Looking for ways to light up your kitchen? Choosing the right kitchen cabinet lights can transform your kitchen. With their aesthetics and functionality, cabinet lights can enhance your kitchen’s design. They can also improve visibility for prepping, cooking, and more. This makes tasks like chopping and cooking safer and easier.
But with so many options, how do you choose the best cabinet lights for your kitchen? You have to consider types, installation, and even the color of light. It can feel overwhelming. But that’s where this guide comes in! As an expert electrician in Seattle, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about cabinet lights.
Why Kitchen Cabinet Lights are a Bright Idea
Proper lighting is essential in a kitchen. After all, we spend about 1 hour each day in the kitchen–whether it’s eating, cooking, or spending time with your family. It’s where you prepare meals, entertain guests, and maybe even eat. You need to see what you’re doing clearly.
Cabinet lights can provide this necessary illumination. They can light up your countertops, making tasks like chopping and cooking easier. But cabinet lights aren’t just about functionality. They also contribute to the aesthetics of your kitchen.
Kitchen Cabinet Lights are a Bright Idea Because . . .
- They can highlight your backsplash or display your fine china.
- Cabinet lights create ambiance, making your kitchen feel warm and inviting.
- They can even make your kitchen look bigger and more open.
So, when you’re choosing cabinet lights, remember their dual role. They’re not just for show–they’re a key part of your kitchen’s design.
Types of Cabinet Lights to Consider
When it comes to cabinet lights, you have several options. Each type has its own unique features and benefits. As a Seattle electrician,
Puck Lights
First, let’s talk about puck lights. These are small, round lights that you can install individually. Puck lights are a perfect choice when you are looking for the following:
- They provide focused, spot-like illumination.
- They’re perfect for highlighting specific areas or items.
- However, they can create shadows if not properly spaced.
Kitchen Cabinet Strip Lights
Next, we have strip lights. These are long, thin lights that provide a continuous line of illumination. Consider installing strip lights and enjoy the following benefits.
- They’re great for providing even lighting across a large area.
- They can be cut to fit your specific cabinet length.
- Pro tip: They might be too bright for some people’s taste.
Bar Lights
Finally, there are bar lights. These are similar to strip lights, but they’re housed in a rigid fixture. Bar lights are best when you are looking for the following:
- They provide a sleek, modern look.
- They’re easy to install and can be linked together for longer runs.
- Pro tip: they’re more visible than strip lights, which might not be to everyone’s liking.
In the end, the best type of cabinet light depends on your specific needs and preferences. Consider the layout of your kitchen, the tasks you’ll be performing, and the look you want to achieve.
Selecting the Right Cabinet Lights for Your Kitchen
Are you ready to choose kitchen cabinet lights for your home? There are several considerations to keep in mind, giving you the best results for aesthetics as well as functions.
Kitchen Configuration and Design
You’ll need to consider the configuration of your cabinets and the overall design of your kitchen.
For instance, if you have tall cabinets or shelves, you might want to consider strip or bar lights. These types of lights can illuminate a larger area. Meanwhile, puck lights can be a good choice for smaller cabinets or specific areas you want to highlight.
Color Temperature
The color temperature of the lights is another important factor. This can greatly affect the ambiance of your kitchen. Warm lights can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere, while cool lights can give a more modern and clean look.
Cabinet Light Brightness
When it comes to task lighting, you need to consider the brightness of the lights. This is measured in lumens. For kitchen tasks like cooking and food preparation, you need lights that are bright enough to clearly see what you’re doing.
However, you don’t want the lights to be too bright that they cause glare or discomfort. This is where dimmable lights can be useful. They allow you to adjust the brightness according to your needs.
The Advantages of LED Cabinet Lighting
LED cabinet lights are a popular choice for many homeowners here in Seattle. One of the main advantages of LED lights is their energy efficiency. They use less power than traditional incandescent or halogen lights. This means they can help reduce your electricity bills. If you are considering any type of kitchen cabinet light installation, you’ll want to upgrade to LED lights.
Another benefit is their longevity. LED lights can last for years, even with regular use. This makes them a cost-effective choice in the long run.
LED lights also emit less heat than other types of lights. This is particularly important in a kitchen setting. You don’t want your lights adding to the heat while you’re cooking.
Better yet, LED lights are available in a wide range of color temperatures. This allows you to create the perfect ambiance for your kitchen.
Kitchen Cabinet Light Installation: DIY vs. Hiring an Electrician
Installing cabinet lights may seem like a simple task. However, it can be more complex than you think. This is especially true when it comes to hardwired lights.
Hardwired Lighting: Hire a Pro
Hardwired lights require a connection to your home’s electrical system. This can involve drilling holes, running wires, and connecting to an electrical source. If you’re not experienced with electrical work, it can be risky.
That’s when you might want to consider hiring an electrician. We take on any potentially dangerous tasks, making sure the job is up to code and safe for your family to use.
Battery-operated or Plug-in? You Can Try DIY
On the other hand, if you’re opting for battery-operated or plug-in lights, you might be able to handle the installation yourself. These types of lights are generally easier to install. They don’t require any hardwiring.
However, even with these lights, you need to be careful. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely. And if you’re ever in doubt, it’s best to call us at Dadz to lend a helping hand.
Innovative Features in Cabinet Lighting
Cabinet lighting has come a long way in recent years. Today, there are many innovative features that can enhance your kitchen’s functionality and ambiance.
Dimmable Lights
One such feature is dimmable lights. These allow you to adjust the brightness level to suit your needs. Whether you’re prepping food or enjoying a late-night snack, you can set the perfect mood.
Smart Cabinet Lights
Another exciting feature is smart cabinet lights. These can be controlled remotely using a smartphone or a home automation system. You can turn the lights on or off, adjust brightness, and even change the color temperature, all without touching a switch. You can even control smart cabinet lights when you aren’t home if you have a compatible app on your phone.
Don’t forget that smart cabinet lights allow you to customize your kitchen lighting to your liking. They truly take cabinet lighting to the next level!
Bring Your Dream Kitchen to Life with Kitchen Cabinet Lighting
Dadz Electrical LLC can make your dream kitchen come to life with kitchen cabinet lighting. We’re highly skilled at helping out customers with quality cabinet lighting in the brightness and color temperature of your choice. If you need help with kitchen cabinet light installation, reach out to us for help today!