Under-cabinet lighting is one of the hottest kitchen trends this year when it comes to lights for kitchen units. Releasing a gentle glow, they’re just as good for cooking under as they are for setting the mood for a social get together with friends, family, and neighbours. After all, the kitchen is fast becoming the focal point – the meeting place – of the home.
Contrary to popular belief, under-cabinet lighting isn’t solely for keen hostesses. In fact, under the cupboard kitchen lights are becoming very popular with families, who are able to enjoy the ambience of candlelight without the risk that an open flame can bring to your kitchen cupboard doors.
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Types of Under-Cabinet Kitchen Lighting
If you’ve never installed under-cabinet lighting before, then you may be surprised at just how many different types of lighting styles there are to choose from for your kitchen cabinets. Here are just a few that can look really great in your kitchen:
Indoor Cabinet Lights for Glass Doors
This type of under-cabinet lighting is ideal for homeowners who love the idea of open shelving in the kitchen to show off special crockery and family heirlooms but want an added layer of glass for protection. Brilliant white lighting installed behind the glass kitchen doors highlights your kitchen’s best accents effortlessly, while still managing to spread a warming glow throughout the entire kitchen area.
LED Rope Lights
White LED kitchen under-cabinet rope lights have the advantage of being flexible, versatile, inexpensive, and are very easy to fit. When attached to the underside of your cabinets, they direct a gentle glow right down onto your kitchen worktops – ideal for kitchens whose worktops are the star of the show! This direction of white light is also great for those who love to indulge in a little nighttime baking and need excellent under cabinet lighting.
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LED Strip Lights
Similar to rope lights, LED strip lights tend to be a bit thinner, which means they can be placed underneath flat-bottomed wall cabinets without looking out of place. Many LED strip lights now come in colour-changing options that can be controlled through a smartphone. This type of lighting is perfect for modern, contemporary kitchens, and also works well in white kitchens in need of a splash of colour.
Puck Lights
Puck lights are, perhaps, the easiest and most cost-effective form of under-cabinet lighting. Many varieties contain self-adhesive backing strips which means they can simply be stuck onto the underside of your cabinets. For a more permanent lighting solution, they may also be wired in. Puck lights are great in darker kitchens with lots of corners to lighten up naturally dark and dull areas.
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Fluorescent Strips
Fluorescent strips are a much older form of under-cabinet lighting, and while it doesn’t appeal to all tastes, it can be very effective in the right kitchen. The light from fluorescents tends to be a little brighter. Therefore, these lights are ideal for a recipe-reading light, or as a primary light in a bar or coffee-making area without the need to install stronger, overhead lights; helping maintain an ambience.
Under-cabinet lighting provides a wonderful glow, helping to make kitchens seem very warm and welcoming. Unfortunately, this atmosphere can sometimes be spoiled by the addition of direct, overhead lighting. Instead, why not consider some alternative options for kitchen lighting that better compliment this gentle glow, such as subtle pendant lights arranged over the dining table. Alternatively, take a look at our guide to kitchen lighting on a budget.
For more advice on your fitted kitchen or bedroom, do not hesitate to call 0330 135 9090 or get in touch with us today.