How to Install Kitchen Cabinet Lighting

8 Materials
One of the first things they teach in interior design school is how to plan for lighting. Good lighting really does make such a difference. No one wants to feel like they are under interrogation lights while eating dinner!
When we made over our kitchen last year, we planned on adding over and under cabinet lighting. Fortunately, my husband is very experienced at electrical work so this was an easy DIY for him. He says this is relatively easy and low voltage for anyone who has some basic electrical knowledge. If not, hire out. Safety first.
We used LED tape lights. We first measured out the sections where we needed the lighting to go, and then cut the lights accordingly. Be sure to follow the included directions on where to make the cuts.
We started with the upper cabinets, because that is where our outlet is. He drilled holes between each of the sections to run the wires through. He also drilled holes between the upper and lower cabinets to make a path for connecting the top to the bottom.
He used connectors to connect the sections of tape lighting together. The LED tape lights have a sticky backing which makes them easy to attach underneath of the lower cabinets.
Since our outlet is located in the upper cabinets, we also picked up a wireless remote for turning them on and off. If you would like further details on this project, visit the link below.
TheHoneycombHome
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
Go
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
3 of 12 questions
  • Ann Young Ann Young on Jan 17, 2019

    I would the lights to come in when I open the door one go off when I close it. How do I do that?


  • Bonnie Bonnie on Jan 17, 2019

    Where did you mount the lights under the cabinets? At the front, middle or back of the underside? Did you have to rout out sections between cabinets to thread the lights evenly? I don't have an outlet inside my cabinets. However, do have one at the bottom right underneath. Assume the lights are hardwired into this somehow?

  • Barry Hadley Barry Hadley on May 25, 2020

    Can you add strip lighting top and bottom of kitchen cabinets and also near the plinth of the cabinets using 1 Driver

Comments
Join the conversation
2 of 52 comments
  • Dowo Dowo on Jan 17, 2019

    My house (built in the 70s) already had the upper lights with gorgeous amber glass. Lucky me! Now all we need to do is stick the under lights on. I doubt that I need my husband's help, but if I do he is a master at remodeling. Lucky me, again!

  • Lisa Lisa on Jan 17, 2019

    Beautiful!


Next