Enlighten Your Space: Uncover Top 10 Cabinet Lighting Solutions

7 min readNov 11, 2023

Under cabinet lighting is a simple yet effective way to add more style, functionality, and ambiance to your kitchen. Whether you want to highlight your beautiful backsplash, create a cozy mood, or improve your visibility while cooking, under cabinet lighting can help you achieve your desired effect. In this blog post, we will uncover the top 10 under cabinet lighting ideas that you can use to transform your kitchen. We will also share some tips on how to choose the best under cabinet lighting for your kitchen remodel services in Vaughan.

What is Under Cabinet Lighting?

Under cabinet lighting is a type of lighting that is installed under the upper cabinets in your kitchen. It provides additional illumination to the countertop, backsplash, and sink area, making it easier to see and work in the kitchen. Under cabinet lighting can also create a dramatic and elegant look, especially when paired with a dimmer switch or a smart controller.

Why Use Under Cabinet Lighting?

There are many benefits of using under cabinet lighting in your kitchen, such as:

It enhances the appearance of your kitchen by adding depth, contrast, and color to your cabinets, countertops, and backsplash.
It improves the functionality of your kitchen by providing task lighting for chopping, slicing, mixing, and other activities that require precision and accuracy.
It creates a warm and inviting atmosphere in your kitchen by adding ambient lighting that can be adjusted according to your mood and preference.
It saves energy and money by reducing the need for overhead lighting, which can consume more electricity and generate more heat.

How to Choose Under Cabinet Lighting?

There are many factors to consider when choosing under cabinet lighting for your kitchen, such as:

The type of lighting: There are different types of under cabinet lighting available, such as LED, fluorescent, halogen, xenon, and puck lights. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of brightness, color, lifespan, and cost. LED lights are the most popular and recommended option, as they are energy-efficient, long-lasting, and versatile.
The power source: There are different ways to power your under cabinet lighting, such as hardwiring, plugging, or battery-operating. Hardwiring is the most permanent and professional option, but it requires electrical wiring and installation by a qualified electrician. Plugging is the easiest and cheapest option, but it may create cord clutter and limit your placement options. Battery-operating is the most flexible and convenient option, but it may require frequent replacement and maintenance.
The installation method: There are different methods to install your under cabinet lighting, such as mounting, taping, or clipping. Mounting is the most secure and stable option, but it may require drilling holes and screws in your cabinets. Taping is the most simple and temporary option, but it may not hold well and damage your cabinets. Clipping is the most adjustable and removable option, but it may not fit well and look bulky.

Top 10 Under Cabinet Lighting Ideas

Now that you know the basics of under cabinet lighting, here are some of the best under cabinet lighting ideas that you can use to inspire your kitchen remodel:

1. Display Cabinet Lighting

If you have glass-fronted cabinets or open shelves in your kitchen, you can use under cabinet lighting to showcase your collections, artworks, or decorative items. You can use LED strip lights or puck lights to create a stunning display that will catch the eye and add personality to your kitchen. You can also use glass shelves to allow the light to travel down and illuminate every item.

2. Island Overhang Lighting

If you have an island or a peninsula in your kitchen, you can use under cabinet lighting to highlight the overhang and create a floating effect. You can use LED strip lights or downlights to add a subtle glow to the back panel of your island or peninsula, enhancing the visual appeal and depth of your kitchen. You can also use a dimmer switch or a smart controller to adjust the brightness and color of the light according to your mood and occasion.

Also read: Designing A Luxurious Kitchen In Budget- Money-Saving Ideas

3. Kickboard Lighting

If you want to create a sense of spaciousness and elegance in your kitchen, you can use under cabinet lighting to illuminate the kickboards or toe-kicks of your cabinets. You can use LED strip lights or rope lights to add a soft glow to the floor, creating the illusion of more floor space and making your cabinets look like they are floating. You can also use a reflective floor material, such as tile or hardwood, to enhance the effect.

4. Backsplash Lighting

If you want to accentuate your backsplash and add more color and texture to your kitchen, you can use under cabinet lighting to illuminate the wall behind your cabinets. You can use LED strip lights or tape lights to create a continuous line of light along the edge of your cabinets, highlighting the shape and design of your backsplash. You can also use a color-changing light to match or contrast the color of your backsplash.

5. Task Lighting

If you want to improve your visibility and productivity in your kitchen, you can use under cabinet lighting to provide task lighting for your work areas. You can use LED strip lights or puck lights to direct the light to your countertop, sink, or stove, making it easier to see and perform various tasks, such as chopping, slicing, mixing, and cooking. You can also use a motion sensor or a touch switch to turn the light on and off as needed.

6. Mood Lighting

If you want to create a cozy and relaxing atmosphere in your kitchen, you can use under cabinet lighting to provide mood lighting for your dining or lounging areas. You can use LED strip lights or rope lights to create a soft and warm glow around your table, island, or sofa, making it more inviting and comfortable. You can also use a remote control or a voice assistant to change the color and intensity of the light according to your preference.

7. Cabinet Interior Lighting

If you want to make your cabinets more functional and organized, you can use under cabinet lighting to illuminate the interior of your cabinets. You can use LED strip lights or puck lights to light up the shelves, drawers, or corners of your cabinets, making it easier to find and access your items. You can also use a door sensor or a hinge switch to turn the light on and off automatically when you open and close the cabinet doors.

8. Floating Vanity Lighting

If you have a floating vanity or a wall-mounted sink in your kitchen, you can use under cabinet lighting to enhance the modern and minimalist look of your kitchen. You can use LED strip lights or downlights to create a sleek and elegant effect, adding more depth and dimension to your kitchen. You can also use a diffuser or a frosted glass panel to soften the light and create a gentle effect.

9. Halogen Spotlights

If you want to add more drama and flair to your kitchen, you can use under cabinet lighting to create halogen spotlights. You can use halogen bulbs or puck lights to create a bright and natural-looking light that can spotlight specific areas of your countertop, such as the cooking or food prep area. You can also use a swivel or a tilt mechanism to adjust the direction and angle of the light as desired.

10. Pendant Lights

If you want to add more style and personality to your kitchen, you can use under cabinet lighting to create pendant lights. You can use LED bulbs or puck lights to create a hanging light that can add more height and interest to your kitchen. You can also use a cord or a chain to adjust the length and position of the light as needed.

Conclusion

Under cabinet lighting is a great way to improve the look and feel of your kitchen. It can provide more illumination, functionality, and ambiance to your kitchen, making it more enjoyable and attractive. Whether you want to display your collections, highlight your backsplash, create a cozy mood, or improve your visibility, under cabinet lighting can help you achieve your goals. If you are looking for the best kitchen remodel services in Vaughan, look no further than Smart Renovations. They provide top-notch renovation solutions that seamlessly blend style and functionality. Transform your kitchen into a haven of modern elegance and efficiency with Smart Renovations. To get a free consultation and estimate, contact Smart Renovations today at smartreno4u.ca !