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How do I choose under cabinet lighting?
For best results, choose a finish that closely resembles your cabinets. To ensure even lighting across the counter, use light bars that closely match the width of your cabinets. If you’re using puck lights instead, place them 8-12″ apart for even light distribution, or space them out further to create pockets of light.
Where is the best place to install under cabinet lighting?
If you want to install under cabinet lighting as task lighting, you should place the strip lights closer to the middle front edge of the cabinets, so the countertop will be exposed to as much light as possible. For ambient or accent lighting, you may want to place them closer to the back edge.
How many lumens do I need for under cabinet lighting?
For under cabinet lighting, you should look for fixtures that produce at least 250 lumens per foot. Therefore, if your fixture is 24 inches long, you want it to produce at least 500 lumens. This should provide enough light across your counters.
What kind of lights do you put under kitchen cabinets?
Tape lights are a space-saving lighting option. Tiny light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are embedded in a flexible tape strip that secures to the bottom of the cabinets with a peel-and-stick adhesive. Tape strips operate off a standard outlet; however, linking the light strips and running the associated wiring can be tricky.
Is under counter lighting worth it?
Under cabinet lighting can actually save you money on your energy bill, and this is especially true if you opt for an LED light fixture. It has the potential to save money because you don’t have to illuminate the whole room just to get a little bit of light on the countertops below.
Can I leave my LED strip lights on all night?
To put it simply, well-manufactured LED lights are extremely long-lasting and can be left on 24 hours, 7 days a week. This is because, unlike conventional types of light, LEDs produce minimal amounts of heat, which means they are unlikely to overheat or set on fire. In some scenarios, LEDs can and will fail.
What is the best color for under cabinet lighting?
Best Color for Under Cabinet Lighting 2700K is considered the same color as the classic incandescent light bulb. 3000K is slightly bluer and is similar to halogen bulb light color, but still has a warm, inviting yellow color to it.
Do under cabinet LED lights need a transformer?
When installing low voltage under cabinet lights, you will have to take some special measures. You’ll need a transformer to convert your home’s voltage supply to a much Page 11 11 lower number, and if you plan to use any accessories, like dimmers, they’ll need to be compatible with your lighting system.
How do you hide the wires under cabinet lighting?
One of the simplest solutions to unsightly under-cabinet wires is using a cable protector. You can secure the wiring into one bundle with tie wraps and adhere it to the cabinet’s underside with staples. The wiring length itself should extend directly from the light to the wall.
Is soft white or daylight better for kitchen?
Using a soft white light is ideal for most traditional or transitional kitchens. A warmer light is less harsh than a daylight light fixture. It highlights wood grains and looks great on earthy tones. However, if you have a more contemporary kitchen, look for a “cool white” light in the range of 4000K-5000K.
How far away from cabinets should recessed lighting be?
Place your recessed downlights 12″ apart from each other and 12″ to 18″ away from any cabinets to illuminate counter areas. Please note that these are basic kitchen lighting ideas; the exact placement of lights will depend on your unique room space.
Do under cabinet lights go in front or back?
When mounting any fixture under a cabinet, position it to the front. If there is a lens, face it toward the backsplash. The bottom-front rail of the cabinet should hide the fixture from your line of sight, whether you’re standing or seated. A plug-in fixture may be used for short runs of under-cabinet lighting.
What are under cabinet lights called?
Under cabinet lights, also known as countertop lights, have been around for a long time, but with new options becoming available the trend has gained a new life.
Do LED under cabinet lights get hot?
There are a lot of benefits to moving to LED lights in general. Specifically, I’ll address under cabinet LED. The light is bright and true, so you can see better while working in the kitchen. They are cool to the touch, won’t scorch cabinets, and won’t heat what is inside your cabinet.
How many lumens do I need under kitchen cabinets?
For best results, use undercabinet LEDs that put out a minimum 400 lumens per foot; 500 lumens is even better, but harder to find.
How do you hardwire LED under cabinets?
Then, follow these steps for installation: Disconnect the power. Locate the correct breaker and turn off the power supply to the switch outlet where you’re going to connect the lights. Attach the lights. Cut the wall. Run the wire. Run the cord. Connect the lights. Wire the switch. Cover your work.
Do LED strip lights raise electric bill?
LED strip lights do not cost a lot of electricity compared to traditional incandescent lights. Consumption is directly determined by the length of the strip light and its light density. A standard 5-meter strip will cost less than $3 a year to run, on average.
What color LEDs help you sleep?
Studies show that the red light color is ideal for the evening and sleepiness. Because it has a low color temperature and doesn’t make our brain sensitive to its wavelengths, red color is the best way to switch from daylight to night lights without disruption of the sleep cycle.
Can LED lights cause a fire?
Because of this, LEDs produce far less heat than other light bulbs, and heat is how fires start. Therefore, though an LED might feel warm to the touch, it is extremely unlikely that an LED would start a fire.