How to Add Light Under Kitchen Cabinets: A Guide by Wilson & Bradley

Under-cabinet lighting is a stylish and functional addition to any kitchen, enhancing both visibility and ambience. It improves task lighting for food prep and cooking while adding warmth and elegance to your kitchen design. Wilson & Bradley offers high-quality under-cabinet lighting solutions that combine modern LED technology with smart controls to transform your kitchen space. This comprehensive guide will take you through the benefits, types, selection tips, and installation advice for kitchen under cabinet lighting.

Why Choose Kitchen Under Cabinet Lighting?

Enhanced Task Lighting

Many kitchens suffer from shadows cast by overhead lights, making food preparation difficult. Under cabinet lighting eliminates these shadows by providing direct, focused illumination on benchtops, sinks, and cooking areas – ensuring safer and more precise tasks such as chopping and measuring ingredients.

Elevating Kitchen Aesthetics

Under cabinet lighting adds a sophisticated flair to kitchens. Whether you prefer crisp cool white or warm cozy lighting, the right LED lights accentuate backsplash tiles, countertops, and cabinetry, creating an inviting atmosphere. Colour-changing LED options available via Wilson & Bradley allow you to customise settings for different moods and occasions.

Energy Efficiency & Longevity

Wilson & Bradley specialise in LED lighting solutions that consume far less energy than traditional bulbs while offering longer lifespans. This efficiency translates into savings on electricity bills and fewer replacements.

Flexibility and Smart Controls

Modern under-cabinet lighting systems, such as those from the L&S LED range available at Wilson & Bradley, often include dimmable and colour temperature adjustable features. Many can integrate with smart home systems, allowing you to control lighting remotely using apps or voice commands.

Types of Under Cabinet Lighting Available

LED Strip Lighting

Flexible and easy to install, LED strips provide continuous linear lighting along the length of the cabinet underside. Wilson & Bradley’s L&S mini octopus LED reel is a highly popular choice, offering a sleek 4mm width, excellent brightness, and seamless integration.

LED Downlights

Small, focused fixtures that can be recessed or surface mounted to brighten specific areas such as sinks or food preparation stations. They are perfect for a clean, modern look with high functionality.

Colour-Changing Strip Lights and Dimmable Options

Provide the ultimate control over lighting ambience. Adjustable colour temperatures and brightness levels help switch from bright task lighting during cooking to soft ambient light for entertaining.

Choosing the Right Under Cabinet Lighting for Your Kitchen

• Brightness and Colour Temperature: Consider whether you want warm white light (3000K) for a homely feel or cool white (6000K) for a crisp, modern vibe.
• Fixture Type: LED strips for linear effect; downlights for spotlighting.
• Installation Preferences: Options range from plug-in models for easy installation to hardwired fixtures for a cleaner look.
• Smart Features: If automation and voice control appeal, look for smart home integration options.

How to Install Under Cabinet Lighting: Basic Steps

1. Plan and Measure: Identify work areas needing illumination. Measure cabinet lengths to determine required lighting lengths.
2. Prepare Surfaces: Clean cabinet undersides to promote strong adhesion if using LED strips.
3. Mount Lights: Peel and stick LED strips or screw down downlights as required. Conceal wiring for neatness.
4. Power Connection: Connect to a power outlet or hardwire following electrical safety standards.
5. Test and Adjust: Once installed, test and adjust brightness or colour settings for optimum effect.

Wilson & Bradley offer expert advice and products that make installation efficient and hassle-free.

Why Trust Wilson & Bradley for Your Kitchen Lighting Needs?

Wilson & Bradley is Australia’s leading supplier of L&S LED lighting products, renowned for combining precision engineering with elegant design. Their exclusive range includes versatile LED strips and downlights perfect for both residential and commercial kitchens. With over 40 years of experience, Wilson & Bradley deliver exceptional customer service, technical know-how, and product quality.

With Wilson & Bradley’s kitchen under cabinet lighting solutions, homeowners can experience safer food preparation, enhanced ambience, and considerable energy savings. Whether renovating, building new, or updating your kitchen, adding under cabinet lighting is a practical and stylish upgrade that adds value and enjoyment.

FAQs on Kitchen Under Cabinet Lighting?

1. What is the best type of lighting for a kitchen under cabinet lighting?

LED strip lighting is widely considered the best option due to its energy efficiency, long lifespan, easy installation, and ability to provide even, customisable illumination across countertops.

2. How do I hide wires under cabinet lights effectively?

Wires can be concealed by running them underneath or inside the cabinets using cable management clips or channels. This keeps wiring out of sight and maintains a clean, professional finish, as recommended by Wilson & Bradley.

3. Should under cabinet lighting be warm or cool white?

Choosing between warm or cool white depends on your kitchen’s overall lighting and style. Warm white creates a cozy ambience, while cool white offers brighter, crisp task lighting. Tunable LED strips allow you to switch between them both for versatility.

4. How bright should under cabinet lighting be?

Aim for LED strips rated over 1000 lumens per metre for effective task lighting. Lower brightness levels may suffice if you want accent or ambient lighting rather than full workspace illumination.