even make your kitchen appear more spacious.

 

1. LED Under Cabinet Lighting: The Popular Choice

LED under-cabinet lights have become a popular option for illuminating the under cabinets in most kitchens. It is energy efficient, has a longer life span, and is versatile enough to adapt to different kitchen layouts. Mains LED under cabinet lighting comes in various forms, and one of the options is LED tube lights for under cabinets.

 

Among the various options, T8 LED Colour Lights stand out for their ability to provide both illumination and a splash of colour. These versatile tubes are not only energy-efficient but also perfect for creating a lively atmosphere in your kitchen.

 

 

2. Strip Lights: Flexible and Even lighting

LED strip lights offer a sleek, continuous line of illumination. These thin, flexible strips are easy to cut to size and install along the entire length of your cabinets. They provide even lighting across your countertop, eliminating dark spots.

 

However, without proper diffusion, the individual diodes may be visible, which some find unappealing. Despite this potential drawback, their ease of installation and low profile make them a top choice for many homeowners.

3. Puck Lights: Great for focused illumination

If you prefer targeted lighting in your kitchen, LED puck lights are an excellent option. These small, circular fixtures create focused pools of light on your countertop. They make great task lights, especially for food preparation zones. Puck lights are easy to install and can be either surface-mounted or recessed. While they offer great flexibility in placement, they may not cast a wide beam like strip lights, potentially leaving darker areas between fixtures.

What are the disadvantages of under cabinet lighting?

1. Initial Cost: The upfront investment for under cabinet lighting can be higher compared to traditional lighting options. Although they offer long-term savings, the initial expenditure may deter some homeowners.

2. Installation Complexity: Proper installation of under cabinet lights often requires careful planning and may involve electrical work, especially for hardwired options. This complexity can lead to additional costs if professional installation is needed.

3. Limited Coverage: Depending on the placement and design of the lights, under cabinet lighting may not provide uniform illumination across all work surfaces. Shadows can still occur if the lights are not strategically positioned.

4. Heat Accumulation: While LED lights generate less heat than traditional bulbs, under cabinet fixtures can still accumulate some heat, especially if they are tightly packed or enclosed. This can affect the lifespan of the lighting and may require additional ventilation considerations.

 

Should under cabinet lighting go on front or back?

When deciding whether to position your under cabinet lighting at the front or back of the cabinets, consider the primary purpose of the lighting. If your goal is to illuminate work surfaces effectively, such as countertops for food preparation, placing the lights at the front edge of the cabinets will provide direct light where it’s most needed. This setup helps eliminate shadows and enhances visibility, making tasks like chopping or measuring much easier.

 

On the other hand, positioning under cabinet lighting towards the back can create a more ambient glow in the kitchen. This can be particularly effective if you want to highlight the backsplash or create a softer, inviting atmosphere in the space. Backlighting can also reduce glare from the fixtures, providing a more comfortable lighting experience. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific lighting needs and the desired ambience for your kitchen. Consider mixing both placements for a combination of functional and aesthetic lighting.

 

 

Can I replace fluorescent under cabinet lighting with LED?

Yes, you can replace fluorescent under cabinet lighting with LED as it offers numerous benefits for your kitchen lighting. Mains LED under cabinet lighting has several advantages over traditional fluorescent or incandescent bulbs. Here are some of the benefits:

 

1. Energy efficiency: LED under cabinet lights is significantly more energy-efficient than fluorescent lights. They provide uniform lighting while using 90% less energy, hence lowering electricity bills.

2. Lifespan: LEDs typically last much longer than fluorescent bulbs. A good quality LED under cabinet light can last up to 30,000 + hours before the next replacement.

3. Heat output: LED tube lights convert most of their energy into light. They generate less heat, which is beneficial, especially in the kitchen.

4. Light quality: LEDs have a brighter and more uniform light.

5. Better coverage: LEDs have better light coverage as well. For example, a  4-foot coloured LED tube light with a 330-degree beam angle is sufficient to light even a large area like a commercial kitchen.

6. Compact size: LED under cabinet lights are often slimmer than fluorescent fixtures, potentially giving you more space.

7. Installation: Installing mains LED under cabinet lighting is easy. You only have to remove the old fluorescent fixtures and install new LED lights. This might require some rewiring, depending on your current setup.

