The days when the kitchen space was illuminated with a single ceiling lamp are long gone. Modern kitchens boast advanced methods of lighting selected areas, such as the stove, worktop, or kitchen island. Increasingly, we also opt for LED under-cabinet lighting, which creates a unique atmosphere in any room. Wondering how to install an LED strip in your kitchen? Check out our tips, it's really simple.
Why choose LED strips?
LED strips allow for convenient lighting of a selected part of the kitchen, especially when used as under-cabinet lighting. They provide accurate illumination of the entire worktop surface, which makes preparing meals easier. It's also worth noting that LED strips are a very economical solution, particularly compared to traditional incandescent lamps. They also offer a very convenient way to illuminate interiors, as LED strips can be installed even in spots without easy access to power, with some models operating on batteries.
LED light under cabinets achieves a very interesting visual effect, as there is the possibility of adjusting the light’s intensity, and you can choose a colored LED strip to match the color of the light to your mood. Placing lights under the cabinet is the easiest way to highlight unique furniture, while a strip inside the cabinet shows off elegant tableware or stylish glasses.
LED lighting – What to consider before buying
Before deciding to buy LED tape, you must pay attention to several features that this type of under-cabinet lighting may possess:
color of emitted light
strip light power
strip length
Depending on whether you want to significantly illuminate the countertop or are looking for additional lighting, you can choose LEDs of different intensities. As for the color of the emitted light, it’s subjective; some prefer neutral light, while others may choose warm colors reminiscent of sunlight. It's best to adjust the strip length to the length of the kitchen cabinets. However, strips can usually be cut and connected to achieve the desired length.
The last thing to remember before purchasing is access to electrical installation. If you plan to install under-cabinet lighting away from the nearest outlet and don't want cords trailing along the cabinets, choose strips with battery power, which is a very practical solution that simplifies lighting installation.
Installing LED strips, step by step
LED lighting can be installed independently under a cabinet. However, it's worth having the necessary accessories and tools to make the job easier. You will need not only the LED strip but also profiles, an appropriately chosen power supply, and a power cable. Under-cabinet lighting is most often installed inside aluminum profiles fixed to the cabinet base. Usually, these are corner profiles attached where the cabinet meets the wall. Mounting in the profile ensures safe use of this type of lighting, as it allows proper heat dissipation generated by the lamps.
Start by installing the chosen LED strip in the appropriate aluminum profile – the strip attaches easily to it. It's best to use special double-sided tape included in the set, ensuring optimal adhesion. The next step is to connect the LED strip to the power supply. How this is done depends on the chosen power supply; in simpler versions, wires are screwed to the transformer, while in more advanced versions, they must be soldered. Now you can attach the profile with the lighting in the selected spot in the kitchen and connect it to the power source or insert the appropriate battery into the power supply. Light sources on kitchen furniture, or nicely arranged under-cabinet LED lighting, are both a great solution for any kitchen, as it’s simply very practical kitchen lighting, useful every day and helpful during cutting, cooking, or other kitchen tasks.