Where To Place Under Cabinet Lighting：Under Cabinet Lighting Placement Location

LED under-cabinet lighting provides a beautiful visual effect for modern kitchens. Before selecting and installing LED under-cabinet lighting, you need to consider several factors:

Why choose under-cabinet lighting?

Under-cabinet lighting adds aesthetic value to your kitchen and improves your lighting and work efficiency.

It helps you see the countertop better and accurately cut and cook ingredients while creating a comfortable and warm atmosphere.

Simple steps to select and install LED under-cabinet lighting:

Step 1: Understand your cabinets and surrounding environment

Before selecting and installing LED under-cabinet lighting, you must consider your cabinet material, depth, distance from the countertop, surrounding environment color, and lighting usage.

Step 2: Determine the purpose and control method of the LED lights

You need to determine the purpose and control method of the LED lights, such as whether it is the primary lighting source or for creating a specific ambiance.

You must also determine if you require static white output or color-changing or dynamic adjustable white output and choose an appropriate control system.

Step 3: Select the appropriate LED strip light

When selecting the appropriate LED strip light, you must consider factors such as brightness level, color temperature, voltage, installation location, and control system.

Step 4: Install the LED strip light

Before installing the LED strip light, prepare the necessary tools and materials. Generally, the steps for installing LED strip lights include measuring, cutting, connecting, installing, and connecting to a power source.

How to choose the appropriate brightness level

Choosing the appropriate brightness level would be best based on the light's purpose and installation location. If you require primary lighting, it is recommended to choose 500-1000 lumens/ft; for task/focal lighting, it is recommended to choose 200-500 lumens/ft; for mood/accent lighting, it is recommended to choose 80-200 lumens/ft.

You must choose the best color temperature (CCT) to achieve the desired ambiance and effect. Generally, warm-toned fixtures are suitable for creating a cozy and comfortable atmosphere, while cool-toned fixtures are suitable for creating a refreshing and modern feel.

You must select the appropriate voltage to ensure your LED strip light can work correctly. Usually, 12V and 24V are the most common voltage choices.

You must choose an appropriate installation location based on the cabinet's depth and distance from the countertop. If your cabinet is shallow, installing the LED strip light on its front edge is recommended. If your cabinet is far from the countertop, it is recommended to choose brighter lighting.

Select your control system

You must choose an appropriate control system based on your needs and budget. Some common control systems include manual switches, remote controls, and smart home systems.

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FAQ:

Should the cabinet light be installed in the front or back?

A: LED cabinet under lighting should be installed at the front edge of the cabinet, which ensures that the light can shine on the area above the cabinet and provides better lighting.

What is the spacing of the under-cabinet light?

A: The spacing of the LED cabinet under lighting should be determined based on the brightness level of the LED strip you choose and the installation position. Generally, it is recommended to maintain a distance of around 12-18 inches between the lights to ensure an even distribution of light and achieve the best lighting effect.

Where is the best place to put the LED strip under the cabinet?

A: The LED strip should be installed under the front edge of the cabinet to ensure that the light can shine on the area above the cabinet and provide better lighting.

Should the LED strip be placed on the ceiling or wall under the cabinet?

A: The installation position of the LED strip should be determined based on your specific needs and space design. If you need direct lighting under the cabinet, installing the LED strip under the front edge of the cabinet is recommended. If you need indirect lighting on the wall or ceiling, installing an LED strip on the wall or ceiling is recommended.

How far should the LED light be from the wall?

A: The distance between the LED light and the wall should be determined based on your specific needs and space design. Generally, it is recommended to maintain a distance of around 1-2 inches between the LED strip and the wall to ensure that the light can shine on the area you need to illuminate.

What is the difference between a light strip and an LED light?

A: A light strip and an LED light are both LED lighting products but have different shapes and usage scenarios. The light strip is usually a flexible LED strip that can be used for decoration and lighting, such as background walls and furniture. The LED light is usually a fixed light fixture that can be used for lighting and decorative lighting, such as under-cabinet and bathroom lighting.

Does the LED light strip consume a lot of power?

A: Compared with traditional lighting products, LED light strips to have higher energy efficiency and can save energy better. At the same time, the power consumption of the LED light strip depends on the brightness level and length of the LED strip you choose.

Can you keep LED lights on all night?

A: LED lights can be kept on all night, but this may affect the LED lights' lifespan. Choosing an appropriate lighting time based on your actual needs is recommended to extend the lifespan of the LED lights.

How do I calculate how many LED lights I need?

A: You need to calculate how many LED lights you need based on the size and shape of your cabinet. Generally, it would be best to choose the appropriate length of LED strip based on the length and depth of the cabinet. Then, you can determine how many LED strips you need based on the LED strip's brightness level and installation position.

How long is the lifespan of LED lights?

A: LED lights have a long lifespan, usually over 50,000 hours. LED lights use semiconductor materials to emit light rather than traditional filaments or gas discharge. This not only saves energy better but also extends the lifespan of the lights. At the same time, LED lights' lifespan is also affected by their quality and usage environment.