Installing under-cabinet lighting is a practical solution to improve kitchen lighting while enhancing its aesthetic appearance. By using LED strips or LED strips under a piece of furniture, you benefit from lighting adapted to the specific needs of this room.
This article offers you a detailed guide to easily install this type of lighting, following the advice and recommendations of renovation experts.
Whether you are in the middle of a renovation project or simply looking for a better lighting solution, you will find all the information you need here.
Why choose under-cabinet lighting for your kitchen?
Improving kitchen efficiency and safety
Under-cabinet lighting, such as LED strips or LED strips under a cabinet , helps optimize kitchen lighting. It provides bright white light for the worktop, where precision is essential, especially when cooking.
In addition to providing better visibility, this also helps improve safety in the kitchen by eliminating shadow areas, making everyday tasks like cooking safer.
An energy-saving option
LED strip lights and LED strip lights are very energy efficient, which helps reduce electricity consumption. In fact, LED under kitchen cabinet lights are designed to consume little while providing high light output.
These solutions are therefore ideal for households wishing to optimize their energy bill . With a high lumen output per watt, kitchen LEDs allow you to enjoy optimal brightness while reducing the ecological impact.
Warm atmosphere and task lighting
In addition to providing functional lighting, under-cabinet LED strips create a warm atmosphere in the kitchen . Whether for direct lighting on the worktop or to highlight decorative elements, under-cabinet lighting helps create a friendly atmosphere.
It also allows you to adjust the light intensity according to your needs: soft light for a subdued atmosphere, or brighter light for tasks requiring good visibility.
Choosing the right product for your under-cabinet kitchen lighting
LED strips or LED strips: which one to choose?
Before you begin your installation project, it is important to choose the right type of under cabinet LED. LED strips are very flexible and can illuminate narrow spaces or hard-to-reach corners. They are perfect for tall furniture or under cabinets.
LED strips, on the other hand, offer a higher light output and are ideal for general lighting or task lighting. Depending on the configuration of your home, one or the other of these solutions will integrate perfectly into your lighting system.
Consider the power and color of light
When purchasing an LED strip or LED strip, it is important to consider the light output expressed in lumens, as well as the color of the light.
For general and functional lighting , opt for a white light of around 4000K to 6000K, ideal for a kitchen. On the other hand, for a warm atmosphere, you can prefer normal power LEDs in warm light (2700K to 3000K).
How to install under-cabinet lighting in a kitchen?
Preparation before installation
Before starting the installation, it is essential to properly prepare the necessary equipment: screwdriver, electric cable, and possibly a drill to fix the supports under the furniture. Make sure to cut the power at the main circuit breaker before any manipulation to ensure safety.
Also check the proximity of an outlet to facilitate the electrical connection. Finally, carefully read the advice of the store or your partner's customer service to avoid any errors during installation.
Steps for installing an LED strip or LED strip
Installing LED strips or LED strips under furniture is relatively simple and can be done in a few steps. First, measure the length of the surface to be illuminated under the furniture and cut the LED strip if necessary.
Then fix the LED strip under the furniture using its adhesive or a clip system for a more solid fixing. For an LED liquorice strip, drill the wall or furniture to fix the screws. Connect the electrical wires following the recommendations of Leroy Merlin or other connection guides available online.
Lighting Check and Test
After installing the product, check that the lighting is working properly by turning on the system. If you notice a power problem or a faulty connection, you may need to check the cables and adjust the connection. In some cases, it may be useful to consult an electrician to ensure that everything complies with safety standards.
Practical tips for optimal lighting
Where to install under-cabinet lighting?
The location of the lighting is crucial to obtain effective and aesthetic lighting. Favor strategic places such as worktops , cooking areas, or even dark spaces in the kitchen such as under high furniture or in cupboards.
By optimizing the installation of your under-cabinet LEDs, you can not only improve the lighting but also create additional light points in less lit areas of your kitchen.
Tips for maintaining your light fixtures
Proper maintenance will extend the life of your LED under cabinet lights. Regularly clean the LED strip or strip to prevent dust build-up that could reduce the light output. Also regularly check the condition of the cables and make sure the lighting system is working properly to avoid unnecessary energy consumption.
Conclusion :
Installing under-cabinet lighting is a simple and effective solution to improve the brightness and aesthetics of this space. Whether you opt for LED strips or LED strips , this installation will allow you to see more clearly when preparing meals, while creating a warm atmosphere.
