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Kitchen Lighting: Don’t Forget the Under-Cabinet Glow-Up

Published November 5th, 2025 by Candi

Electrical & Lighting

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Kitchen Lighting: Don’t Forget the Under-Cabinet Glow-Up

Key Takeaways

  • Under-cabinet lighting improves task visibility, sets a warm mood, and highlights finishes.

  • LED strips suit continuous task light, puck lights suit spot lighting, and tape lights suit accents.

  • Smart systems add dimming, color control, schedules, and voice activation.

  • In Rossmoor’s smaller, low-light kitchens, discreet LEDs make spaces feel larger and safer.

When homeowners think about kitchen lighting, they usually picture pendant lights over an island or maybe a chandelier above the dining nook. But one of the most overlooked upgrades—the one that quietly transforms your kitchen—is under-cabinet lighting.

It’s practical, beautiful, and budget-friendly. And once you have it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

 Why Under-Cabinet Lighting Matters

Good lighting isn’t just about looks—it’s about how your kitchen feels and functions every day. Here’s why this small detail makes a big difference:

Better Visibility

Perfect for food prep, cooking, and even late-night snacking. Under-cabinet lighting illuminates countertops evenly, reducing shadows that overhead lights can’t reach.

Mood Lighting

Soft, low-level lighting that makes the kitchen feel cozy and inviting. It’s ideal for evening ambiance or when you want a gentle glow without turning on all the lights.

Design Highlight

Show off your backsplash, countertops, or custom cabinetry. Whether you chose KraftMaid cabinetry or natural stone counters, good lighting enhances every texture and color.

Resale Value

Buyers notice thoughtful details, and this upgrade signals a well-planned, high-quality remodel. It’s a subtle touch that says, “This home was built with care.”

 Types of Under-Cabinet Lighting

1. LED Strip Lights

These are the most versatile and popular choice.

  • Best for: Smooth, continuous lighting across an entire countertop run.

  • Pros: Energy-efficient, sleek, and available in both warm and cool tones.

  • Considerations: Requires careful placement and sometimes a hardwired connection.

 Example: We often install LED strips beneath upper cabinets in Rossmoor—perfect for compact galley kitchens that need consistent brightness.

2. Puck Lights

Small, round lights that create a “pool of light” effect.

  • Best for: Spot lighting in specific zones, like a coffee bar or baking station.

  • Pros: Easy retrofit option, great for highlighting decor.

  • Considerations: Can create uneven lighting if spaced too far apart.

 Tip: Space puck lights about 8–12 inches apart for even coverage.

3. Rope or Tape Lighting

Flexible and easy to install—perfect for quick updates or rentals.

  • Best for: Accent lighting and gentle glow effects.

  • Pros: Affordable, plug-in ready, renter-friendly.

  • Considerations: Not bright enough for primary task lighting.

 Perfect for: A simple DIY glow-up in a Rossmoor San Franciscan or Monterey model kitchen where permanent wiring isn’t desired.

4. Smart Lighting Systems

Tech-savvy and stylish.

  • Best for: Homeowners who want full control and customization.

  • Pros: Adjust brightness, color temperature, or even hue from your phone or with Alexa/Google Home.

  • Considerations: Higher upfront cost but unmatched convenience.

 Example: Smart LED strips paired with dimmable warm white settings create a morning-to-evening lighting schedule that adapts to your routine.

 Installation & Placement Tips

  • Mount near the front rail of your cabinets to eliminate shadows on your counter.

  • Use continuous runs for even lighting—avoid gaps between light bars.

  • Hide wires behind cabinet trim or under light valances for a clean look.

  • Consider a switch location near your backsplash outlet or connect to a smart system for app control.

 Pro Insight: At Toupin Construction, our electricians route under-cabinet wiring discreetly during remodels so everything looks intentional and polished.

 Where We See It Most in Rossmoor

In Rossmoor kitchens, under-cabinet lighting is one of our favorite “little upgrades that feels big.”
Most Rossmoor condos—especially in communities like Golden Rain, Ptarmigan, or Tice Valley—feature compact galley or U-shaped kitchens with limited natural light.

Adding discreet LED lighting not only improves safety for older adults but also makes the kitchen feel larger, brighter, and more luxurious. For residents looking to age in place, the extra visibility is both stylish and practical.

 My Personal Take

When we remodeled our kitchen, I thought under-cabinet lighting was just “extra.” But now? I use it all the time. It’s the first thing I flip on in the morning when I’m making coffee—it’s bright enough without blinding me.

At night, it doubles as the perfect “night light” for sneaking into the kitchen without waking the whole house.

And honestly? Nothing beats the way it makes my backsplash sparkle. It’s like my kitchen got its own glow-up moment—and I can’t imagine going back.

 Buyer’s Checklist: Choosing Under-Cabinet Lighting

Before you buy, consider these quick points:

✅ Choose your light type (LED strip, puck, rope/tape, or smart).
✅ Pick color temperature—warm (2700K) for cozy, cool (4000K+) for modern.
✅ Decide if you want dimming or smart features.
✅ Plan how to power it—hardwired, plug-in, or battery.
✅ Measure your cabinet lengths for consistent coverage.

 Tip: For a full remodel, ask your contractor to integrate under-cabinet lighting during electrical rough-in—it’s cleaner and safer.

 Further Reading

 Frequently Asked Questions About Under-Cabinet Lighting

What are the main benefits of under-cabinet lighting?

It boosts visibility for prep and cooking, adds soft mood lighting, and showcases your backsplash and countertops. It also signals thoughtful design to buyers, which supports resale value.

Which type should I choose for task lighting versus ambiance?

Choose LED strip lights for smooth, continuous task lighting. Pick puck lights to create focused pools of light. Use rope or tape lighting for accent glow rather than heavy-duty task lighting.

Is under-cabinet lighting a good fit for small or low-light kitchens like Rossmoor condos?

Yes! In many Rossmoor galley or U-shaped kitchens with limited natural light, discreet LEDs improve safety and make the kitchen feel brighter and larger.

Can renters or short-term remodels use under-cabinet lighting?

Yes. Rope or tape lighting is flexible, simple to install, and a great option for renters or temporary updates.

How do smart under-cabinet lights improve daily use?

Smart systems connect to your phone or home assistant, letting you dim, change color, set schedules, or use voice control—perfect for early mornings or late nights.

 

Don’t overlook under-cabinet lighting—it’s one of those upgrades that makes a huge difference in both daily living and design.

  • Adds functionality for cooking and prep.

  • Doubles as mood lighting.

  • Highlights your backsplash and countertops.

  • Instantly makes a kitchen feel more polished and valuable.

At Toupin Construction, we believe the best remodels balance big upgrades with small details. Under-cabinet lighting might not be the star of the show, but it’s the supporting role that makes your whole kitchen shine.

Call to Action

 Planning a kitchen remodel? Contact Toupin Construction today—we’ll help you design a space that’s beautiful, functional, and full of thoughtful details.

Tags: Kitchen Lighting, Under-Cabinet Lighting, Lighting Design

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