How To Hide Under Cabinet Lighting With A Frameless Cabinet: Tips & Tricks

Last year, I installed some new cabinets after my kitchen renovation. It was great. The only problem was there was no lightning, which certainly caused me a lot of trouble. You know what I mean. But there was another problem. It is a frameless cabinet.

Wait! These are some random facts of hiding under cabinet lighting. There is a lot more to it. Still interested in learning? Let’s dive into it.

Overview of the project-

Benefits Of Hiding Under Cabinet Lighting

You may think, how can hiding under cabinet lighting have any benefits? You have a point. It seems off from a general point of view. But it does have a lot of benefits. Let me explain;

Aesthetics

Though the purpose of under-cabinet lighting is to help improve lighting, it adds value to the kitchen. If the lights are visible, it does not look that bad, but it looks average. So, why not make it aesthetic?

This is where hiding lights come into the story. It looks so good rather than leaving the lights in sight. Just because of this, the whole countertop area and sometimes even the entire kitchen looks aesthetic.

Improved Lighting

If the lights are open without any mold or box around them, they tend to fall on one part of the countertop. It makes it difficult to work on the other parts even though there are lights. Hiding cabinet lights ensures proper distribution of light.

Mood Setting

Hiding the cabinet lights changes the ambiance of the kitchen. It adds a warm light. I can’t describe to you how beautiful it looks in the afternoon when the sun starts to set. 

My kitchen window is right by the countertop, and it is one of my favorite places in my house. I love to stare out the window while making coffee in the evenings. The dimly lit light with my favorite song in the back just makes me happy.

Space Saving

If you tuck the lights under the cabinet, you don’t need to install lights in the walls. It saves a lot of space. Also, it doesn’t mess with the kitchen design.

I know you are surprised. I was, too, when I discovered these facts. Hiding under cabinet lighting actually does a lot more than just hiding.

How To Choose Under Cabinet Light?

It is crucial to choose the suitable lighting. It adds value to the kitchen. So, why not make it a positive?

First, 

Determine why you need the light. Do you need bright light to work better, accent light for a spotlight effect, or ambient lighting for a better mood?

Then, 

Think about what type of lighting you want. There are different types of lights, such as strip lights, puck lights, light bars, etc.

Each of these has different pros and cons. So, learn all of them before making decisions.

Hold on, there is more-

The next thing to consider is the brightness. Select the light based on the ambiance of lighting you want.

Do you want a bright, white light or a somewhat dim light? If dim, determine the exact brightness. 

Last but not the least-

Next is color temperature. Based on your preference and ambiance of the kitchen, decide whether you want to add a warm, cozy feel or a cool, bright feel to your kitchen and choose the under cabinet light accordingly.

The color temperature should match with the wood tone. For example, warm light is suitable for orange wood tones like cherry cabinets. It also looks great on LVP installed under cabinets.

Considerations-

The problem that I faced the most when choosing the under-cabinet light was that I didn’t consider the installation process and just bought whatever light I wanted.

Later, I faced a lot of problems as the light didn’t match my kitchen design.

So, it is better to consider the design of the kitchen and electrical outlets. Then, make a layout of the light channels before choosing the under-cabinet light.

If you are like me and want to save energy, choose from the energy-efficient options. The most energy-saving under cabinet lights are LED lights.

Lastly,

you should definitely consider the aesthetics of the kitchen. The under cabinet lights should match with the kitchen design and vibe or it will look out of place. 

What Are Some Types Of Under Cabinet Lighting?

There are a few options for cabinet lighting to choose from. It is a bit tricky to choose as all of them have their pros and cons. Need help?

Don’t worry. Here are the things I learned from my experience with under-cabinet lighting.

LED Strip Lights

LED strips are literally LED light emitters in a strip. The design is pretty versatile. It can also be used as a decorative piece. 

It consists of a flexible circuit board and a lot of LED lights. There are cutlines all over the strip. So, you can cut it in any length you want.

These are easy to install, too. There is adhesive in the back part of the strip. All you need to do is peel the strip in the back and attach it in place. It is usable anywhere, even on rough or uneven surfaces. It is especially suitable for European-style cabinets.

Puck Lights

Puck lights are more likely accent lights that give off a spotlight effect. The name comes from the resemblance to a hockey puck. It comes with both recessed and battery-operated options. You can use the one that matches your kitchen design.

