Get the Right Under Cabinet Lighting for Your Kitchen Sink
Installing under cabinet lighting is an excellent way to provide focused illumination over your kitchen sink. This versatile lighting solution offers many advantages in terms of both form and function.
Determine Your Lighting Needs Over the Sink
When selecting under cabinet fixtures, first consider when and how the sink area is used. Do you primarily utilize the space in the early morning or evening when natural light is minimal? Are specific tasks like food prep a priority? Understanding your unique needs and schedule will help narrow down lighting options.
Also, examine if the entire countertop workspace should be lit, or if concentrated lighting solely over the sink basin will suffice. Larger kitchens may benefit from illuminating the entire stretch of counter space.
Morning and Evening Lighting
If the sink zone sees the most action in low light conditions in the mornings and evenings, opt for brighter under cabinet lighting to compensate. Strip lighting that provides even, energy-efficient LED illumination is a smart choice.
Task Lighting for Food Prep
Sometimes the sink area doubles as a food prep station. In that case, brighter task lighting is a priority for important work like chopping vegetables or reading recipes. Narrow-beam puck lights concentrate intense light perfect for detailed tasks.
Choose Under Cabinet Lighting Fixtures
The main under cabinet lighting options come down to LED strips or puck lights. Consider the pros and cons of each to decide what best suits your kitchen layout and activities.
LED Strip Lighting
- Provide uniform and broad lighting under cabinets
- Come in plug-in or hardwired models
- Offer energy efficiency and long lifespans
- Can link multiple strips together for more coverage
Puck Lights
- Concentrate directional light on sink or prep areas
- Provide accent lighting and task illumination
- Typically feature plug-in installation
- Angled and adjustable to target light
Consider Brightness and Color Temperature
To get visibility for sink tasks, 500-1000 lumens is the recommended output range for under cabinet lighting. Cool, bright white lights around 5000K mimic natural daylight. But many prefer warm 2700-3000K lights instead to create a cozier kitchen environment.
Also look for dimmable or adjustable color models to customize brightness and tone. These give you the flexibility to create the perfect ambiance for prepping dinner or hosting guests.
Models with Convenience Features
Other features like built-in motion sensors, timers, and remote controls offer even more control over your under cabinet lighting. Hands-free motion activation means you don't have to fumble for switches with messy, wet hands. And set schedules and timers to have lights turn on to a welcoming kitchen or off to save unused electricity.
Pick a Mounting Style
Under cabinet lights come with several mounting options to accommodate various cabinet materials and installation preferences.
- Adhesive LED strip lighting for quick DIY installs
- Clips or tracks to mount puck lights under cabinets
- Hardwired lights require professional installation but provide seamless integration
Proper positioning is also key. Centered lighting provides overall ambient brightness. While focused lighting placed closer to the sink targets the main workspace and tasks. Get the placement right for maximum benefit.
Complement the Kitchen Design and Layout
Choose under cabinet fixture sizes and finishes that seamlessly blend with your existing kitchen decor. Sleek aluminum lights suit modern designs, while plastic puck lights keep costs down without sacrificing style.
Match colors and finishes to kitchen hardware for cohesion. Fixtures sized proportionally to cabinet dimensions also provide balanced scaling for the space.
Installing Under Cabinet Lighting
Hardwired installation is best left to electricians, while plug-in models allow for simpler DIY projects. Carefully measure and map out the wiring plan regardless of mounting method. And leave slack at joints or hinges to prevent damage when cabinets open and close.
Compare Brands and Prices
Quality under cabinet lighting brands like GE, Philips, and Commercial Electric offer exceptional performance and longevity. Prices largely depend on power, size, features, and controls. But great lighting can be added for $100-500 plus professional installation costs if selecting hardwired fixtures.
Research product warranties too. LED strip lighting may carry 3-5 year coverage, while puck lights average 1-3 years. This protects against early fixture failures.
The right under cabinet lighting lends both beauty and functionality over the kitchen sink. Properly illuminating meal prep and cleanup spaces keeps this high-traffic area of the home safe and convenient to use.
Follow our guide to select the perfect solution tailored to your kitchen's unique layout and lighting needs. Then install under cabinet lighting to illuminate sink tasks in style.