With many options available on the market, such as those offered by Leroy Merlin, you will easily find a product suited to your kitchen renovation or design project.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How to install under-cabinet lighting in a kitchen?
Installing under-cabinet lighting is a quick and easy process. You must start by choosing the right product, such as an LED strip or an LED bar. These solutions are available in stores such as Leroy Merlin.
Before applying the tape, check the protection index to ensure protection against moisture , especially in the kitchen. Use basic tools such as a screwdriver for fixing.
Installation should be carried out in a strategic location under the wall unit to provide effective lighting, while taking into account visual comfort when cooking.
You can install the LED strips with adhesive to avoid drilling, or use brackets if you prefer a more robust installation.
2. What lighting should you choose under a kitchen unit?
The choice of lighting under a kitchen cabinet depends on several factors such as power, design and use. LED strips are popular for their flexibility and indirect lighting, perfect for creating a soft atmosphere while being functional.
If you are looking for more intense lighting, LED bars or LED spotlights are ideal for illuminating worktops. Choosing a warm white light source creates a warm atmosphere while ensuring good visibility.
Also remember to check the IP rating for kitchen use, especially near water and cooking areas.
3. What power for under-cabinet lighting in the kitchen?
The ideal power of under-cabinet lighting depends on the area to be illuminated. For indirect lighting, such as under kitchen cabinets, an LED strip of 400 to 800 lumens per meter is sufficient . If you are looking for functional lighting, opt for LEDs of normal to high power, depending on the lighting needs of the worktop.
The solutions available from partners such as Leroy Merlin offer quality products to choose from depending on the proximity to the kitchen areas. In addition, the warm white light provides comfortable brightness for everyday use.
4. Where to place under-cabinet lighting in the kitchen?
It is important to position lighting under wall units so that it effectively illuminates work surfaces, such as the kitchen counter. LED strips should be installed close to the front of the unit to avoid shadows . If you are installing an LED spotlight or LED bar, make sure that the installation does not interfere with other lighting in the kitchen.
Leroy Merlin offers practical advice to determine the best location. Good under-cabinet lighting not only improves comfort while you cook, but also gives a designer look to your interior.
5. How to connect under-cabinet lighting in the kitchen?
To connect under-cabinet lighting, you must first cut off the power to ensure safety.
Connect the power cables of the LED strip or bar to a wall outlet or to an existing power supply. It is essential to ensure that the electrical system is up to standard and that the protection rating is suitable for the installation location.
For more technical advice, you can consult specialized articles or blogs that provide information on best practices for installing lighting systems.
6. What are the advantages of LED lighting under kitchen cabinets?
LED under-cabinet lighting has many advantages. It is not only economical thanks to its low energy consumption , but also offers high luminous efficiency. In addition, LED strips and LED bars allow for discreet installation while providing pleasant indirect lighting, ideal for creating a warm atmosphere in the kitchen.
Many partners such as Leroy Merlin provide products adapted to different kitchen configurations, with models ranging from warm white to cool white, depending on the desired effect.
7. How much does it cost to install under-cabinet lighting in a kitchen?
The cost of installing under-cabinet lighting depends on the type of product chosen and the services offered. LED strips or LED bars available in stores like Lustria range from €20 to €100 , depending on the length and power.
If you hire a professional for the installation, the cost may increase depending on the service/quality ratio. However, it is possible to do the installation yourself if you have a minimum of knowledge in electricity.
8. What is the lifespan of an under-cabinet LED strip?
LED strip lights are very durable and can last up to 50,000 hours of use . This means that even if you turn them on for several hours a day, you can enjoy your under cabinet lighting for years to come.
In addition, their low energy consumption makes them an ideal solution for long-term use, without having to worry about an increase in the electricity bill. This point of view is often mentioned in the opinions left by users, who appreciate the reliability of this technology.
9. Can you install under-cabinet lighting without drilling?
Yes, it is absolutely possible to install under-cabinet lighting without drilling. Adhesive LED strips are a perfect solution for this. You can install the strips under kitchen cabinets simply by removing the protective strip from the adhesive.
This installation method is quick and avoids damaging the furniture materials. It is also reversible, which allows you to easily move or replace the lighting, depending on your needs.
10. What type of lighting is recommended for a central island?
For a central island, it is best to use powerful LED lighting. LED spotlights recessed into the ceiling or LED bars installed under the cabinets provide direct and efficient lighting.
They provide even lighting to the island, which is essential for kitchen tasks such as meal prep. You can also opt for indirect lighting to create a softer ambiance, in addition to main lighting.
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