On average, Americans spend over an hour in the kitchen each day, making it one of the most important rooms in the home. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the most expensive spaces to remodel. If you’re trying to personalize your kitchen on a tight budget, installing under cabinet lighting is a fantastic way to modernize your space without spending a bundle.
The areas under upper cabinets (particularly near corners) are often dark and poorly utilized. Installing proper task lighting can help you regain this lost prep space. Additionally, under cabinet lights can make your kitchen feel brighter and more inviting. They’re perfect for spaces that don’t have enough natural light or overhead pendants.
Thanks to the wide variety of under cabinet fixtures on the market, you’ll be able to find a suitable option no matter your budget. To help you choose the best fixtures for your space and needs, we’ve rounded up four of the best under cabinet lights.
Best Under Cabinet Lighting
Dream Master Battery Powered Puck Light
LAGOM Direct Wire Dimmable LED
MCGOR 40 LED Rechargeable Motion Sensor LEDs
Maylit Smart RGB Under Cabinet Lights Kit
Best Under Cabinet Lighting for Apartments: Dream Master Battery-Powered Puck Light
Dream Master offers a multi-pack of puck lights that‘s perfect for apartment dwellers. Each light has a 3M adhesive backing that’s double-sided for easy installation and removal. Since these lights don’t have to be screwed in or hardwired, they’re a great choice for renters.
Each package comes with five LED pucks that are less than an inch thick, so they’ll fit in small kitchens and tight spaces. The pucks have a slim, unobtrusive design while still providing plenty of light. And since they’re battery-powered, you won’t have to hide any ugly power cables.
The lights have integrated push button switches that make them easy to turn on and off. Each puck runs off of three AAA batteries that can be replaced without detaching the adhesive mount. The pucks come in both black and white to match any aesthetic, and the bulbs can either be warm or cool depending on your preference.
These puck lights come with a 12-month guarantee, so you can rest assured that you’re getting a quality product. You can take a closer look at these apartment-friendly lights on Amazon.
Best Hardwired/Plug-In Light: LAGOM Direct Wire Dimmable LED
If you’re looking for a light you can plug in or hardwire, this LED bar is a great choice. It comes in five different sizes (ranging from 12 inches to 40 inches) to fit a wide variety of cabinets. It also comes in both black and white to match the design of any kitchen. This bar even allows you to customize the tone and intensity of your light. There are two brightness levels and three different temperature settings so you can change the light from warm to cool.
The light bar has a slim profile, so it isn’t too noticeable or distracting. For an even more seamless look, you can wire up to 15 lights together to form one long chain. This enables you to illuminate all of your cabinets under one circuit. Although this light is designed to be hardwired with a dimmable light switch, it will also work with a plug-in adapter so you can power it with a regular outlet. However, you’ll have to buy an adapter and power cables separately because they aren’t included.
To learn more about this LED light bar from Lagom, check out the product listing.
Best Battery-Powered Light: MCGOR 40 LED Rechargeable Motion Sensor LEDs
These battery-powered LED light bars come in a two-pack and are easily rechargeable, so you won’t have to waste money on batteries. You’ll also get two USB-C charging cables so you can conveniently recharge both lights at the same time.
These light bars can run for up to 30 days on one charge depending on how often you use them. They’re available in two sizes (10-inch and 14.7-inch), so they’ll fit in a variety of spaces. Since they have built-in magnets, you can mount them on your fridge or use the adhesive to easily install them under your cabinets.
Another plus is that these lights are dimmable and can be manually turned on or motion-activated. They provide up to 180 lumens of light on their highest setting to illuminate the darkest corners of your kitchen. If you’re looking for an affordable, rechargeable light with adjustable brightness levels, check out MCGOR’s light bars here.
Best Smart Under Cabinet Lighting: Maylit Smart RGB Under Cabinet Lighting Kit
If you’re looking for smart under cabinet lighting with multiple color options, this kit from Maylit may be the perfect solution. It comes with either 16.4 or 26.2 feet of LED strip lights depending on your needs.
The smart lights can be turned on using the control box or the provided remote. You can also use a dedicated app to turn them on, set custom timers, adjust the brightness, change the colors, and more. These lights even integrate with smart assistants for hands-free control while you’re busy cooking. Plus, they can be programmed to respond to music.
These LED strips also have adhesive backs for easy installation. They can be connected for added length or shortened as needed, making them a DIY-friendly option. If you’re looking for a fun, customizable under cabinet lighting solution, you can’t go wrong with this kit from Maylit.
Choose the Best Under Cabinet Lighting for You
As the name suggests, under cabinet lights are mounted on the underside of upper cabinets. They shine directly over your countertops to provide additional lighting.
Fixture Style and Power Source
Generally, there are three styles of under cabinet fixtures available: light strips, bars, and puck lights. Puck lights produce a spotlight effect due to their disc-like shape. If you prefer a more even, continuous distribution of light, consider light strips and bars instead.
You can also choose from a variety of power sources depending on your needs. Under cabinet lights can be battery-powered, plugged into an outlet, or hardwired and controlled with a light switch. Keep in mind that hardwired lights are harder to install and may require the help of a professional.
Special Features and Types of Bulbs
Some under cabinet lights also offer special features like app integration, motion activation, and different color options. You can also find dimmable fixtures if you want more control over the brightness level of your lights.
Another factor you’ll need to consider is which type of bulb you prefer. There are three main types of under cabinet bulbs on the market: xenon, fluorescent, and LED. Xenon lights run hot and are less energy-efficient than LED fixtures, so they’re better for task lighting than continuous use. However, homeowners choose them because of the light quality and color accuracy that they provide. They reflect beautifully on stone countertops and give off a high-end look.
Fluorescent and LED bulbs aren’t quite as natural looking as xenon and can wash out their surroundings a bit. However, fluorescent and LED lights run cooler than xenon, so they’re better for pantry storage spaces where heat may contribute to food spoilage. LED lights are also the best choice for frugal homeowners because they’re the most energy-efficient option. That’s why our list of the best under cabinet lights features LED fixtures instead of power-hogging bulbs like xenon.
Number of Under Cabinet Lighting Fixtures
The final consideration is how many under cabinet lights you need. If you’re using puck lights, it’s usually recommended that you space them about a foot apart. LED light strips typically look best if they run along the whole length of your cabinets. Homeowners who choose light bars can daisy chain them together to cover the entire underside of their cabinets. Or you might choose to space them out like puck lights if you only need task lighting in certain areas.
Ultimately it’s up to you how many lights you install depending on your needs and budget. If you can only afford a few pucks to illuminate the darkest corners of your kitchen, that’s ok! Most under cabinet lighting kits are customizable and expandable, so you can always add more fixtures later.
Wrapping Up
Renovating a kitchen can be an expensive and time-consuming project. But luckily there are small, frugal improvements you can make that will upgrade your space without the expense and hassle of a remodel. Installing affordable under cabinet lighting can instantly brighten kitchens that don’t have enough windows or light fixtures.
There are many plug-in and battery-powered lights with adhesive backings that are easy to install and remove, allowing you to improve your kitchen whether you own or rent. If you’re looking for a more permanent solution, you can hire a professional to hardwire your lights or recess them into your cabinets for a streamlined look. No matter your budget or skill level, you’re almost guaranteed to find an under cabinet lighting solution that works for you.
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