Kitchen Cabinet LED Lighting Ideas - Task Lighting & More
Creating ambient lighting with kitchen cabinets is an affordable, energy-efficient and simple way of transforming the look of any kitchen space. Cupboard lights that either create a well-lit workspace or increase the visibility of their contents are a popular choice for many modern kitchens.
With LED bulbs and strip lights – read our tips to illuminate dark areas and create beautiful mood lighting in kitchens.
Different types of kitchen cabinet lighting
There are several different types of under-cabinet lights for kitchens that create different looks and provide different functions.
While there are varying names across the industry – such as spacer lights and panel lights – and designs change slightly, the main types of energy-efficient kitchen cupboard lights are:
- Strip lights - Long, narrow sequence of LED lights which can either be structured as an LED 'strip' or as a long, singular bulb.
- Spotlights - Single lights that provide a light source over a small area, i.e. lighting up a 'spot'. Spotlights can be used singularly or as part of a series to light up a larger area.
Types of cabinet lighting
Kitchen cabinet lighting can be used to create varying light functions, from purely decorative to helpful while preparing food.
Under-cabinet lights can be used to create:
- Task lighting
- Mood lighting
- Feature lighting
Task lighting
LED strips and spotlights can be used to light up a kitchen worktop to provide good lighting during food preparation.
For small kitchens, lighting worktops may be an issue in the evenings, but long-lifespan under-cabinet lighting can produce top-down illumination.
Task kitchen lighting can be done in various ways. Strip lights can be installed along the length of the upper cabinets, while a couple of several spotlights can be placed at intervals underneath the cabinet.
These lights can be controlled with a remote control or with LED sensors that trigger the lights on/off when they detect movement.
Mood lighting
Mood lighting is popular for kitchen diners or open-plan homes with living rooms connected to kitchens.
Many families will often host guests or relax in these spaces so dim, ambient lighting can enhance the atmosphere.
In terms of mood lighting ideas, spotlights and wall lights can be used alongside decorative items to offer background illumination.
Feature lighting
The third type of lighting that can be created using cabinet lights is feature lighting. Using spotlights, points of interest around the kitchen can be highlighted, adding depth and character to the room.
For kitchen diners, this can transform the space, creating a new level of detail.
It's incredibly easy to achieve, too, as LED cupboard lights require little effort to install and often feature adhesive or magnetic backing.
Benefits of kitchen cabinet lights
As previously mentioned, cabinet lighting is not just for decoration; it can quite easily serve a purpose.
Some of the major benefits of installing kitchen cabinet lighting are:
- Improves functionality - Under-cabinet lighting can massively improve the functionality of a kitchen, making some worktops much more accessible in the evenings.
- Improves aesthetics - Whether subtle or task lighting, cabinet lights can transform the feel of a kitchen. Almost a decoration, a layer of light instantly improves the space.
- Additional lighting - Under cabinet lighting provides more than enough light, eliminating the need for additional lamps that can offer poor energy efficiency in comparison.
- Increase home value - Under-cabinet lights improve the aesthetics and function of a kitchen, offering possible homeowners a glimpse into possibilities – adding to the appeal of a home on the market.
Where to install LED lights in the kitchen
Functional or decorative cabinet lighting can be achieved easily and without great expense. Spotlights and LED strip lights are cost-effective, offer no-hassle installation and provide excellent energy efficiency.
In terms of where to install them in a kitchen, it depends on the intention behind the lighting.
- Ambient, low light - For a subtle light source on the floor, spotlights and strip lights can be attached to the base of kitchen units, a couple of inches off the floor. For an ease-of-life function, sensors can be installed to switch the lights on when somebody walks into the kitchen.
- Worktop lighting - A zone can be created to prepare food in low light with a single spotlight on the underside of cupboards. These offer easy installation either with an adhesive or magnetic pad.
- Highlight features - Spotlights can be installed at intervals around a kitchen to highlight certain points, offering ambient mood lighting.
- Light the entire kitchen - For light all around a kitchen, strip lights can be attached to the underside of all cabinets. Controlled with a remote control or a dimmer switch – or with a sensor – these strip lights can brighten up both small and large spaces with ease.
Install easily with Quest kitchen LED lights
All LED lighting accessories at Quest are simple to install, no matter the experience level of the installer.
Plus, we can make the decision process simple too. The Quest Catalogue Issue 6 offers a step-by-step guide to make selecting the perfect setup easy.
- Select LED tapes up to 5 metres
- Select the LED driver (8-50W of power)
- Select the switch (Motion, Dimmer Touch, Door IR)
- Select cable accessories
Our catalogue also outlines the specific models and product codes to choose from, making the entire selection process easy.
High-quality kitchen cabinet lighting at Quest
At Quest, we stock an impressive collection of kitchen cabinet lighting solutions.
Our market-leading LED lights are guaranteed to enhance the appearance of a kitchen. Plus, we have a range of LED cable accessories to help with installation.
If you're interested in our cabinet lights, simply contact us either by calling 01280 822062, sending us an email at [email protected], or by filling in the contact enquiry form on our website.
