Under Cabinet Lighting

What Is Under Cabinet Lighting?

Under cabinet lighting fits beneath wall cabinets or shelves to illuminate the surface below. In kitchens, it adds task lighting to worktops where ceiling lights may leave shadows. LED strips, bars, puck lights and slim panels offer different ways to suit your cabinet layout.

Choose the fitting shape for the coverage you need, then check its light output, mounting method and power supply. LED lighting can use less electricity than older halogen fittings for comparable light output, but running costs depend on the total wattage and hours of use.

Types of Under Cabinet Lighting

For longer worktops, start with strips or linkable bars. For separate cabinet sections, consider individual puck or panel fittings. Check the dimensions and required accessories before ordering.

LED Strip Lights

LED strip lights follow the length of the cabinet for a continuous lighting effect. Cut only at the strip's marked intervals, and allow for connectors at corners or gaps. Check the specified driver and consider a compatible aluminium profile for a tidy finish.

LED Light Bars

Linkable LED light bars are ready-made fittings in fixed lengths. They suit straight cabinet runs, with compatible link leads used where direct connections are unsuitable. Allow space for connectors and follow the maximum linking limits for the particular range.

Puck Lights

Puck lights create separate pools of light for individual cabinets, shelves or smaller work areas. The 75mm round white cabinet light is one compact option. Check spacing and beam coverage so that a longer worktop does not have dark gaps between fittings.

Surface Mounted Cabinet Lights

Surface-mounted fittings attach beneath the cabinet without a recessed cut-out. Slim LED flat panel lights can help where there is little depth behind the cabinet edge. Follow the fitting's specified fixing method and allow space for its cable and any separate driver.

Recessed & Integrated Cabinet Lights

Recessed fittings sit within a cut-out for a flush finish. Check the required cut-out, depth and cabinet thickness before choosing them. Integrated LEDs have the light source built into the fitting; this does not necessarily mean the fitting is recessed.

Where to Use Under Cabinet Lights

Match the fitting to the location as well as the furniture. Dry indoor cabinets and areas exposed to moisture or heat have different requirements.

Kitchen Worktops & Food Preparation Areas

Under cabinet lights supplement kitchen downlights by directing light onto worktops. Plan coverage across each preparation area. Linkable fittings can suit longer runs, while multi-pack options provide several individual lights for separate cabinet sections.

Bathroom Mirror Cabinets & Vanity Units

Only use cabinet lights in a bathroom when the product is suitable for the installation position. Requirements depend on the bathroom zone and exposure to water; an IP rating alone does not establish suitability. Have an electrician confirm the fitting, supply and location. IP20 kitchen fittings are not protected against water.

Bedroom Storage & Display Shelving

Strips, bars and compact fittings can illuminate wardrobes and display shelves. Check cable routes, door movement and whether a compatible sensor is needed. Keep the installation clear of stored items as directed by the manufacturer.

Office Desks & Workspaces

Lighting beneath shelves can add task light to a desk. Super-slim under cabinet lights offer a discreet option. Check the chosen model's light colour and controls, and position it to avoid reflections on screens.

How to Choose the Right Under Cabinet Lighting

Compare the following before choosing your fittings. For specific product examples and trade-offs, see our guide to the best under-cabinet lighting for kitchens.

Brightness & Colour Temperature Guide

Compare lumens for light output and watts for power consumption. There is no single lumens-per-metre figure that suits every kitchen: cabinet height, worktop depth, surface finishes and fitting spacing all affect the result. Compare whole-fitting output with whole-fitting output, or strip output per metre with the same length.

• Warm white (2700K–3000K): a warmer appearance for a cosy kitchen or open-plan room.
• Natural white (4000K): a neutral-looking option for everyday worktop lighting.
• Cool white (around 6000K): a cooler appearance if that suits your preference and existing lights.

Kelvin describes light colour, not brightness or colour accuracy. Colour Rendering Index (CRI) is a separate specification describing colour rendering; check the individual product where this matters to you. A colour-switchable fitting lets you choose between its supported white-light settings.

Power Options: Which Is Right for You?

• Plug-in: choose a system supplied with the correct plug and power supply if you want to use an existing suitable socket.
• Hardwired: suitable for a permanent connection to fixed wiring; use a qualified electrician.
• Battery-powered: useful where a mains connection is inconvenient, with charging or battery replacement to plan for.

Low-voltage fittings need the specified LED driver, which may be included in a kit or sold separately. Match the output voltage, load and connector system. Mains fittings with built-in control gear need no separate external driver.

If you want dimming or smart control, check the complete light, driver and controller combination before buying. Colour switching alone does not mean a light is dimmable.

For cupboards, shelving and fitted furniture, explore Lighteez plug-and-play cabinet and furniture lighting. Combine compatible cabinet lights, prepared LED strip and illuminated profiles using the same connection system, then choose a suitable Lighteez driver.

Measuring & Planning Your Installation

Measure each usable cabinet run, including gaps and corners. Check the fitting's width and depth, connector clearance, cable lengths and where the driver will sit. Keep the driver accessible and allow the ventilation its instructions require.

Check which cabinet lighting accessories you need, including compatible extension leads, connectors or sensors. Do not assume similar-looking plugs are interchangeable.

Choosing Under Cabinet Lighting for Kitchens

For a continuous line of light, compare LED strip and linkable bars. For individual cabinets, compare puck, panel and multi-light kits. A natural-white 4000K option is a useful starting point, but warm white can also provide task lighting when output and coverage are suitable.

Check the proposed position before permanent fixing. Aim for even light on the worktop without glare from glossy surfaces or a cabinet lip blocking the beam. Select fittings suitable for any moisture or heat exposure near sinks or hobs.

Installing Under Cabinet Lighting

Installation depends on the product and its power supply. Follow the supplied instructions and use the mounting parts specified for that fitting.

Your Installation Options

• Plug-in lights: mount the fittings, route their cables and connect the supplied compatible power supply to a suitable socket as instructed.
• Battery-powered lights: use the specified mount and leave access for charging or changing batteries.
• Hardwired lights: have a qualified electrician make the connection to fixed wiring and confirm any controls.

Installation Tips That Matter

1. Check light coverage and reflections before fixing the fittings permanently.
2. Plan cable routes and accessible driver positions before ordering.
3. Follow voltage, loading and linking limits; never connect a low-voltage fitting directly to mains.
4. Confirm suitability for the location, particularly near water or heat.

Why Buy Under Cabinet Lighting from Simple Lighting?

Compare individual fittings, linkable bars and multi-light kits from a UK lighting specialist. If you need help matching components, send us your cabinet measurements, preferred light colour and control requirements.

Our in-house UK cut-and-solder service can prepare suitable LED strip runs to the product's permitted cutting intervals. Check the selected strip and specify each required length. For a broader comparison before you order, use the under-cabinet buying guide.