Beyond the Kitchen: Under Cabinet Lighting Applications

Under cabinet lights are primarily for kitchen use, ideal for lighting countertops and eliminating shadows. However, their designs and capabilities make them useful outside the kitchen. The same methods that affix them to the underside of a cabinet also work for other lighting installations.

Here is a compiled list of some ways you can use under cabinet lighting in other areas of your home or in commercial spaces.

Display Cases

If you have china hutches, curio cabinets, display shelves, or other storage where you showcase items in your home, you can use under cabinet lighting to illuminate them. Puck lights or light bars with simple adhesive backings can stick directly to the bottoms of case ceilings or cabinet shelves. Battery-powered or plug-in fixtures make for easy and accessible on and off switching.

Linear lights are simple solutions, providing an even wash of light that can reach from one end of the display case to the other. They come in various lengths so you can match them to the measurement of your case. Puck lights are ideal for spotlighting singular items you want to highlight, such as trophies, figurines, etc.

Museums, galleries, and exhibitions can also use under cabinet lighting for their displays. The simplicity of their installations makes them ideal for smaller exhibits. However, unless you install hardwired under cabinet lights, they can be tedious to turn on and off.

Laundry Room

Under cabinet lighting can have the same function in the laundry room as in the kitchen. Laundry rooms tend to be a darker space in your home, and overhead lights are not always sufficient. Installing under cabinet lights can be a perfect solution, especially if your laundry room has shelves or counters. With direct task lighting, you will be able to see everything you’re doing clearly and without obstruction.

However, make sure whatever circuit powers the electricity in your laundry room won’t overload with the extra lights. If that is a concern, you may need to avoid heavy duty hardwired or plug-in under cabinet lights. Instead, opt for battery-operated fixtures, which work just as well and are easy to install and operate.

Home Theater

Whether you have a home theater or just a television setup in your living room, you can repurpose under cabinet lights to give it an illuminated look. Adhering light bars or strip lights to the back of your television or TV stand will wash the back wall with an ambient glow. This type of lighting also eliminates any annoying glares that may tamper with the screen while you’re watching.

You can further enhance your movie nights with LED under cabinet lighting that has dynamic color changing controls. Some only change color temperature between warm and cool, while others have the full color spectrum available. Many LED light strips also come with remote control capabilities, making them ideal for living room and lounge spaces.

Bathroom Vanities

Overhead bathroom lighting is notoriously harsh and casts glares, especially with all the reflective tile, mirrors, and glass. Proper lighting in the bathroom is important, but there are alternative methods that work just as well.

Using under cabinet lighting on the vanity can provide subtle lighting that won’t reflect off the mirror. Strip lights are easy to install, while light bars typically have higher wattages for a brighter look. You can also install light fixtures with motion sensors for hands-free control, which can be beneficial in the bathroom.

Also, bathroom fixtures do not always need to emit cool white light; you can match your lights to any kind of design. LED under cabinet lights have large selections of color temperature ranges to choose between. If you prefer more of a warm glow in your bathroom, then get under cabinet lights with a lower color temperature.

Now that you have some ideas about how and where to use under cabinet lights, you can start browsing lighting options. Check out HomElectrical’s selection of LED under cabinet lights to find the perfect lights for your next project.

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Caroline Young

Caroline is a Clemson University graduate and a writer through and through. She has graphic design, editing, and production experience, but her words are her greatest pride. When she’s away from the page, she’s either reading, watching films, or playing her beloved piano.