What type of lighting is best for under cabinet?

When it comes to choosing the right type of under cabinet lighting, there are a few key factors to consider. Proper under cabinet lighting serves both a functional and aesthetic purpose in the kitchen. The right lighting can make a kitchen feel brighter and more open, illuminate work surfaces for food prep tasks, and highlight decorative elements of your cabinetry and backsplash. Determining the best option depends on your goals, budget, and kitchen layout.

Types of Under Cabinet Lighting

There are three main types of lighting used for under cabinet installation: fluorescent, LED, and xenon. Here is an overview of each option:

• Fluorescent lighting – Long tube bulbs that use gas and mercury vapor to create illumination. Fluorescent under cabinet lighting has been a popular choice for decades thanks to its high output and cost-effectiveness. Fluorescent bulbs also tend to have a longer lifespan compared to incandescent.
• LED lighting – Utilizes arrays of small, high efficiency LED (light emitting diode) bulbs. LED under cabinet lights have become more popular in recent years as the technology has advanced and costs have come down. LEDs offer high light output, energy efficiency, and longevity.
• Xenon lighting – Small xenon bulbs fitted into metal strips or fixtures with reflective backing. Xenon lights provide a bright, concentrated beam of light ideal for focused task lighting.

How Much Lighting Do You Need?

When deciding on type and amount of under cabinet lighting, you’ll want to factor in the size of your kitchen and cabinets, typical tasks, and aesthetic preferences. Here are some general guidelines:

• For a small kitchen with minimal counter space, 20-30 watts of lighting spaced every 18-24 inches is usually sufficient.
• In a medium sized kitchen, 30-50 watts of lighting spaced 12-18 inches apart will provide ample illumination.
• For larger kitchens, 50-80 watts of lighting every 10-15 inches is recommended to light all areas consistently.
• Task lighting over key work stations like islands or cooktops may warrant 150-250 watts controlled with a dimmer.

The lighting requirements also depend on if the goal is purely functional for food preparation or also for visual appeal. Ambient lighting requires lower wattage spaced farther apart while task lighting needs higher wattage and tighter spacing.

Pros and Cons of Different Under Cabinet Lighting

Here is an overview of the advantages and disadvantages associated with each of the main under cabinet lighting options:

Fluorescent Under Cabinet Lighting

Pros:

• Inexpensive to purchase and operate
• High light output
• Long lifespan of 10,000-20,000 hours
• Consistent, diffuse lighting
• Wide range of tube sizes from 6” up to 48”

Cons:

• Prone to flickering and buzzing
• Difficult to dim
• Requires large fixture housing
• Performance degrades over time
• Contains mercury (disposal restrictions)

LED Under Cabinet Lighting

Pros:

• Extremely energy efficient – uses up to 90% less energy than incandescent
• Long lifespan of 30,000-50,000 hours
• Compact size makes for flexible, inconspicuous installation
• Great for task lighting with bright, focused light
• Dimmable
• Instant on/off – no flickering or delays

Cons:

• Higher upfront cost
• Sensitive to heat – may require clearance space
• Directional light can create shadows
• Multiple fixtures needed for ambient lighting

Xenon Under Cabinet Lighting

Pros:

• Very bright concentrated beam ideal for task lighting
• Lightweight, small profile for flexible installation
• Low voltage for safety
• Instant on/off

Cons:

• More expensive upfront cost
• Short 5,000-10,000 hour lifespan
• Prone to buzzing and flickering
• Not designed for ambient lighting

Recommended Places for Under Cabinet Lighting

The key areas that typically benefit from quality under cabinet lighting include:

• Above kitchen sinks, for food prep and washing
• Beneath upper cabinets, to provide ambient and accent lighting
• Under glass cabinet doors, to illuminate displayed items
• Beneath floating shelves or display cabinets
• Inside glass-front cabinet doors, for accent lighting
• Under kitchen wall cabinets, for extra task lighting

Perimeter counter spaces and islands used for food preparation also require ample under cabinet task lighting. Xenon or LED lighting works well for concentrated light over work stations.

Under Cabinet Lighting Features

There are several design factors to evaluate when selecting under cabinet fixtures:

• Size – Choose appropriate lengths and slim housings to fit different spaces.
• Lumens – Higher lumens = brighter light. Assess your lighting needs.
• Beam angle – Wider angles like 120° are better for ambient lighting. Narrow spots focus light.
• Color temperature – Warm white (3,000K-4,000K) or cool white (4,000K-6,500K).
• CRI – Color Rendering Index for color accuracy under lighting.
• Dimmable – Allows adjusting brightness as needed.
• Lens type – Clear or frosted/diffused lens depending on application.

Evaluate options using these criteria to select the best fit for each specific kitchen situation. Using the same fixtures throughout provides a cohesive look.

Under Cabinet Lighting Styles

There are several installation and design styles for under cabinet lights to suit your kitchen’s particular layout and aesthetic:

Strip Lighting

• Thin LED or fluorescent tubes in aluminum channels
• Diffuse, continuous lighting for ambient illumination
• Affordable, easy DIY installation

Rail Lighting

• Discreet LED modules on a slim rail housing
• Spotlights can be moved and angled
• Creates a modern, track lighting look

Puck Lights

• Compact, round LED discs
• Provide bright focused task lighting
• Easy to install anywhere with minimal housing

Linear Lighting

• Uniform LEDs or fluorescents in long bar fixture
• Maintains consistent edge-to-edge illumination
• Sleek, integrated appearance

The style you select can complement your kitchen’s existing lighting plan and decor. Mixing multiple approaches can provide both ambient and task lighting as needed.

