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Design Dilemma Kitchens Lighting

under cabinet outlet strip and light

jessica federspill

3 years ago

Is it worth the money to have an under cabinet outlet strip with lights versus the outlets on the backsplash? My final look is the picture with white top cabinets but they are the same layout where you see one with outlets and one without. I was going to get under the cabinet lights regardless and they are all wired on the same circuit with dimmers. $350 per strip for size I need (then add on labor). But nice clean look on both sides of my stove. I am working with a

budget....

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Comments (3)

Matt E.
3 years ago
If you plan to leave anything plugged into those outlets, the cords hanging down from the strip under the cabinet will look far messier than having the outlets in the backsplash. Not to mention it’s annoying to have to crane your head under the cabinet to plug things in.

And if you go with outlets in the backsplash (which is what I would do), I’d recommend having them lower down than in your rendering — they should be much closer to the countertop.
chispa
3 years ago
I would choose to use the outlet strip (plugmold) in those 2 sections, but not if you plan to leave a small appliance plugged in regularly.
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Hi Everyone, Getting ready to install new wall cabinets in my kitchen reno. Rather then going with the traditional boxed under cabinet lights I would like to go with RGB LED strips that are controllable from a dimmable wall switch. I am fine with controlling colour from a remote app, but would like the lights power controlled with a wall switch. I am a bit unclear on how to accomplish this since most seem to be designed/equipped to use a traditional 12v power transformer/brick and small handheld remotes. Not sure if I need a power converter to convert to standard 14/2 hardwired connection or if there are led strips designed for this connection method. I do have a valence, so the strips are not being done to accommodate a limitation, it is for flexibility in changing the colour, as well as having continuous light across the entire underside without having any gaps in the light output, or butting traditional boxed fixtures end-to-end. Looking for some guidance and open to suggestions, opinions and recommendations. Thanks!
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raee_gw zone 5b-6a Ohio
3 years ago
The renditions seem to have the lights positioned at the back of the cabinets - based on the backsplash being so lit. You want them at the front of the cabinets to better light your work surface. So, that might determine if you choose the combo with outlets or not.

Reaching and peering up under the cabs to plug things in would annoy me more than the visible outlets in the backsplash. YMMV!

If you do put outlets in the backsplash, do position them as low as is safe (not so low to put them at risk of contact with liquid) and turned horizontally - less obvious that way.
jessica federspill thanked raee_gw zone 5b-6a Ohio

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