How To Install Kitchen Under Cabinet Downlights All By Yourself

If you have followed home decor lighting trends, you know one thing: using the big light is a pain in any room. When we say big light, we usually mean whatever ceiling-mounted fixture is installed to flood the room with illumination. Oftentimes, these lights are harsh, wash out the room, and are too bright for everyday activity. And this can be especially true in the kitchen. However, in a room you are constantly walking around in, holding heavy pots of boiling food, and often enjoying your meals, you don't want to clutter the countertops with table lamps, or create a tripping hazard with a floor lamp. Under-cabinet downlighting is the perfect solution, but these aren't always included in builder-grade homes or rentals. 

Before you get ready to call a professional electrician, we're here to tell you that you can install under-cabinet lighting yourself, and for a decent price. No, you won't need to get your electrician certification because you won't actually be dealing with any wiring. You'll just need to select a battery-powered or plug-in set of light strips or pucks. Both are very easy to install, but a battery-powered system will require you to change the batteries out from time to time, while a plug-in model just needs to have access to a wall outlet. Check out Onumii's Battery Powered Multicolor Puck Lights or Vovamo's Plug-in LED light strip from Amazon — and we'll walk you through how to install both as well as the pros and cons of each. 

If you go for battery-powered puck lights, open the lights and place the batteries inside, then close them back up. Even though they will be on the underside of your cabinets, you should still measure them to be at set distances in a straight line for a polished look. You can easily do this with a roll of masking tape, a marker, and a tape measure. Use the tape to create a straight line across the bottom of your cabinets, then use the tape measure to mark where to install each puck at equal distances. Experts recommend placing them about 12 to 24 apart for even and adequate illumination. Once you've got everything marked, you're ready to install. You'll simply peel the sticker backing from the light, peel back the masking tape to exactly where you want to put the light then stick it on. Repeat this until you're done. 

With the light strips, installation is even easier because you just need to place them near a wall outlet — no batteries required. Once they're plugged in, you can install them using their self-adhesive strips in a line spaced by the connecting cords. If task lighting is your priority, install them toward the front of the cabinets so they can directly illuminate your workspace. If you're looking for more subtle illumination, install them toward the back for more diffused light. 

Considering how easy self-adhesive under-cabinet lighting is to install, you might wonder why anybody ever does anything else. But that isn't the only factor to consider when choosing the best under-cabinet lighting for your home. The way they are powered can help you determine the best option for your needs.

For one, battery-powered lights will require you to purchase and replace the batteries semi-regularly. You can slow down the frequency by making sure to turn the lights off when they're not in use. If you don't want to spend cash on batteries, look for a rechargeable model or consider investing in rechargeable AA batteries. If you'd rather go the electric route, opt for the plug-in option. The only major disadvantage here is that you are limited on where you can place the light strips, as they need to be able to reach each other and an outlet. Additionally, you will want to take care to hide the cord so it's not dangling.

These self-installed under-cabinet lighting options also mean that you can't turn them on at the flip of a wall switch. Many models come with a remote that enable you to easily turn them on and off, but you'll need to store it in a convenient location where it won't be easily lost. If you find that you don't love the look of these lightings, or want to have an integrated switch, you can have hardwired custom lighting installed by a pro.