This post tells you the best ways to hide under cabinet lighting wires.
Renovating a kitchen is not a small task. It requires much thought and planning. But sometimes you don’t want to renovate an entire kitchen, you’re just looking for something to elevate the space on a budget. So whether you’re starting a kitchen renovation project, or looking to elevate your space, under cabinet lighting is a great way to brighten up your kitchen and create an inviting ambiance.
The style and sophistication of under cabinet lighting is definitely worth your time, plus more lights make your space even more functional. Under cabinet lighting is one of the best power moves for interior designers. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the process of installing under-cabinet lighting, from choosing the right fixtures to hiding those pesky wires.
Why Add Under-Cabinet Lighting?
When it comes to task lighting in the kitchen, under-cabinet lighting is the perfect choice. Not only does it illuminate the underside of your cabinets, but it also adds depth and warmth to your space. It’s a simple solution that enhances both functionality and aesthetics in one go.
Choosing the Right Lights
There’s a wide variety of under-cabinet lighting options to choose from, including strip lights, tape lights, puck lights, and LED fixtures. Before making your selection, consider the color of the cabinet, the layout of your kitchen, and the level of brightness you desire. LED lights are a popular choice for their energy efficiency and longevity. Click here for easy-to-install under-cabinet LED light.
Gathering Your Tools and Materials
Before diving into the installation process, make sure you have all the necessary tools and materials on hand. This includes light fixtures, electrical wires, a power source, and safety gear such as gloves and goggles. You’ll also need a junction box (also known as a switch box or electrical box) to connect the lights to the electrical system.
The best option is to have the lights connected to a light switch so they all come on at once. To achieve this result, you’ll need to create a switched outlet (meaning the switch controls the outlets). Here is a basic explanation (this is not professional advice). I highly recommend asking a local electrician for guidance on this part of the process:
An electrical cable is run from the light box to the receptacle box with appropriate low voltage wire for the connections. The cables are secured with tie wraps to keep them organized. Inside the receptacle box, the white wire is connected to the neutral terminal and the black wire to the hot terminal of the standard outlet. A wire nut is used to secure the connections, ensuring they are tight and safe. This setup allows the switch to control power to the outlet, providing a convenient way to manage your electrical devices.
Planning the Layout for Your Under Cabinet Lighting
The first step in installing under-cabinet lighting is planning the layout. Take into account where all of your electrical outlets are currently located. This is a crucial step to ensure you can plug in your lights once they’re installed. Then, measure the length of your cabinets and determine where you want to place the lights.
My lights are all on my upper cabinets. I have strip lights both at the tops of the cabinets and also placed lights at the cabinet bottom front of the cabinet so the light reflects off the ceiling and countertops. You could also add lights to the bottom cabinets so the light reflects off the floor. Aim for a straight line along the bottom of the cabinet for a clean and uniform look. Take into account the spacing between lights to ensure even illumination.
Installation Process
Now it’s time to get to work! Start by attaching the light fixtures to the underside of the cabinet using adhesive strips or screws. Then, carefully route the electrical wires along the back or bottom of the cabinet. I have electrical outlets inside of the cabinet along the back of the cabinet, so I chose to drill a small hole in the back underside of my cabinets to fish the wire up into the cabinet and plug them into the electrical outlets. Once the wires are connected to the power source, test the lights to ensure they’re working properly.
Hiding the Under Cabinet Lighting Wires
Nobody likes the sight of exposed wires dangling from their cabinets. This is the main reason for finding solutions to hide the wires. As mentioned above, I drilled a hole in the underside of my cabinets to hide under cabinet lighting wires. However, there are several ways to hide them effectively. If you don’t want to drill holes in your cabinets, you can use wire channels and raceways for a cleaner finish. Click here for wire channels and raceways. Consider incorporating wire moldings or trim that blend in with your cabinetry for a seamless look.
If you’re installing lighting in a kitchen dining room pantry or hutch in a great room breakfast nook, you could make a cabinet modification by adding a wooden valance to cover the unsightly wiring. Mount the wood valance under the hutch and install the lights in the underside of the cabinet. Use wood adhesive or wood glue and wood button plugs to hide the screw holes.
Troubleshooting and Final Touches
As with any DIY project, there may be some hiccups along the way. If you encounter any issues like flickering lights or loose connections, don’t panic! Troubleshoot the problem systematically, checking each connection and fixture until you find the culprit. Once everything is in working order, make any final adjustments to ensure the lights are aligned and evenly spaced.
Maintenance and Care
Congratulations, your under-cabinet lighting is now installed and ready to illuminate your kitchen! To keep it looking its best, be sure to clean the fixtures regularly to remove dust and grease buildup. Check the connections and fixtures periodically for any signs of wear and tear, and replace bulbs or entire fixtures as needed.
Enjoying Your Newly Illuminated Kitchen
Now comes the best part: basking in the warm glow of your newly illuminated kitchen! Whether cooking a favorite meal or enjoying a quiet evening with loved ones, under-cabinet lighting adds a touch of ambiance that will elevate your kitchen experience. You’ll want to show your newly transformed space to friends and family!
Good Ideas to Enhance the Lighting In Your Kitchen
Another good idea to elevate your kitchen is to run a hardwired under cabinet power strip along the underside of your cabinets. Click here for an example of a power strip. Not only does this provide an additional option for plugging in your under cabinet lighting strips, but it also provides plenty of room for all your kitchen appliances for daily use or when you’re having a party. No more power cord for crockpot parties! Again, I recommend hiring a local electrician to add this incredible feature to your kitchen.
With adequate outlets, you can increase the ambience even more by adding additional lighting fixtures such as this adorable lamp in the corner. There is nothing like pouring a warm cup of tea and turning on this lamp to cozy up the space. Click here for an adorable little crystal table lamp.
This lamp is different, but still warms up my kitchen! Here is a link to a similar style lamp if you’re looking to splurge.
Installing under-cabinet lighting may seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and a little know-how, it’s a project that anyone can tackle. Not only do undercabinet lights enhance the functionality of your kitchen (& bathroom, if you add them there too!), but they also add a touch of style and sophistication that will leave your guests asking how you did it.
Click here for the best LED lights for your DIY project.
