Install LED Strip Lights to Brighten Up Your Kitchen Cabinets

Tired of dim, dreary kitchen cabinets casting shadows across your countertops? Installing LED strip lights is an easy upgrade that can completely transform the look and functionality of your kitchen. With the right placement and settings, under cabinet LED lighting brightens up food prep areas, highlights decor displays, and sets the perfect mood for entertaining.

Keep reading to learn all about the benefits of LED strip lighting for your kitchen. We'll cover how to choose the best lights for your space, provide a step-by-step installation guide, and share smart lighting ideas and safety tips. With this comprehensive LED strip lighting resource, you'll be ready to add beautiful, energy-efficient lighting under your cabinets.

Benefits of Using LED Strip Lights Under Kitchen Cabinets

LED strip lights offer many advantages over the original fluorescent tubes and incandescent bulb options for under cabinet installation. Here are some of the top reasons to consider LEDs for your kitchen.

Energy Efficient Lighting

One of the biggest benefits of LED strip lighting is efficiency. LEDs consume far less power than incandescent and halogen bulbs to produce the same brightness. For example, an LED strip may use just 5-10 watts of electricity per foot, while incandescents require 10-15 watts per bulb for dimmer output.

This energy savings adds up over time, lowering your electricity bill. It also generates less heat, allowing you to light up your kitchen without raising the temperature.

Long Lifespan

You'll replace traditional incandescent bulbs every 1,000 hours or so. But LED strips are built to last 50,000 hours or longer before burning out. This extreme longevity means that LED under cabinet lighting can shine brightly for over a decade before needing replacement.

The long lifespan of LEDs saves you money and hassle. You won't have to frequently change bulbs or deal with the nuisance of lights burning out.

Low Heat Emission

Halogen bulbs and incandescent lights emit a lot of heat. But LED strips run extremely cool. Their low heat output makes LED lighting a safer choice for enclosing under cabinets. No need to worry about extreme heat buildup creating a fire hazard.

Plus, your kitchen will stay comfortably cool even with the under cabinet lights on. You won't have to blast the AC just to counteract lighting heat.

Fully Adjustable Brightness and Color

The adjustable nature of LEDs gives you options for customizing your kitchen lighting. Use a dimmer switch or remote to lower lights to a soft glow for evening ambience. Or bump them to 100% brightness when prepping ingredients or cooking.

Choose cool white strips for a clean, clinical look. Opt for warm white to give your kitchen a cozier feel. Or install color-changing RGB strips to match any mood or occasion.

Choosing the Best LED Strip Lights for Your Kitchen

With an increasing number of LED strip light brands and products on the market, it can get overwhelming to pick the right lighting for your kitchen. As you shop, keep the following factors in mind:

Lumens

Lumens indicate the brightness of a light. Under cabinet LED strip lighting ranges from about 200-500 lumens per foot. Determine how much light you need for your kitchen tasks to choose strips with adequate brightness.

Length

Measure the linear footage you want to highlight, like the area under your wall cabinets or upper shelves. Then buy LED strips to match that length, or cut longer strips down to size.

Color Temperature

The color temperature, measured in Kelvins, impacts the feel of your lighting. Warm white 2700-3000K is perfect for a cozy kitchen. Cool white 4000-5000K has a more energizing effect. For adjustable color, choose an RGB LED strip.

Dimming Capabilities

Many LED strip lights can be paired with a dimmer switch or remote for easy brightness control. Make sure your choice of lights is dimmable if you want to create mood lighting.

Budget

LED strip lighting is available at varying price points. Less expensive options may have lower light output or durability. Prioritize key features like lumens, color quality, and warranty when budgeting.

How to Install LED Strip Lights Under Kitchen Cabinets

Installing LED strip lights is a DIY-friendly project. Follow this step-by-step guide for a quick and easy upgrade:

What You'll Need

• LED strip lights
• Power supply
• Lighting connectors
• Double-sided mounting tape
• Wire cutters
• Measuring tape

Step 1 - Prepare the Area

Use isopropyl alcohol to thoroughly clean the underside of your cabinets where you'll mount the LED strips. This helps the adhesive stick properly. Wipe away any grease, grime, or dust.

Step 2 - Measure and Cut Strips to Length

Measure the area you want to install the lights. Cut the LED strip to the desired length using wire cutters. Cut strips on the marked intervals to ensure even lighting.

Step 3 - Remove Backing and Attach

Peel off the backing tape to expose the adhesive on the strip. Firmly press the strip to the bottom of the cabinet. The strong adhesive will hold it securely in place.

