Where do LED lights go under kitchen cabinets?

Placing LED lights under kitchen cabinets is a great way to add both functionality and ambiance to your kitchen. These lights are perfect for providing task lighting, ambient lighting, and accent lighting. The positioning of the LED lights is crucial for optimal illumination and aesthetics. Here’s a guide on where to place LED lights under kitchen cabinets to get the best results:

1. Under the Upper Cabinets (Task Lighting)

• Ideal Placement: The most common and effective placement for LED strip lights is under the edge of the upper cabinets. This provides task lighting directly on the countertops, making it easier to work in the kitchen, such as chopping, reading recipes, or cleaning.

• Mounting Position: Mount the LED strips about 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) back from the front edge of the cabinet, facing the countertop. This will help create even lighting across the workspace without creating harsh shadows.

• Why it Works: By positioning the lights here, you get a wide distribution of light over the entire countertop, ideal for meal prep and cooking. This placement also ensures that the light is directed downward, reducing glare.

2. Under the Lower Cabinets (Accent and Night Lighting)

• Ideal Placement: Placing LED strip lights under lower cabinets can create an interesting lighting effect and serve as accent lighting. It’s also useful for creating subtle night lighting when you don't want to turn on the main lights.

• Mounting Position: Mount the lights on the underside of the lower cabinets, near the floor, facing downward or at a slight angle to create a softer light effect. This can be done along the front edge of the cabinet or a few inches back, depending on the desired effect.

• Why it Works: This setup enhances the ambiance in the kitchen, and the light spilling down creates a soft, inviting glow. It’s also perfect for creating a cozy atmosphere in the evening without the need for bright overhead lights.

3. Above the Sink Area (Task and Accent Lighting)

• Ideal Placement: If your sink is located under an upper cabinet, it’s ideal to install LED lights above or beside the sink area to provide focused task lighting.

• Mounting Position: Place the LED strips under the upper cabinet directly above the sink or install them along the side of the cabinet closest to the sink.

• Why it Works: The direct overhead light improves visibility and reduces shadows around the sink, making tasks like washing dishes or cleaning easier. Additionally, you can add accent lighting around the sink area to make the space look more polished.

4. Underneath Shelves or Wall-Mounted Units (Accent Lighting)

• Ideal Placement: If you have open shelving or wall-mounted kitchen units, placing LED lights under these shelves is a great way to highlight decorative items and create visual interest.

• Mounting Position: Install the LED strips along the underside of the shelves or units to shine light on your display items or to illuminate the area below.

• Why it Works: This provides a focal point for your kitchen, adding both accent lighting and extra visibility to decorative elements, such as plants, cookbooks, or art pieces.

5. Inside Cabinets (Interior Lighting)

• Ideal Placement: For cabinets with glass doors, or if you just want to illuminate your pantry, installing LED strip lights inside the cabinets can be a great option. This works well for showcasing kitchenware or creating a modern look inside your cupboards.

• Mounting Position: Place the LED strips either on the top or bottom of the cabinet interior, depending on the shape and layout. Mounting along the perimeter of the cabinet will give you even lighting.

• Why it Works: This creates a clean and organized look and can make it easier to locate items inside your cabinets. For glass-fronted cabinets, it creates an elegant, illuminated effect on the items inside.

6. Under Toe Kicks (Ambient Lighting)

• Ideal Placement: LED lights under toe kick areas (the space between the floor and the bottom of the cabinets) provide a subtle, ambient glow around the perimeter of the kitchen. This can also be a safety feature by illuminating the floor area in low light.

• Mounting Position: Place the LED strip lights along the bottom edge of the cabinet, at the toe kick level, to create a soft glow along the floor.

• Why it Works: This provides ambient lighting that creates a cozy atmosphere and allows for safety lighting when walking through the kitchen at night. It’s a great way to light the kitchen without needing to turn on bright overhead lights.

7. Under the Island (Task Lighting)

• Ideal Placement: If you have a kitchen island, placing LED strip lights under the island provides both task lighting and ambient lighting, making it an ideal spot for prep work, eating, or socializing.

• Mounting Position: Mount the LED strips along the underside of the island, either at the edge facing the room or directly underneath.

• Why it Works: The lighting underneath the island will provide even illumination for tasks while creating a dynamic look that highlights the design of the island. It’s also a great way to showcase the island’s unique features, such as its countertops or seating area.

8. On Cabinet Doors (Highlighting Features)

• Ideal Placement: If you have cabinet doors with glass panels or open shelving, consider placing LED strips along the edges of the door frames.

• Mounting Position: Mount the strips along the edge of the frame or on the interior of the door facing outward.

• Why it Works: This creates a subtle effect, highlighting the contents of your cabinets or shelving. It’s particularly effective in modern kitchen designs with glass doors or open shelving, offering a stylish and functional way to illuminate your kitchenware.

Conclusion

When placing LED strip lights under kitchen cabinets, consider the type of lighting you want to achieve:

• Task lighting under upper cabinets for direct illumination of your countertops.
• Accent lighting under lower cabinets or shelves to create ambiance and highlight features.
• Ambient lighting under toe kicks or islands to add warmth and soft lighting.

With the right placement, LED lights can transform your kitchen into a more functional, stylish, and well-lit space. Whether for work tasks or aesthetic appeal, under-cabinet lighting is a practical and versatile solution.

For a more personalized touch, consider incorporating dimmable LED strips or smart LED options that can be controlled with your phone or voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant.

Let me know if you'd like more tips on choosing the right LED products or designs for your kitchen!