Brighten Your Kitchen Sink Area With Energy Efficient LED Lighting

The kitchen sink area is one of the most used spaces in any home. Having adequate and energy efficient lighting over the sink is essential for completing kitchen tasks safely and comfortably.

Upgrading to LED lighting is one of the best ways to brighten up your sink area while saving energy and money in the long run. Keep reading to learn about the benefits of LEDs and get tips on the various LED lighting options perfect for over the kitchen sink.

Benefits of Installing LED Lighting Over the Kitchen Sink

LED lighting offers many advantages that make it the ideal choice for over the sink lighting:

• Energy Efficiency - LEDs consume up to 80% less power than incandescent bulbs.
• Cost Savings - The energy efficiency leads to lower electricity bills.
• Long Lifespan - LED bulbs can last over 50,000 hours compared to 1,000 for incandescents.
• Durability - LEDs are sturdy and resistant to vibrations and external shock.
• Eco-Friendly - LEDs are free of toxic chemicals like mercury.
• Directional Light - LEDs distribute light in a focused direction, perfect for task lighting.
• Color Options - Choose from warm, cool, or daylight color temperatures.

Installing LED lighting over the sink will provide abundant illumination right where you need it most for washing dishes, preparing food, and other kitchen tasks.

Under Cabinet LED Lighting

One great option for over the sink lighting is installing LED strip lights under your kitchen cabinets. This focuses light right on the work areas below without glare.

Choosing Under Cabinet LED Strips

When selecting under cabinet LED strips, consider factors like:

• Lumens - Choose enough brightness for your needs.
• Color Temperature - Warm white is relaxing while cool white is energizing.
• Adjustability - Dimmable strips allow you to control brightness.
• Ease of Installation - Opt for simpler plug-in rather than hardwired.

Quality name brand LED strip kits from companies like Commercial Electric, Puck Lights or OxyLED offer performance and longevity.

Installing Under Cabinet LED Strip Lights

Installing LED strip lighting under your kitchen cabinets is a straightforward DIY project. Follow these steps:

1. Clean and dry the underside of cabinets where strips will be installed.
2. Determine required length and cut LED strip to fit using scissors.
3. Peel off adhesive backing and press strip to cabinet surface.
4. Connect light strip to power source, either plug-in adapter or hardwired.
5. Turn lights on and test for proper functioning.

Be sure to carefully follow manufacturer instructions for safe and effective under cabinet LED strip installation.

LED Pendant Lights Over the Sink

Pendant lights suspended over the sink provide both excellent task lighting and a stylish focal point. LED pendants are an energy efficient option for illuminating your kitchen workspaces in style.

Tips for Positioning LED Pendant Lights

Proper placement is key for LED pendant lights over the sink. Follow these guidelines:

• Hang pendants 30-36 inches above the counter for ideal illumination.
• For islands, suspend pendants 25-30 inches above the surface.
• Allow for adjustable height with cord lengths up to 48 inches.
• Stagger multiple pendants in a linear or triangular arrangement.

Experiment with pendant placement until you achieve the perfect spread of light for your food prep and cleanup tasks.

Choosing the Best LED Pendant Lights

When picking LED pendants, consider light output, style, and features:

• Lumens - Choose brightness appropriate for intended use.
• Style - Match pendant shape and finish to your kitchen decor.
• Size - Scale pendant size to the sink and kitchen size.
• Smart Options - Look for dimmable, tunable, and app-controlled.

Top name brands like Hampton Bay, Progress Lighting, and Inooffer quality and performance with kitchen-friendly LED pendant options.

Installing Pendant Lights Over the Sink

To install pendant lights over your kitchen sink:

1. Turn off circuit breaker supplying power to installation area.
2. Follow mounting instructions to securely install pendant hardware.
3. Make wiring connections between fixtures and supply wires.
4. Adjust pendant height and direction as needed.
5. Turn circuit breaker back on and test lights are working properly.

Hiring an electrician is recommended if you are uncomfortable dealing with electrical wiring. Place pendants carefully to maximize lighting utility.

Upgrading Existing Fixtures to LED Bulbs

Replacing old bulbs with LEDs is a simple upgrade that can drastically improve your existing kitchen lighting. The long-lasting LED bulbs will provide energy efficient illumination over the sink.

Choosing the Right LED Bulbs

Pick LED bulbs suited for use in kitchen fixtures:

• Lumens - Select enough brightness to replace old bulbs.
• Color Temperature - Pick warm or cool tones.
• Shape - Choose common shapes like A19 or BR30.
• Dimmable - For adjustable light levels.

Brands like Philips, Cree and GE offer quality LED bulbs designed to work in all common light fixtures.

Tips for Installing LED Bulbs

Follow these tips when installing LED bulbs in existing kitchen fixtures:

• Check compatibility of fixtures, switches and dimmers.
• Handle new bulbs carefully to avoid oil damage.
• Screw or lock bulbs securely into sockets.
• Test lights and replace any bulbs that flicker or buzz.

Take care when handling LED bulbs and installing them correctly to maximize performance and longevity.

Upgrading your kitchen lighting to energy efficient LEDs can make a huge difference over the sink. Brighter task lighting and lower energy bills are just a few of the benefits.

Whether you install under cabinet strips, pendant lights or new LED bulbs, you're sure to notice the improvements while prepping meals and cleaning dishes. Your kitchen will not only be more functional but also more stylish.