8. Great for ambient lighting: You can use coloured LED tube lights to illuminate your kitchen and make it more vibrant and inviting.

Compatibility considerations before installing under cabinet lighting.

Here are some factors determining the physical compatibility between LED tube lights and your existing light fixtures.

Physical Compatibility

Before switching to LED under-cabinet lighting, ensure the new LED tubes are compatible with existing electrical fixtures. Measure the length of your current fluorescent tubes and check the pin configuration. Most T8 and T12 lamps use the G13 bi-pin standard, which means T8 LED tube lights are often physically compatible with T12 fluorescent fixtures and vice versa, assuming they're the same length.

Electrical Compatibility

When switching from fluorescent lights to mains led under cabinet lighting, you need to consider how the electrical setup works. Fluorescent fixtures often have ballasts, which are components that help regulate the light. If you want to use LED tube lights, you have a couple of options:

 

Ballast-Compatible LEDs: These LED tubes can work with the existing ballasts in your fluorescent fixtures, making the transition easier without any rewiring.

Direct-Wire (UL Type B) LEDs: These require you to remove or bypass the ballast completely. This option might require some basic electrical work.

Additionally, some LED tubes, known as those with "Triple Play technology," can adapt to different wiring setups. This gives you more flexibility in how you install them. Always check compatibility to ensure a smooth installation!

 

 

Light Quality Considerations

Colour temperature and quality are important considerations for under cabinet lighting. While most LED tube lights are designed for commercial settings and come in cooler colour temperatures (4000K-6500K), you might prefer warmer options for a home kitchen. Explore the various bulb temperatures offered in stores or online to make an informed decision.

Also, choose LED under cabinet lights with a high Colour Rendering Index (CRI) value. Ideally, a CRI of 80 or above ensures accurate colour representation of foods and surfaces in your kitchen.

Installation Options

Installation of LED tube lights can vary in complexity. Ballast-compatible options are the simplest for they only require you to swap old fluorescent tubes with LED tubes. Direct-wire installations are more involved and may require a qualified electrician to install. Always ensure your LED replacement is compatible with your fixture's wiring configuration.

 

What colour is best for under cabinet lighting?

The best colour for under cabinet lighting often depends on personal preference and the overall theme of your kitchen. However, below is a guideline on choosing the right colour temperature for LED lights:

 

1. 2700K-3000K (Warm White): This is popular as it creates a cosy, inviting atmosphere. It complements wood tones and warm-coloured countertops well.

2. 3500K-4000K (Natural White): This provides a crisper, more modern look. It can make a space feel brighter and works well with white or grey colour schemes.

3. 4000K-6500K (Cool White): Cool white lighting provides clear illumination without looking too warm or too cool.

4. Adjustable colour temperature: Some LED systems allow you to change the colour temperature, giving you flexibility to suit different moods or times of day.

 

For task lighting or food preparation, cooler temperatures (around 4000K) can provide better visibility. However, warmer tones are preferable for ambient lighting.

 

While terms like 'daylight,' 'natural white,' and 'warm white' are commonly used to help customers understand light colour, it's important to note that these names are not standardised across different brands. To ensure you select the right lighting for your space, it's advisable to familiarise yourself with the specific Kelvin numbers rather than relying solely on these descriptive terms.

 

 

Conclusion

Upgrading to LED under cabinet lighting offers numerous benefits for homeowners looking to enhance their kitchen's functionality and ambience. Mains led under cabinet lighting provides energy efficiency, longevity, and versatility in colour temperature and installation options. Whether you opt for strip lights, puck lights, or linear fixtures, LEDs offer superior illumination with minimal heat output.

 

While replacing fluorescent fixtures with LEDs requires careful consideration of physical and electrical compatibility, the long-term advantages of energy savings and light quality make it a worthwhile investment. By selecting the right LED under-cabinet lighting based on colour temperature, brightness, and installation method, homeowners can transform their kitchen workspace with improved task lighting and create a more inviting atmosphere.

 

To further enhance your understanding of lighting solutions, be sure to check out our other informative blog posts. Whether you’re looking for installation tips for various settings like your garage, ceiling, kitchen, loft, shed, or workshop, we have you covered. Additionally, our upcoming article will delve into the benefits of LED lighting compared to traditional fluorescent options, helping you make informed decisions for your home. Explore all these resources to transform your spaces with smart lighting solutions!