Why do you need to add lights under your cabinet, you ask? Under your cabinets typically means over your countertops, which is where you generally need the most light in your kitchen. You know, so you can read that recipe or see what you’re chopping. Luckily, it’s easy to install these lights yourself. Here’s how:
Decide What Type of Lighting You Want
There are halogen and fluorescent lights, both of which come in strips that neatly fit along the length of your cabinet. Halogen bulbs also come in smaller pucks. Fluorescent bulbs are cheaper than halogen, but halogen more accurately mimics natural sunlight. (Translation: You’ll get better light.)
To Install Puck Lights
Puck lights are easy to install -- just buy a kit with the bulbs and mounting tools. Start by mounting the bulbs underneath your cabinets, wherever you would like more light. Then wire the bulbs together with the snap fittings included in the kit. You’ll connect the last light in the string to a low-voltage transformer, and then plug that into an outlet.
To Install Strip Lights
Start by plugging the light in, turning it on and moving it around to figure out the best position. Generally you want to mount it as close to the front of the cabinet as possible to provide the most light for the countertop. But remember, you’ll need to make sure there’s an outlet close enough to where you mount them, so you can plug in the cord. Then mark holes where you want to mount the light and drill the pilot holes, drive the screws into the cabinet and install the strip. If you have a fluorescent light strip, you can plug it right into the outlet. A halogen light strip, however, should come with a low-voltage transformer that you plug into the wall.
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-- The Nest Editors