Step 4 - Connect to Power Supply

Plug the light strip's connector cable into the power supply. Conceal wires behind cabinets for clean appearance. Connect the supply to an electrical outlet to power on.

Tips for Safe Installation

Take precautions to avoid hazards when installing LED strip lights:

• Use the appropriate voltage power supply to match your lights.
• Connect wires securely to prevent shocked or fires.
• Don't overload electrical circuits.
• Keep strips away from sinks or wet areas.

Refer to our video tutorial below for a visual guide on how to safely install under cabinet LED strip lighting.

Lighting Ideas and Recommended Setups

LED strip placement and arrangement can make a big difference. Use these tips to design an ideal under cabinet lighting plan:

Task Lighting

Illuminate work areas and surfaces where you cook or prep food. Place strips to direct light onto:

• Countertops
• Islands
• Stoves
• Sinks

Accent Lighting

Highlight display areas or architectural details with targeted LED strips, like:

• Glass cabinet fronts
• Open shelving
• Dining banquettes
• Farmhouse sinks

Matching Layout to Kitchen Shape

Install LED strips strategically based on your kitchen's floor plan:

• Galley kitchens - Single strip down each wall
• U-shaped kitchens - Perimeter lighting around cabinets
• Open kitchens - Multiple strips throughout room

Automating Your Under Cabinet Lighting

Today's LED strip lights integrate seamlessly with smart home technology for added features and convenience. Automate your kitchen lighting with these upgrades:

Motion Sensor Activation

LED light strips with built-in motion sensors automatically turn on when they detect movement nearby. No more fumbling for light switches with messy or full hands.

Smart Lighting Controls

Connect LED strips to smart switches, voice assistants, or apps for app-based, voice-activated, and remote lighting control. Adjust brightness, color temperature, and on/off status from anywhere.

Smart Speaker Integration

Compatible LED light strips can be paired with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, or Apple HomeKit. Use handy voice commands to change your under cabinet lighting.

Safety Tips for LED Strip Lighting

While LED strip lights are generally safe, take these precautions to prevent fires and electrical issues:

Choosing the Right Power Supply

LED strip lights require a compatible power supply to operate safely. Match the voltage and wattage ratings exactly to your lights.

Secure Wire Connections

Loose wiring can lead to shorts and sparks. Ensure all strip light, power supply, and dimmer switch connections are tightly secured.

Avoid Overload

Do not daisy chain too many LED strip lights to one power supply. Overload can damage circuits or cause overheating.

Keep Away From Water

While LED strips are moisture resistant, keep them at least 10 feet away from water sources like sinks to prevent hazards.

Comparison to Other Popular Kitchen Lighting Options

How do LED strip lights stack up against other common kitchen lighting fixtures? Here's a look at the pros and cons:

vs. Recessed Can Lighting

• Pro: More energy efficient and longer lasting than recessed lights
• Con: Recessed lighting casts a more uniform glow

vs. Fluorescent Under Cabinet

• Pro: LEDs offer brighter illumination using less energy
• Con: Fluorescents are slightly less expensive to purchase up front

vs. Pendant Lighting

• Pro: LED strips provide directed task lighting
• Con: Pendants make a more dramatic style statement

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you still have questions about installing LED strip lighting? Here are answers to some commonly asked questions.

What is the best LED dimmer switch to use?

Look for dimmer switches specifically rated for LED compatibility. These will allow full dimming without flickering or buzzing.

How do I get power to LED strips if there is no outlet?

You can hardwire the LED power supply, or use extensions cords to connect the lights to outlets.

Can I shorten LED strip lights to fit my space?

Yes, standard LED strips can be shortened by cutting along the marked cut lines. This allows custom sizing.

Will LED strips provide enough light for food prep?

Choosing strips with at least 400-500 lumens per foot will provide sufficient light for chopping, cooking, and reading recipes.

Updating your kitchen with LED strip lighting under the cabinets is one of the fastest ways to completely transform the space. Just peel, stick, and plug in LEDs for an instant brightening effect.

With their energy efficiency, adjustable light colors, and seamless smart controls, LED strip lights offer the ideal lighting solution. Take advantage of their easy DIY installation and cool operation to illuminate your kitchen beautifully and safely.

Want to boost your kitchen's light and style? Let LED strip lights show you the way. With this comprehensive guide, you have all the information needed to install dazzling under cabinet lighting that will make cooking, entertaining, and decorating more enjoyable.