Is Under Cabinet Lighting worth it?
jqchen
12 years ago
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brickeyee
12 years agoDavid
12 years agoRelated Discussions
Under cabinet lights: One for each cabinet?
Comments (3)We did one for each - not a big deal to install a few more when the wire is coming out of the wall. We didn't do them on two cabinets as they were stand alone and not worth the effort but one ended up where our tv is so in the end we didn't need it there anyway. You are better off overbuying than underbuying and returning. Just make sure to measure the cabinets under (and include trim) and get the best fitting if you don't have them picked out. We also found that a true electrical store had better electrical supplies/lights/price (where the electricians go) than a lighting store or HD/Lowes....See MoreIs kitchen under cabinet light worth it?
Comments (30)We have xenon strips under 6 cabinets on 3 switches. I've probably turned them on less than 10 times in the 6 years that our kitchen has been done (some of them have been on only once or twice.) They are not a necessity in our kitchen even though I cook fairly late at night in the dark. It definitely depends on your kitchen and how you like to use light. I personally don't like light coming from a source under my eye level. We have great ceiling lights throughout our kitchen and the uc lights have no functional value (and in my case, no aesthetic value either.) Our major work zones are the peninsula, range, and 2 sinks and all have ceiling or hood lights above them. The counters with upper cabinets have can lights placed in such a way that shadows are not cast on the surface (they center on the edge of the counter.) I prefer the even light from the ceiling to the more concentrated beam of light from the uc lights. In some kitchens they are a necessity but it's misleading to say they are a necessity in all kitchens. We used 2 fluorescent uc lights a lot in our old kitchen since the only other light source was a centered ceiling fixture with 1 bulb. Since I hated that lighting (including the concentrated light from the uc fixtures) I was determined that our new kitchen would be well lit. I was aware that my eyes would age which is why I have 4 additional can lights that I rarely turn on. They only come on when I want our kitchen to be over-the-top bright....See Moreunder cabinet lighting vs under cabinet paper towel dispenser?
Comments (36)If anyone is interested, contrary to my own plan I wound up installing the UC panels under the front of the cabinets instead of the back. I did this everywhere except the PT holder. There, I mounted one just behind it, not all the way to the rear. The choice for me was simple: I could see the panels in the back and not in the front. The PT holder hides the panel to an acceptable degree, and there is no noticeable inconsistency between the PT panel and the next one in front thanks to excellent diffusion. The glare/reflection I worried about is not a factor and I've got a dual wireless dimmer mounted to the wall. Very happy with the results! Thanks again to everyone for your help. Btw, I used "Independence" dimmers and "Designer" panels both by InspiredLED. Peter did a good job, quickly providing plans and suggestions and also fixing a hiccup when a piece arrived defective....See MoreCan I add under cabinet lighting?
Comments (20)If you have an L or continuous area between you sink and range, consider doing that area. My under cabinet lighting in this area is the best thing I did in my refresh. This is my before DIY set up - cost about $75: https://www.houzz.com/photos/my-pics-work-in-progress-phvw-vp~48485162 Then the electrician wired it to a switch. I had asked for an outlet up by the cabinet like Oliviag has, but instead, he wired it to a switch. Here is the after. https://www.houzz.com/photos/my-pics-work-in-progress-phvw-vp~81033766 The switch is not in the pic, but to the left of the paper towel holder. The cord from cabinet to cabinet is supposed to be tucked into a cut, but I keep forgetting to do that. I have to say - that if I could have only my under cabinet lighting or a new counter - I would take the lighting - the most functional thing I did. https://www.houzz.com/photos/my-pics-work-in-progress-phvw-vp~110720042...See MoreDeeS1
12 years agojqchen
12 years agochibimimi
12 years agoDavid
12 years agoDavid
12 years agojqchen
12 years agoDavid
12 years agojqchen
12 years agoDavid
12 years agobrickeyee
12 years agocherylmass
12 years agochisue
12 years agoDavid
12 years ago
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