Under cabinet kitchen lighting?
I want to install lighting under my kitchen cabinets. Wiring it isn’t a problem, but I’m concerned about the aesthetics. My cabinets are flush at the bottom, so there is no over-hang to hide anything under the cabinets. I’m guessing I have to recess the lights.
If recessing, am I cutting right through the cabinets and into the bottom shelf? That doesn’t seem right.
The most popular type of undercabinet lighting on the market are the 1-4 bulb xenon line voltage surface mount options. Yes, they are surface mounted, however they are only 3/4-1" in height, and when they are placed in the middle of the cabinet (not up at the front) they are not very noticeable at all. Plus you can find them in either white, brushed nickel, or a bronze finish.
I would use these over the hockey puck lights because you do not have to worry about cutting into your cabinets, and you don’t have to worry about low voltage transformers, which will have to be replaced at some point.
Check out these undercabinets from Kichler lighting
http://backbaylighting.com/search_individual_result.asp?current=226748&page=2
May 31st, 2010 at 12:14 am
mount them flush and put a piece of trim along the front of the cabinet. no need to recess.
References :
May 31st, 2010 at 12:29 am
Yeah that’s the way it’s done. I don’t like it either. There are two other options.
A- put an over-hang around the cabinets
B- find a style of light that looks good there, ( I haven’t found any yet but there must be something out there)
If you find something that is attractive let us know
Thanks
References :
May 31st, 2010 at 1:16 am
Yes, recessing lights are your best option aesthecally. Low voltage " hockey puck" style lights are your best option for depth 3/4". Install new removable bottom shelves in the cabinets. Use plywood and route out wiring. Center cuts for false shelves on new lights. Trim exposed face of plywood with molding. To match stain contact cabinet manufacurer. This is always a problem with undercounter lighting and by re- working bottom shelves it wont be seen from the outside.
References :
Had identical same problem
May 31st, 2010 at 2:05 am
There are little round lites that people put in china cabinets to light up – china. I’ve seen them under cabinet’s and it looks very good. You might be able to get some that are battery operated and you wouldn’t have to deal with wiring at all.
I’ve always thought to try the cheapest way first…and if you don’t like it – then change it. You could always sell the lights on eBay if they don’t work out!!
References :
May 31st, 2010 at 2:37 am
The other option is LED tape lights. Look at http://www.eurofase.com to see and example.
References :
http://www.lightenupchambersburg.com
May 31st, 2010 at 2:45 am
The most popular type of undercabinet lighting on the market are the 1-4 bulb xenon line voltage surface mount options. Yes, they are surface mounted, however they are only 3/4-1" in height, and when they are placed in the middle of the cabinet (not up at the front) they are not very noticeable at all. Plus you can find them in either white, brushed nickel, or a bronze finish.
I would use these over the hockey puck lights because you do not have to worry about cutting into your cabinets, and you don’t have to worry about low voltage transformers, which will have to be replaced at some point.
Check out these undercabinets from Kichler lighting
http://backbaylighting.com/search_individual_result.asp?current=226748&page=2
References :