Lighting Types
Cabinet Lighting
Cabinet lighting encompasses task and accent lighting installed under, inside, or above cabinets to illuminate work surfaces, showcase displays, and enhance functionality. Under-cabinet lighting is essential for kitchen task work, illuminating countertops where upper cabinets create shadows. Interior cabinet lighting showcases glassware and collectibles in display cabinets, while above-cabinet lighting creates ambient uplight in spaces with high ceilings.
Modern cabinet lighting primarily uses LED technology in strip or puck configurations, offering long life, minimal heat, and energy efficiency. Under-cabinet lights should be positioned toward the front edge of cabinets to avoid shadows and provide even work surface illumination. Interior cabinet lights work best with glass shelves and glass cabinet backs to allow light to pass through multiple levels. Many systems now include dimming and color temperature adjustment.
Key Characteristics
- ✓Installed under, inside, or above cabinets
- ✓Provides task lighting for work surfaces
- ✓Showcases cabinet contents
- ✓LED technology predominant
- ✓Low heat and energy efficient
- ✓Available in strip or puck formats
Types & Variations
Under-cabinet LED strip lighting
LED puck lights (individual discs)
Linear light bars
Interior cabinet lighting
Above-cabinet ambient uplighting
Works Well With These Styles
Placement & Usage Tips
Install under-cabinet lighting toward the front edge of cabinets, not against the wall, to illuminate the full countertop depth. Use aluminum channels to diffuse LED strips and create clean, even light without visible dots. For interior cabinet lighting, install strips along the top and bottom of glass shelves for multi-level illumination. Connect to dimmer switches for flexibility.
💡 Pro Tip
Choose warm white (2700-3000K) under-cabinet lighting for kitchen task areas—cool white light makes food prep spaces feel clinical and uninviting. Warm light creates appealing ambiance while still providing excellent task illumination. Install lights on the same circuit as overhead lights so they operate together seamlessly.