Under Cabinet Lighting Systems come in a variety of installation types, from hardwired or direct-wire light fixtures, to wireless models, or even plug-in lighting requiring direct connection to a power outlet. LED under cabinet direct wire lighting offers the most customizability due to its lack of cords and cables, but oftentimes requires an expert electrician for installation. On the other hand, direct wire or plug-in lighting is simpler to install, but requires a nearby 120 volt outlet and time out of your day to properly set up. The best time to install wiring for under cabinet lighting is during a home remodeling before walls are covered with drywall, but by carefully following these step-by-step wiring plans, you may be able to install your very own LED under cabinet lighting with little practice and almost no visible damage to the walls. 

The three main types of LED under cabinet lighting are light bars, puck lights, and strip lights. 

LED Light Bars offer the most professional, uniform look and are especially common in kitchens where they can be mounted beneath cabinets and countertops. Light bars have a slim profile, which makes them an excellent choice for areas with tight corners or underneath L-shaped cabinets. These lights can also be linked to each other using daisy chain connectors or cables so that your entire lighting system can be controlled from a single light switch. 

Puck Lights, with a diameter of only 1-4 inches, are the preferred choice for interior designers as they create a “pooling” effect that adds more precise lighting to an area. While these lights are smaller in size, they still emit as much brightness as traditional light sources, creating an effect that can be too dramatic if not intentionally placed. However, these lights offer the added benefit of being battery powered, lowering their purchase cost and energy consumption compared to other LED under cabinet fixtures. Puck lights are also ideal for inside closets, bookcases, bathrooms, and cupboards. 

Strip Lights or Tape Lights are the third and most affordable easy-to-install option with a shallow profile, allowing for more versatility in where they’re placed. Strip lights can be mounted to the underside of virtually any surface and cut down or connected together into customizable sizes to fit hard-to-reach areas such as drawers and deep cabinets. These lights are also a popular choice for outdoor decks and walkways.

One characteristic about LED under cabinet lighting that sets it apart from traditional wired lighting options is the ease of adjustability and range of custom settings. Most under cabinet lights can be paired with dimmer switches and color customizers fully operated from your cell phone. Dimmer controls allow you to adjust the light levels in a room to create ambiance – lower lighting for a cozy atmosphere during friend or family gatherings, or brighter lighting to make tasks like cooking or cleaning a breeze. Setting the color temperature of your LED under cabinet lighting will have a direct effect on the look and feel of your space as well. Measured in Kelvin (K), there are three common ranges: