
The Truth About Under Cupboard Kitchen Lights: Debunking Common Myths and Misconceptions
Alexander BevanShare
Under cupboard kitchen lights are an essential feature in most modern kitchens across the UK. These versatile lighting solutions not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your cooking space but also provide practical benefits that are often overlooked.
In this article, we'll explore the world of under cupboard lighting for kitchens, dispelling common myths and providing you with the knowledge to make informed decisions about illuminating your kitchen.
The Evolution and trends in under cupboard lighting
Kitchen light has evolved a lot over the years. What began as simple overhead fixtures has gradually transformed into a nuanced approach to illuminating various areas in your kitchen. Under cupboard lights emerged as a solution to the shadows cast by overhead cabinets, which often left worktops in the dark.

In recent years, we've witnessed a dramatic shift from fluorescent tubes to LED technology in under cupboard lighting for kitchens. The superior energy efficiency, longevity, and versatility of LED lights have driven this transition. The UK market has embraced this change, with LED under cupboard kitchen lights becoming increasingly popular among homeowners and interior designers alike.
Why should I install under-cabinet lights in my kitchen?
There are a lot of benefits by joining the under cupboard kitchen lighting trend:
Enhance the elegance of your kitchen.
Under cabinet lighting is not only functional, but it also improves the elegance of your kitchen. Choose cupboard kitchen lights with brightness and colour that complement your cooking space. Kitchen lighting has evolved and now consumers have more options than ever before to customise their kitchen with the best under-cabinet lights.
Increased functionality.
Adding lights below your cupboards increases the visibility and functionality of your kitchen. It is a great way to illuminate important task areas for food preparation, cooking, or sorting your ingredients. You can also use under cabinet lights to highlight decorative pieces in your kitchen.
Accurate colour rendering.
Under cupboard lights have improved so much and can now render the true colours of objects. It is an ideal investment if you are a chef who cares about how everything looks when preparing meals; from getting those perfectly seared steaks to achieving the right colour and texture when plating food.
Sleek compact designs.
With the help of LED strips or slim batten lights, under-cupboard lights can now produce more light in a compact body. These lights feature sleek, compact designs that are less than a foot long and sit flush under your cabinets. They will produce bright, uniform lighting while remaining concealed, giving your kitchen a clean, minimalist look.
Save energy.
Under-cabinet lighting in modern kitchens offers both style and energy efficiency. These targeted light sources allow you to light specific work areas without relying on energy-hungry overhead lights. This smart lighting approach enhances your kitchen's functionality and leads to long-term energy savings.
Debunking Common Myths
Myth #1: "Under cupboard lights are purely decorative"
One of the most persistent misconceptions about under cupboard kitchen lights is that they serve only an aesthetic purpose. While these lights can dramatically enhance the visual appeal of your kitchen, their benefits extend far beyond mere decoration.
Under cupboard lighting for kitchens provides essential task lighting for food preparation areas. By illuminating worktops directly, these lights eliminate shadows and improve visibility. This makes it easier to chop, measure, or read your recipe at any time of the day. Additionally, under cupboard lights illuminate hard-to-reach areas, like the back of worktops, which are often shadowy due to overhead lighting.
Under cupboard kitchen lights can also serve as energy-efficient ambient lighting. When used alone or dimmed, they create a warm, inviting atmosphere in the kitchen, perfect for late-night snacks or that early-morning cup of coffee, without the harsh glare of overhead lighting.

