How much under cabinet lighting do I need?

13 years ago

Is there a set rule for lights per linear foot? I see there are pucks and strips. I am leaning towards xenon lighting, but have no clue which ones or how many to purchase. Thanks in advance.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

mountaineergirl
13 years ago
I don't know about the pucks, but with the bars (I have LED) I would get the longest ones that will fit under each cabinet. For instance, for a 33" cab, we linked a 24" and a 6" for a total of 30". That leaves 1.5" on each end. Or not if you want an in-line dimmer switch which takes up 2". We are in the middle of our install now (waiting on some more interconnect items that I left out) and I will post pics when complete.
mountaineergirl
13 years ago
I didn't post where we bought these if you're interested in LEDs

Here is a link that might be useful: environmentallights.com
Related Discussions
What type and how much light do I need for...
Q
Comments (1)
From 30-50 watts per square foot of plant crown of fluorescent or HID will work to bring them to fruit.
...See More
How much light do I need in my open plan living room
Q
Comments (1)
Go to your local lighting showroom. The staff at most stores are trained to answer these questions. Take your plans and listen to their advice. They can explain lumens vs Watts, flood vs accent, and how best to light your space.
...See More
how much light do i need?
Q
Comments (1)
Sounds like you have a good sized dining room so I can see your dilemma. The simple answer would be to use a tiered or linear chandelier with multiple bulbs. They will each be rated for 25 or 40 watts, most likely. Figuring total wattage revolves around the type of activity you will do in a room. Ambient or general lighting requires s.f. (324 in your case) x 1.5 for wattage. Task lighting is 324 s.f. x 2.5. Dining is not considered task work. However, we've all been in a restaurant where you could barely see what you were eating (!). I'd err on the higher side because you can always add a dimmer or swap the bulbs out to lesser (but never higher) wattage than recommended. Another thought is to add 4" recessed can lights around the perimeter of the room for additional ambient light. Good luck!
...See More
How much light do I need in a small bathroom?
Q
Comments (4)
As far as I'm concerned, there's no such thing as too much light in a bathroom. After all, they don't all need to be on at the same time. Yep, an overhead light, vanity light(s), AND.... I would definitely recommend a light in the shower. That way, the shower space isn't spooky when you draw the shower curtain. No shower curtain? There will be shadows from the walls. You will think you haven't shaved for 3 weeks..... Lights installed in showers have to be a special kind..... I forget what it's called. On more general bathroom planning ideas..... consider blocking on the empty walls in case you want to add shelving, or several towels bars, or might later on need grab bars. Also, put an electric outlet in that 92" wall, in case you want to plug something in later, like a towel warmer, small heater, electronic scale, etc.
...See More
pinch_me
13 years ago
There is no such thing as too much light! You'll appreciate it next Novenber when the days are dark.
macybaby
13 years ago
I'm another in the "as much as I could get" camp for light under the cabinets. I like a lot of light when I'm working, and I don't have much interest in "mood" lighting. Mine are xenon with a high/low toggle, so I can have a softer glow if I ever want one.

This is a 42" cabinet and we have three 12" bars (6 lights total).

Got lucky - Lowes was closing out of the White and I got them for $8 each instead of the $24 regular price. Now they only have the black model in stock.

Related Stories

ORGANIZING File Your Cabinet Under 'Repurposed'

By Bneato Professional Organizing

Give that dinosaur of a filing cabinet a second life as a planter, as storage in an entryway or even as a side table

Full Story

Guest Picks: 20 Sconces for Under $100

By MFAMB aka Jenny

Jenny of My Favorite and My Best Finds Gorgeous Lights That Won't Break the Bank

Full Story

LIFE Reading in Bed Comes Out From Under the Covers

By Lisa Frederick

No more sneaking a flashlight beneath the sheets. Grown-up bedtime reading deserves grown-up lighting and other bedside amenities

Full Story

PRODUCT PICKS Guest Picks: A Bounty of Baskets Under $50

By Trina McNeilly

You'll have stylish organization in the bag — not to mention art and lighting — with great baskets like these

Full Story

KITCHEN CABINETS Cabinets 101: How to Work With Cabinet Designers and Cabinetmakers

By Matt Clawson

Understand your vision and ask the right questions to get your dream cabinets

Full Story

STAIRWAYS Need More Space? Look Under the Stairs

By Becky Harris

Use that extra room under a stairway for extra storage, office space or a secret hideaway

Full Story

SHOP HOUZZ Shop Houzz: Your Favorite Pendant Lighting Under $199

By Houzz

Light up your home on a budget with our popular pendants and chandeliers

Full Story

SHOP HOUZZ Shop Houzz: Our Favorite Ceiling Lights Under $100

By Houzz

Illuminate your interiors with wallet-friendly ceiling lights

Full Story

SHOP HOUZZ Shop Houzz: Our Most Popular Lighting Under $99

By Houzz

Pendants, sconces and chandeliers so budget-friendly, you can update every room

Full Story

SHOP HOUZZ Shop Houzz: Industrial Chic Bathroom Lighting Under $199

By Houzz

Urban-style bath sconces and pendants in dark finishes and bright colors

Full Story

How much under cabinet lighting do I need?

Comments (4)

mountaineergirl

mountaineergirl

Related Discussions

pinch_me

macybaby

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US