Kitchen Lighting Upgrade - Transform Dark Cabinets with LED Strip Lights

Tired of struggling to cook and prep food in a dark, dreary kitchen? Dingy under cabinet lighting accentuates the unflattering shadows on your face rather than illuminating your countertops. But brightening up those gloomy spaces is easier than you think. With slim, energy-efficient LED strip lights, you can highlight and transform even the dankest kitchen in a weekend.

Upgrading old xenon or halogen fixtures to sleek LEDs can make a world of difference. Crisp, white light eliminates shadows and puts your beautiful counters and backsplashes center stage—not the dark corners of your cabinets. Follow this guide to learn how to plan, install, and light up your kitchen like the gorgeous showpiece it deserves to be.

Planning Your New Under Cabinet Lighting Design

The first step in your kitchen lighting renovation is deciding on the right lighting for your specific needs. Strip lights or puck lights? Warm white or bright light? Build a custom LED layout tailored to your cabinets and cooking style.

Choosing Between LED Strip Lights vs Puck Lights

Strip lights cast an even glow across your whole under cabinet area, ensuring consistent lighting on countertops and backsplashes. Discrete puck lights can spotlight task zones like sinks or stovetops. Most kitchens rely on LED strip lighting to banish shadows and provide uniform brightness as you move around.

Pucks come in handy for accenting specific work areas. For example, installing a puck light over the stove illuminates pots and pans while strips wash the rest of the counter in soft light. Combine both for the best of both worlds.

Calculating How Much Light You Need

To determine how many LED strip lights to purchase, calculate the total linear footage under your cabinets. Experts recommend between 300 to 500 lumens per linear foot for sufficient kitchen task lighting. Measure each section of cabinetry and multiply by the lumens per foot that fits your space.

Also factor in ambient lighting. If you have good overhead fixtures or windows already providing general light, you may need fewer lumens from under cabinet strips. But for dark, windowless kitchens, do not skimp on lighting output.

Picking Light Color Temperature

Light color ranges from warm white (2700-3000 kelvin) to bright cool white (3500-4100K). Lower kelvin gives a soft, cozy ambiance. Higher kelvin mimics natural daylight and provides the crispest illumination for food prep tasks.

Consider when you use your kitchen most. Warm white creates a relaxed evening atmosphere. Clean, bright light is better for busy morning cooking. You can even install separate switches for daytime and nighttime lighting.

Shopping for LED Lighting Kits or Components

Complete LED lighting kits contain everything you need for installation, like the strip lights, power supply, and mounting hardware. Kits work well for basic designs. But buying individual components allows you to customize lengths and output.

Either way, ensure your LEDs are designed for under cabinet use and not general residential lighting. Kitchen lights need durable moisture resistance since spills and steaming are inevitable.

Installing Under Cabinet LED Lights

Once you have all the supplies, it’s time to install your new energy-efficient LEDs. With the cabinets cleared and the power turned off, transforming your kitchen into a brightly lit dream is straightforward.

Gathering Supplies

To install under cabinet lighting, you'll need:

• LED strip lights or puck lights
• 12V power supply
• Junction box to connect wires
• Mounting hardware - screws, clips, adhesive strips
• Electrical supplies like wire, wire nuts, connectors
• Basic tools - screwdriver, staple gun, wire strippers, ladder

Mounting the LED Lights

First, thoroughly clean underneath the cabinets to ensure tapes and adhesives stick properly. Determine your layout - whether in a single strip or multiple segments. Affix the LEDs straight and evenly using the provided clips, screws, or adhesive strips.

Avoid uneven bunching of the lights and make sure there are no dark spots left unlit. The key is smooth, continuous lighting from end to end. This provides the best illumination when working at counters and sinks.

Wiring the Under Cabinet Lights

With all lights mounted, it’s time to wire them together. Connect the LED strips or pucks in continuous runs, or zone them into groups controlled by separate switches.

Run wiring neatly through the cabinets to junction boxes installed nearby. Connect all the low voltage light wires and test them before capping the boxes. Make final connections to the 12V power supply and bask in the beautiful glow of your new lighting!

Troubleshooting Under Cabinet Light Problems

Under counter LEDs are reliable, but issues can arise. If your lights malfunction, try these tips before calling an electrician:

Lights Not Turning On

Check all connections and wires for damage. Bypass lights to test directly on the power supply. If lights still won't activate, the problem is with the wiring or supply.

Some Lights Not Working

Inspect for any loose wires inside light strips and reconnect. Test each segment individually to locate the problematic section, then replace if defective.

Flickering Lights

Flickering usually indicates a faulty connection. Check all wires are properly secured. Also confirm the power supply provides sufficient constant voltage to all LED segments.

Buzzing Noise

A buzz or hum points to a wiring short. Tighten all loose light and wire connections. Also separate line voltage wires from the low voltage lighting to avoid interference.

Safety Tips for Under Cabinet Installs

Any electrical project involves hazards. But with proper precautions, under cabinet lighting is a DIY project within reach. Be sure to:

• Turn off power at the circuit breaker
• Use insulated tools and wear gloves when handling wires
• Keep low voltage and 120V household wiring separated
• Follow local building codes for approved installation methods

The Benefits of Upgraded Under Cabinet Lighting

With your new LEDs installed, you can enjoy:

• Focused, energy-efficient light where you need it most
• Crisp, bright illumination for food prep and cooking
• Ambient lighting to make your beautiful kitchen shine
• Long-lasting LEDs mean fewer replacements down the road

Well-designed under cabinet lighting highlights your kitchen's best features instead of hiding them in shadow. And there’s nothing more satisfying than cooking in a gorgeously lit, open workspace.

If tackling the electrical work makes you nervous, consult a qualified electrician. But for many kitchens, installing under cabinet lighting is an achievable DIY renovation.

Be prepared for some careful wiring, cabinet modifications, and patience getting the layout just right. But the payoff is well worth it. You’ll love cooking in a bright, inviting kitchen.

Why tolerate dreary, dated under cabinet lighting for another day? With this guide, you can upgrade to beautiful, energy-efficient LEDs that transform your kitchen from drab to fab. Let there be light under your cabinets!