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Lighting Kitchens

Undercabinet lighting recommendations

5 years ago

Hi all,

I'm debating between two undercabinet lighting systems and thought I'd see if anyone has opinions on either. I have a simple setup with two cabinets that need lighting (36" and 30") separated by a window/sink. These are IKEA cabinets and they are not installed yet. I'd like to link the lights together via a cord through wall, but haven't researched if that's possible yet. Will use one switch to control them. The two lighting systems I'm looking at are:

1) GM Lighting Larc6 LED light bar. https://www.beeslighting.com/gm-lighting-led-lightbar/p/LARC6-32-WW-W

These are very low profile. Cons are that they they have a CRI of 80 and are 24V so requires low voltage dimmer switch (which I will purchase). They also only come in 3000K - I think I'd prefer 2700.

2) Noble Pro LED light bar.

https://www.lampsplus.com/products/noble-pro-32-inch-white-plug-hardwire-led-undercabinet-light__8t003.html

These are 1" profile, but should be OK with the amount of recess I have under cabinet. I like that it can be hardwired without external transformer, but requires purchasing separate hardwire kit. Can use a normal dimmer. They have a switch allowing selection of 2700k,3000k,4000k.

In the end the Noble is nearly twice as expensive (although I haven't shopped around yet), but I like the hardwired option and color selection option since I won't be seeing them in person.

If anyone has these in their kitchen and can comment on how they like them or if anyone has any general comments/thoughts, that would be great!

Thank you!

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Comments (5)

User
5 years ago
No bars. LED tape lights.
uncgdc_7b
Original Author
5 years ago
My understanding of the LED tape lights is that I will see the diodes on the counter - is that not true of all brands?
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Andrea - I looked through my kitchen materials and didn't find it - I think it might be this as I have a vague recollection of "wire mold". For code - you must have a GFCI version. Ours are black, the link shows an ivory version - the key is the strip of angle wood to mount it - much better than the commercial version which actually mounts on the backsplash just under the cabinet trim. I am not sure of the brand but the HD version looks like it might be a match. http://www.legrand.us/wiremold/at-home/surge-protection-and-power-strips/v20gb506-plugmold-multi-outlet-ivory.aspx#.UWBQ8r-wtzo I also found ivory at Home Depot http://www.homedepot.com/p/Wiremold-Legrand-Plugmold-6-Outlet-Ivory-Hardwire-3-ft-V20GB306/100657491#.UWBW5r-wtzo One thing to remember - if you leave something plugged in all of the time - you will have the dangling cord - which is why I chickened out - in retrospect, I would have used an air/laser switch for my disposal and nuked the wall switch at that location. Used only one switch for UCL and nuked the wall outlet in my baking area. The corner outlet - take it or leave it - DH leaves his coffee machine plugged in. 2LittleFishies - mounted standard boxes under her cabinets. Hope this is somewhat helpful.
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That wall would be my backsplash wall and so I would think it would look awkward to tile around it. Plus, the spot I had in mind was under the corner cabinet, since that counter goes back further and has never been terribly usable space anyway. Setting it on the counter top may be an option but I liked the fact that you can put the swivel sets up flush with the cabinets when you're not using them, if you needed that counter space for something. I like the versatility of that, as opposed to having one that sits on the counter all the time. Surely, someone has one that's not been too awful??
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I believe our electrician uses Kichler a lot.
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User
5 years ago
You can order a diffuser if that bothers you. It’s really not an issue at all to most people if the lights are installed in the proper position. They should be installed on the rear of the light rail, shining towards the wall when you use tape.
Joe T.
5 years ago
Here's a pic showing the reflection of 3000k LED tape through a diffuser. The light is nice and even, and in the reflection looks almost continuous. When you look at the lights, you can see the individual diodes, but most of my lights can't be seen normally, unless you stick your head under a cabinet.

Where I use tape light for up lighting, I don't use a diffuser, and the light is still nice and even.
uncgdc_7b
Original Author
5 years ago
Thanks Joe, that's helpful. It's hard to find good pictures of under cabinet lighting

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