Linear Light Bars

Linear light bars are similar to LED strips. These are also for surface installation, have various lengths, and can be customized. However, LED strips have a flexible circuit board, and linear light bars are rigid. 

Halogen Lights

Halogen lights are often used in under cabinets. I had them as under-cabinet lights, but I hid them because I didn’t like their high color temperature and brightness.

HID Lights

HID lights are high-intensity discharge lights made of mercury vapors and xenon gas. Unlike the other cabinet lights that I’ve mentioned so far, HID lights are bright, white light, almost similar to daylight.

As you can understand from the name, these are high-intensity lights and can be used in a lot of things like car lights. If you want a strong, bright light instead of a dim light, it is your only option.

Now that you know about the different types of under-cabinet lighting, select the one you like the most.

How To Hide Under Cabinet Lighting With A Frameless Cabinet? 

It is easy to hide under cabinet lighting. The steps are simple, and you will be able in just a few hours. Do you want to learn the steps? Here you go;

Select The Lighting

Determine the type of cabinet lighting you want. It is crucial as you will need to know this for the next step.

Plan The Layout

Depending on the type of cabinet lighting you have chosen, plan where you want to install it. Plan a layout of the lights and take necessary measurements.

Insert Wire Routes

How to run wires for under cabinet lighting? First, find out the power source and plan a route for the electric wires. Run the wires through the channel.

Install Cabinet Lighting

Attach the lights in place on the underside of the cabinet boxes. You can use either adhesive or screws, depending on how to like it.

Connect Power Sources

Connect the wires to the power sources. Make sure to follow the proper guidelines while dealing with electric channels.

Conceal The Lighting

To hide the lighting, add depth to kitchen cabinets. You can use crown molding or light boxes for that.

However, if you ever try kitchen tile replacement without removing the cabinets, make sure to remove the lightbox at least so you don’t damage it.

How to hide wires for LED lights? For any visible wiring, attach it to the underside of the cabinet. You can use hot glue to do that.

You can trust me and follow the steps accordingly so that you don’t make the mistakes I made the first time.

In this chance, if you have any hickory cabinets that need to be refinished, you can refinish the hickory cabinets.

Where Should I Place The Under Cabinet Lighting For The Best Effect?

If you want the best effects, I would suggest placing it towards the front of the cabinet. If you place it in the back part of the cabinet, the light will not be able to spread properly. 

However, it can be different depending on the type of light you want. If you are going for a somewhat dimmer light, you can place it in the back. 

I would say for frameless cabinets, it is better to place it in the front underside of the cabinet, right below the cabinet doors. It will help to hide it better while minimizing the shadow.

Should I Add Trim Or Molding To Hide The Under Cabinet Lighting?

How do you hide under cabinet lights with a frameless cabinet? Adding trim or molding is a great option for hiding under cabinet lighting. It is easy. First, measure the kitchen cabinets. 

Take measurements of the front edges of your upper cabinet as you are going to install it there. Note down the measurements.

Now, measure your light rail moldings and cut them following the measurements of your wall cabinets.

Use some adhesive to attach the corners of the molding and form a lightbox. Let the adhesive completely dry before moving to the next part.

Attach the light rails to its place and temporarily secure it with a clamp. Use some L-brackets to secure the light rail in its place, and here you have it.

How do you hide under cabinet lighting cords? It’s simple. Just use some kind of adhesive and attach it to the underside of the cabinets.

Tips To Maintain Under Cabinet Light

You have learned how to choose and install the under-cabinet light. Now, you must be wondering how to maintain them, right? I can understand, as I felt that, too. Here are the tips to help you maintain under cabinet lights;

• Regularly wipe the light surface, or the dust and debris will hinder the light.
• Inspect the wire channels and unsightly wiring once in a while to prevent any issues, damage, and accidents.
• Change the burnt-out lightbulbs immediately to maintain consistent lighting.
• Check the place where the light is installed at least once a week to check and address any issues or adjustments
• The kitchen is prone to heat and moisture. Be careful and don’t let the heat get trapped, or the moisture accumulates on them.

These are the tips I used to maintain the lights, and the results were great. I hope it helps you too.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

Conclusion

How to hide under cabinet lighting with a frameless cabinet? If you have come so far, you know how simple it is. To put it briefly, find the suitable type of under-cabinet lighting for your kitchen. Install the lighting and attach the light rails. That’s it.

If you are interested in learning more about restoring a Cabinets , stay with- Restore Journey.