Strip Lighting vs Puck Lighting - Which is Best for Undercabinet?
If you are renovating your kitchen and you need to make a decision on which type of under cabinet lighting to opt for, this guide will help you.
Why use Undercabinet Lighting in the first place?
If you're updating your kitchen to make it look more modern, undercabinet lighting is an easy DIY project which can have a lot of impacts. It will improve how you use your kitchen space, as well as the aesthetics of the room. If you opt for LED undercabinet lighting (and we strongly recommend that you do!) you'll also benefit from a saving on your electricity bill. Undercabinet lighting is installed under your kitchen cabinets or inside the cupboards themselves. Using this type of lighting will eliminate the shadows that you usually get from your ceiling lighting whilst preparing food. They can also be used to illuminate the inside of cabinets that are in a dark corner of the room, to save you fumbling around. You can choose undercabinet lighting in a variety of designs, including with a glass casing or recessed into the cabinet itself.
Why choose LED undercabinet lighting?
- As LED bulbs don't give off a lot of heat, they are perfectly safe to use over worktops or inside cupboards, with no risk of them damaging whichever surface they are illuminating.
- LED lights require less electricity, so you won't see much impact on your electricity bill from using them.
- LED bulbs are highly customisable in terms of the colour that they give off, so you're sure to find the perfect bulb for your kitchen.
- LED lights have a lifespan of approximately 50,000 hours, so you'll rarely need to replace them.
- LED lights can be recycled when they are no longer needed, unlike some other types of lights which have to be treated as toxic waste.
- If safety is a primary concern, LED lights are deemed to be the safest type of lights as they don't generate a lot of heat, leaving them less likely to explode.
- Whilst LEDs produce a bright light, they can easily be dimmed to create an ambient light.
LED Puck Lights
Puck lights are designed to give off more of a spotlight effect. They can be recessed into the cabinets themselves, which helps them look neat and presentable even when they are not switched on. Puck lights can also be used as accent lighting, to highlight decorative features. If you opt for recessed puck lighting, it will probably need to be connected to your mains supply, so you will need to contact an electrician. However, not all puck lights are recessed - there are surface mounted options available, and some are even battery operated, whilst others just plug into a standard plug socket for easy installation. Puck lights can also be motion sensored, which comes in handy if you're wishing to prepare a quick drink or midnight snack and you don't want to turn on the main light.
LED Strip Lights
Strip lights provide a more even source of light, making them perfect for illuminating wide counters. Light Supplier's range of strip lighting is linkable, so you can illuminate multiple units from one supply. The lights have a diffuser, so you won't be able to see any individual diodes, giving a better spread of light. Strip lighting does connect directly to the mains supply, so you may find it beneficial to consult an electrician when you are installing LED strip lights. However, some LED strip lights do have adhesive tape on the back, so you can simply stick them to your cabinets. Strip lights can be customisable - you can cut them to the exact length you need.
Which is best?
Deciding which type of lighting is best for undercabinet all comes down to your personal preference, and what you are using the lighting for. Puck lights are more stylish, but strip lighting can look more inviting. Puck lights are more like spotlights, so they're better for task lighting whilst you're prepping food or cooking. You can get strip lighting in a variety of colours, so they can easily add an element of fun and uniqueness to your kitchen. Both types of lighting are relatively easy to install. Whichever type of undercabinet lighting you choose, you can rest assured that opting for LED is a great choice!