Installing Under Cabinet Lighting

Careful planning and proper installation technique are key to maximizing the benefits of under cabinet lighting. Here are some best practices to follow:

• Measure cabinet space and room layout to determine ideal fixture locations and wattage.
• For hardwired systems, ensure adequate power supply and access to wiring.
• Allow proper ventilation around fixtures to prevent overheating.
• Use mounting brackets, clips or adhesive strips to securely attach lights.
• Align lights to front or back edge of cabinets for optimal coverage.
• Angle spotlights to eliminate shadows and glare on countertops.
• Use diffusers, lenses or filters for soft, even lighting as needed.
• Group lights on dimmers to adjust ambience for different tasks or occasions.
• Test lighting at night to ensure adequate illumination and make adjustments.

Hiring a professional electrician is recommended for installation of permanent, hardwired under cabinet lighting to ensure proper building codes and safety practices are followed.

DIY vs Professional Installation

There are benefits to both DIY and professional installation depending on your situation:

DIY Installation	Professional Installation
Lower upfront cost	Higher upfront cost for labor
Better for simple plug-in systems	Better for complex hardwired systems
Inconsistent results	Consistent, quality results
Learning experience	Done quickly by experts

For basic under cabinet lighting using plug-in strip LEDs or puck lights, DIY installation may be sufficient. But for more permanent fixtures, the investment in professional help can pay off in safety, reliability, and overall lighting quality that enhances your kitchen.

Cost of Under Cabinet Lighting

Under cabinet lighting costs vary depending on the type of system and installation factors:

• Plug-in LED strip kits – $10-$50
• Hardwired LED strip lighting – $15-$75 per linear foot
• Low voltage Xenon systems – $25-$100 per linear foot
• Linear fluorescent fixtures – $75-$200 per 4 foot section
• DIY installation – Free if you do it yourself
• Professional installation – $200-$500 depending on complexity

Higher quality LED and xenon systems provide greater durability, light output, and features but have a higher initial price. Facility electrical work also increases costs if needed. While DIY installation saves on labor, mistakes can lead to rework or safety issues.

Energy Efficiency

Given that under cabinet lights are used frequently in kitchens, their energy efficiency has a significant impact on your utility costs. Here is how the different types compare:

Lighting Type	Wattage Range	Estimated Yearly Energy Cost*
Incandescent	10-25 watts	$15-$38
CFL	9-25 watts	$14-$38
Fluorescent	8-20 watts	$12-$30
LED	4-12 watts	$6-$18
Xenon	10-20 watts	$15-$30

*Based on 12 hours of daily use at $0.12 per kWh average electricity rate

As the table illustrates, LED under cabinet lighting provides the greatest energy efficiency and lowest operating cost by a significant margin. While xenon and fluorescent cost more to run, they can provide higher light levels that may be needed for certain tasks. Maximizing efficiency comes down to selecting the right wattage and amount of lighting for your specific kitchen usage.

Smart Lighting Options

Today’s under cabinet lighting can integrate with smart home systems for added features and convenience through:

• App and voice control – Adjust lighting scenes and settings remotely or with voice commands.
• Automatic on/off – Motion sensors turn lights on when needed and off after periods of inactivity.
• Dimming – Set custom dimming levels for different tasks or times of day.
• Timers and schedules – Program lights to turn on/off automatically at set times.
• Notification alerts – Receive alerts about lighting issues like bulb failures.

Smart under cabinet LEDs, switches, and controllers provide seamless connectivity with minimal effort. They allow you to customize your lighting for greater convenience, efficiency, and design flexibility.

Choosing Cabinet Colors and Finishes

Along with your lighting selection, the color and finish of your cabinets also impacts the end look. Here are some tips for finishes that complement under cabinet lights:

• Lighter cabinet colors like white, beige or light gray reflect light effectively.
• Glossy or semi-gloss finishes amplify lighting better than flat matte.
• Glass cabinet doors or open shelves let more light filter into the space.
• Medium to darker colors absorb light but create a moodier, dramatic effect.
• Add task lighting over work areas to reduce shadowing with darker cabinets.
• Use accent lighting on architectural details like glass doors or recessed panels.

The combination of your chosen under cabinet lighting with the appropriate cabinet finish results in the best overall aesthetic.

Safety Tips

Following basic safety guidelines ensures your new lighting enhances your kitchen without issues:

• LED and xenon tape lighting runs on low voltage DC power for safety.
• Properly route and cover cables to avoid tripping and damage.
• Minimize moisture exposure above sinks with diffusers or rated fixtures.
• Allow space for heat dissipation around lighting to prevent melting or fire.
• Hire an experienced electrician if hardwiring into existing supply lines.
• Use mounting clips or rails to keep lighting securely in position.
• Make sure switches are easily accessible – not over the stove or sink.
• Follow all local building codes for permitted work and inspections.
• Test GFCIs after installation to ensure proper function.

Careful installation and common sense precautions let you enjoy the benefits of under cabinet lighting safely.

Conclusion

The optimal under cabinet lighting solution for your kitchen depends on size, layout, style, budget and lighting needs for specific tasks. But in most cases, hardwired or plug-in LED strip lighting provides the best combination of energy efficient, high quality illumination. Proper installation and the use of dimmers, lenses and other controls lets you customize the lighting to suit all your kitchen activities.

While fluorescent and xenon under cabinet lighting have benefits in some applications, LEDs are superior in terms of longevity, efficiency, and flexibility. The latest options integrate seamlessly with smart home systems for added convenience and customization.

Under cabinet lighting serves as both a practical and design element in today’s kitchens. Follow the recommendations in this article to choose lighting that provides the right amount of bright, energy efficient illumination to make your kitchen shine.