Love Your Kitchen's New Look with Cam Lighting

Is your kitchen looking dull and dim? Do you struggle to see clearly when prepping meals or washing dishes? It may be time to brighten up your space with cam lighting.

Cam lights provide focused, task-specific illumination under your kitchen cabinets. This affordable lighting can illuminate work zones, reduce shadows and glare, and give your kitchen a fresh new look.

Cam Lighting Options for Your Kitchen

There are two main types of cam lights to consider for under cabinet installation - LED puck lights and LED strip lights.

LED Puck Lights

LED puck lights are compact, circular lights that pack a lot of brightness into a small fixture. They are self-contained units that don't require complex wiring. Puck lights mount easily to the underside of cabinets and provide very directed task lighting.

Pros of puck lights:

• Very affordable option
• Simple to install, even for DIY
• Directed beam of light

Cons to consider:

• Can cause a spotlight effect if spacing is off
• Not as visually appealing as strip lights
• Individual fixtures can create a busier look

LED Strip Lights

LED strip lights consist of numerous LED bulbs lined up in a continuous row on a flexible strip. This strip can be cut to the desired length for a seamless install.

Pros of strip lights:

• Creates a soft, uniform light
• Very slim profile blends into cabinets
• Can be shaped around corners and edges

Potential cons to note:

• More expensive than puck lights
• Connections between strips may be visible
• Requires slightly more wiring know-how

Comparing Puck vs. Strip Lights

When deciding between puck and strip lighting, consider the overall brightness, spread of light, and visual look you want. Puck lights deliver a focused beam while strips cast a wider glow. Strips tend to look more integrated for a subtle accent effect. Evaluate ease of installation - puck lights involve simpler wiring while strips take a bit more know-how to connect multiple segments.

Ideal Placement of Cam Lights

Proper placement is key to maximizing the benefits of cam lights. Consider installing them in the following strategic spots:

Over sinks

Focus cam lights over sinks, stoves, and other prep areas where you need to see clearly without shadows or glare while washing dishes and cooking.

Under cabinets

Center cam lights at 12-18 inch intervals underneath wall cabinets and peninsulas to provide ample countertop illumination for food prep tasks, reading recipes, and more.

Over islands

Accent cam lights focused over a kitchen island add drama while also providing light for dining and socializing. Use them to highlight decorative features or the island's surface.

Inside cabinets

Consider small battery-powered cam lights inside cabinets to illuminate contents. Convenience lights let you easily see everything stored on shelves.

Installation Tips and Process for Cam Lights

Installing cam lighting is a DIY-friendly project, though you can hire an electrician if you prefer. Follow these tips for a smooth installation:

• Choose lighting layout and positions based on your kitchen's needs.
• Gather required tools - drill, screwdriver, ladder, measuring tape, etc.
• Check electrical load limits and wiring considerations.
• Clean cabinet surfaces so lights adhere properly.
• Follow product instructions carefully for safe installation.
• Connect lights to power source and test them out.

There are many detailed video tutorials online walking through the cam light install process for both puck and strip lights. Take it slow and be mindful of electrical safety.

Transform Your Kitchen with Cam Lighting

The difference cam lighting can make in a kitchen remodel or update is amazing. Just look at these kitchen makeovers enhanced with cam lights:

[Before and after photos showing kitchens lit up with cam lighting]

Many homeowners love the results of their new energy-efficient cam lighting:

"The focused task lighting makes cooking so much easier and safer. I can see everything on my countertops clearly now!"

"I changed all my old cabinet lighting to LED strips. The soft glow makes my kitchen feel so much more modern and stylish now."

"Adding puck lights really accentuated my farmhouse sink and backsplash. It gives my kitchen personality."

The sleek, low-profile design of cam lights blends into your existing decor beautifully. Play with the placement and mix light tones and types to highlight your personal style.

FAQs About Cam Lights

What are the benefits of cam lights?

The main benefits are brighter task-specific lighting, energy efficiency with LEDs, accentuating style, and affordable cost to transform the kitchen.

Where should I position cam lights?

Focus lights over key work zones like sinks, stoves, islands, and countertops. Center them 12-18 inches apart under cabinets.

What's the best type - puck or strip?

It depends on your goals. Puck lights offer focused beams of light. Strips provide softer, uniform light. Evaluate brightness needs and visual appeal.

Installation involves mounting the self-adhesive lights, connecting wiring, and testing. Use product guides and online tutorials. DIY or hire an electrician.