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Under cabinet lighting is a fantastic way to elevate the look and functionality of your kitchen. It’s practical, stylish, and easier to set up than you might think.

This type of lighting serves two main purposes:

Task Lighting: Bright illumination for your kitchen worktops, making food prep and cooking safer and more efficient.

Accent Lighting: A stunning glow to highlight your backsplash and create a welcoming atmosphere.

With so many options available, choosing the right under cabinet lighting can feel overwhelming. Let’s break it down and help you find the perfect fit.

LED: The Smart Choice for Under Cabinet Lighting

In the past, halogen and fluorescent lights were common, but today, LED lighting is the industry leader for efficiency, longevity, and versatility. Here’s why:

Halogen Lighting

Halogen bulbs were once the go-to option for home lighting, but they come with several downsides:

• Energy Costs: Halogens are inefficient, losing up to 80% of their energy as heat.
• Short Lifespan: Typically lasting just 1,000–2,000 hours.
• Heat Output: They run hot, which can be a fire risk and isn’t ideal for kitchens.

Fluorescent Lighting

Fluorescents, or "energy-saving bulbs," are more efficient than halogens but still have limitations:

• Bulky Design: Can look outdated in modern kitchens.
• Warm-Up Time: They often flicker and take time to reach full brightness.
• Environmental Concerns: Contain mercury, making disposal tricky.

LED Lighting

LEDs are the gold standard, offering unmatched performance:

• Energy Efficiency: Use up to 90% less energy than halogens and 60% less than fluorescents.
• Long Lifespan: Typically last 25,000–50,000 hours.
• Cool Operation: Minimal heat output ensures safe installation and prolonged durability.
• Eco-Friendly: Contain no hazardous materials and are 100% recyclable.

With flexible strip lights or discreet puck lights, LEDs are also incredibly versatile, giving you endless design possibilities.

Puck vs. Linear Lighting

Your choice of fixture style will impact the lighting effect:

• Linear LED Strip Lights: Offer consistent, even light for a sleek, modern look. Perfect for illuminating your entire worktop without shadows.
• LED Puck Lights: Create focused "pools" of light, adding depth and texture to your kitchen design.

Both options work brilliantly – it’s all about your aesthetic preference.

Recessed vs. Surface Mounted

Worried surface-mounted fixtures might stick out? Modern LED designs are ultra-slim and barely noticeable, even when mounted directly under cabinets.

• Surface Mounted: Simple to install and effective. Great for quick upgrades.
• Recessed: Sleek and professional, but requires a bit more effort to install.

Whichever option you choose, both deliver excellent results.

Hardwired vs. Plug-In

Finally, think about how you’ll power your lights:

• Hardwired: These connect directly to your mains supply and can be controlled by a wall switch or dimmer. For dimmable lights, ensure you use a compatible LED driver.
• Plug-In: Simple and flexible, these lights plug into a standard outlet using a plug-and-play adapter. However, they can’t be controlled by a wall switch.

Get in Touch!

Have questions about under cabinet lighting? We’re here to help! Call us on 0116 321 4120 or email!