Myth #2: "LED under cupboard lights are too expensive"
While it's true that the initial cost of buying and installing LED under cupboard lights may be higher than traditional lighting options, this myth fails to consider long-term savings. LED lights are incredibly energy-efficient, consuming significantly less power than their incandescent or fluorescent counterparts. You will enjoy lower electricity bills each year by switching to LED under cabinet lights.
Furthermore, LED under cupboard kitchen lights boast an impressive lifespan, often 25,000 hours or more. This longevity means less frequent replacements, saving you money and the hassle of regularly changing your bulbs.
When you factor in these long-term benefits, LED under cupboard lighting for kitchens proves to be a cost-effective choice for UK homeowners.
Myth #3: "Installation is complicated and requires professional help"
1. How to Install Under Cupboard Lights
Contrary to popular belief, installing under cupboard kitchen lights can be a straightforward DIY project for many homeowners. Modern LED strip lights and puck lights often come with user-friendly installation kits, including adhesive backs or simple mounting brackets.
Here's a quick guide on how to install under cupboard lights:
1.1 Plan your lighting: First, measure your cabinets and decide on the type and number of lights you need.
1.2 Prepare the area: Clean the undersides of your cabinets thoroughly.
1.3 Install the lights: For adhesive strips, simply peel and stick. For mounted lights, mark and drill pilot holes, then screw in the mounting brackets.
1.4 Connect the wiring: Many modern systems use plug-and-play connections. For hardwired systems, you may need to consult an electrician.
1.5 Test and adjust: Turn on your new lights and make any necessary adjustments to positioning or brightness.
While many of these installations can be easy DIY projects, always know your limits. If your home has a complex wiring setup or you are generally afraid of working with electrical systems, hire a professional electrician to install the lights.
2. How to Remove Under cupboard Lights
If you need to remove or replace under cupboard kitchen lights, the process is generally straightforward:
2.1 Turn off the power: Always disconnect the power source before beginning.
2.2 Remove any covers: These often snap off or are held in place with small screws.
2.3 Disconnect the wiring: Unplug the lights or disconnect the wires if hardwired.
2.4 Remove the fixtures: For adhesive strips, carefully peel them off. For mounted lights, unscrew them from the brackets.
2.5 Clean the area: Remove any adhesive residue, and fill and paint over screw holes if necessary. That’s it, you have successfully dismantled your LED under cupboard lights.
Myth #4: "Under cupboard lights produce too much heat"
This myth likely stems from experiences with older incandescent or halogen under cupboard lights that generate significant heat when in operation. However, modern LED under cupboard kitchen lights convert most of their energy into light, reducing energy wasted through heat emission. This makes LED kitchen lights safe for use even in enclosed spaces.
The low heat output of LED lights not only enhances safety but also contributes to their energy efficiency. Less energy wasted as heat means more energy is converted to light, resulting in lower electricity consumption and reduced cooling costs in your kitchen.
Myth #5: "All under cupboard lights look the same"
Nothing could be further from the truth! Under cupboard lighting for kitchens comes in various styles to suit different preferences and kitchen designs. From sleek LED strip lights that provide even illumination along the entire length of your cabinets to discrete puck or triangle lights that create pools of focused light, there's a variety for every kitchen.
Many modern under cupboard kitchen lights can be customised. They are categorised as tri-colour under cabinet lights that switch between three colour temperatures: 3000 Kelvin (cool white), 4000 Kelvin (warm white) and 6500 Kelvin (natural white). Warm white and cool white colours are great for mimicking natural light and also improve concentration in your kitchen. On the other hand, warm white under cabinet lights are perfect for creating a cosy ambient kitchen.
It's important to note that terms like "daylight," "natural white," and "warm white" are used to help customers understand the colour of the light, but they are not standardised across brands. Since different manufacturers may use varying terms and numbers, it's advisable to familiarise yourself with the specific Kelvin ratings for a clearer understanding of the light's colour temperature.
Myth #6: “Under cupboard kitchen lighting is not durable”
A lot of homeowners view under-cupboard lighting as a mere decorative piece that won’t last for long. However, this is far from the truth, as modern under cupboard lighting for kitchens features LED battens or tube lights, which are more durable than conventional lighting. They are built with sturdy materials that will last longer compared to other light setups.
As long as the under cabinet lights are tucked away from human interference, they should last longer before the next replacement.
Choosing the Right Under Cupboard Lights for Your Kitchen
Selecting the perfect under cupboard kitchen lights involves considering several factors:
1. Kitchen size and layout: the dimensions and arrangement of your kitchen will determine the type and quantity of lights you need.
2. Existing decor: Choose lights that complement your kitchen's style and colour scheme.
3. Intended use: If you primarily need task lighting, choose brighter, cooler LED lights. For ambient lighting, warmer, dimmable options are ideal.
4. Energy efficiency: Look for LED options with high lumens-per-watt ratings for the best efficiency.
5. Installation method: Consider whether you prefer plug-in models or hardwired systems. Plug-in lights mounted on brackets are the easiest to dismantle and replace.
When planning for your under cupboard lighting, take accurate measurements of your cabinets and consider the placement of outlets or wiring access points. This preparation will help ensure a smooth installation process.

Adding Colour with LED Tube Lights
In addition to functional under cupboard lighting, consider enhancing your kitchen with vibrant Morris T8 LED Colour Lights. These stylish and energy-efficient tube lights are available in red, green, and blue, allowing you to mix and match colours to create stunning lighting effects.
Whether you're hosting a dinner party or simply looking to add a playful touch to your cooking space, these coloured tubes can transform the atmosphere of your kitchen. They can be easily integrated into your existing lighting scheme, providing both functional task lighting and a splash of colour.
Maintenance and care of under cupboard kitchen lights
Maintaining under cupboard kitchen lights is simple. Regular dusting and occasional cleaning with a damp cloth will keep them looking their best. Use a mild detergent solution to remove stubborn grease or grime, but always ensure the light is completely dry before reconnecting power. Do not forget to switch off the main power or unplug the lights before cleaning them.
LED under cupboard lights typically require little maintenance beyond cleaning. However, if you notice flickering or dimming, it may indicate a problem with the power supply or connections. It's best to consult the manufacturer's troubleshooting guide or seek professional help.
Explore More About Lighting Solutions
To further enhance your lighting knowledge, explore our other blog posts covering a range of topics. Learn about installation tips to make the fitting process easier, discover the best lighting solutions for your garage, ceiling, or loft, and find out how to illuminate your shed and workshop effectively. Additionally, check out our article discussing the benefits of LED lighting compared to fluorescent lighting, helping you make informed choices for any space in your home.
Conclusion
Under cupboard kitchen lights are far more than just a decorative addition to your kitchen. They provide essential task lighting, enhance the overall ambience of your space, and will help you save energy when you install the LED options.
Whether you're renovating your kitchen or simply looking to upgrade your lighting, consider the versatility and benefits of under cupboard lights. With their ability to combine functionality and style, they're an investment that can significantly enhance your overall kitchen experience.
Explore our range of LED under cupboard kitchen lights to find the perfect solution for your home.