Kitchen design
Under-Cabinet Lighting: Strips, Spots and Where to Put Them
How under-cabinet lights stop you working in your own shadow, and how to choose between LED strips and spotlights.
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Ceiling lights sit behind you, so you work in your own shadow at the worktop. Lights fitted under the wall cabinets put light exactly where you chop and cook.
Where to buy
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Types
| Type | Light | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| LED strip | Even, continuous | Fit behind a diffuser to avoid dotty reflections on glossy worktops |
| Puck or spot lights | Pools of light | Space them evenly; can leave gaps between |
| Slim LED bars | Even, bright | Easy to fit; often plug-in or linkable |
What to check
- Colour temperature: about 2700–3000 K is warm and suits traditional kitchens; 4000 K is cooler and crisper.
- Position: fit lights towards the front edge of the cabinet, so the light falls on the worktop rather than the wall.
- Switching: a separate switch or dimmer lets you use them as soft evening light.
Installation
Plug-in and battery lights are a simple DIY job. Hard-wired lights should be fitted by a registered electrician.
For the main lighting plan, see traditional kitchen lighting.
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Frequently asked questions
What colour temperature is best for kitchen lighting?
Warm white (about 2700–3000 K) suits most traditional kitchens. Cooler white (around 4000 K) shows colours more crisply for food preparation.
Why can I see dots of light on my worktop?
Bare LED strips reflect as dots on glossy surfaces. A strip fitted in a profile with a diffuser gives an even line of light.
Can I fit under-cabinet lights myself?
Plug-in and battery lights, yes. Hard-wired lights should be installed by a registered electrician.