When the kitchen is planned according to all the norms of interior design, it looks not only beautiful, but it is also a pleasure to use it. After all, it takes into account all parameters: placement working area, arrangement of equipment and a place for everyone kitchen accessories, and also such a lot is thought out in detail important point like lighting. Without good light, it is impossible to cook delicious dinner or lunch, and the atmosphere will be dull and "not appetizing"! Therefore, modern "interior builders" pay great attention to the arrangement of not only the main light, but also how the lighting for the kitchen should be organized correctly. After all, an auxiliary source will certainly not be superfluous where fragrant dishes are prepared and excellent pies are baked!

Therefore, on this page of our site, we will tell you and show you different options illumination of the working area in the kitchen, and also provide a video review of the installation of one of them.

Lighting for the kitchen: why is it needed and where it is installed

Well, for what we need additional light, we almost found out, the only thing that can be added is to indicate a more specific reason.

Probably, every housewife knows how inconvenient it is to cook on the kitchen countertop when the light falls from behind - her own shadow completely shades the work surface. Even the lamps installed directly above the headset do not save the day, since they are blocked from the ceiling by the hinged modules. A similar situation will be correct only if you install a kitchen set without upper cabinets, but then its functionality will suffer. Special lighting in the kitchen under the cabinets helps to avoid these problems.

This is a great solution, because the entire tabletop is illuminated and at the same time, the source does not hit the eyes from under the cabinets. That's why better place to illuminate the working area in the kitchen is simply not possible.

And lamps built in in this way do not interfere with their presence, because most of them have a minimal design.

Illumination of the working area in the kitchen photo

Types of additional lighting in the kitchen and which one is preferable

Kitchen lighting should also be appropriate. Indeed, within modern design interior aesthetics requirements are very high, nothing should get out of the conceived idea. Therefore, not every lighting design suitable for a particular style.

In turn, the manufacturer tries to cover as wide a range of potential buyers as possible, coming up with all the new solutions with the expectation also of a different wallet.

All this is the reasons for many alternative options, radically different from each other.

The most famous and common are the following:

• Spotlights
• Spots
• Light beams
• LEDs

Which one should you choose?

Let's take a closer look at each of them!

Spotlights Is a very convenient and inexpensive solution. They can be mounted on a visor kitchen set, which, as we have already found out, is not convenient, as well as on the bottom of the hanging cabinets.

This is a convenient and practical way - there are no overhanging structures, because modern lamps are completely recessed into the bottom and at the same time illuminate the entire tabletop well. In general, the variant does an excellent job of its direct function.

Lighting in the kitchen under the cabinets photo

The only drawback is the complexity of implementation at home. There are many reasons: firstly, you need to remove the headset from the wall, mark and drill holes in the exact place and with a certain tool (usually a drill and a crown with a diameter of 60 mm) and you also need to lay electrical wiring in an invisible way, and then you also need to put it all back up.

It is better to mount such lamps at the stage of kitchen production, and for this you do not need to buy it ready-made in a furniture store. And to buy it where it is made according to individual measurements and wishes!

How to choose a backlight for the kitchen

Spots — great option for any modern interior. This is a small group of sources, usually fixed to the rail, which in turn is attached to the wall. The main advantage of such a backlight is its stylish appearance and the ability to adjust the direction of the rays of light. Minus - the design "eats up" additional space.

Light beams - just as easily attached to the wall or to the bottom of the upper modules, this is an option at a relatively low price. They do their job flawlessly, but due to the simple finish, they do not contribute to the decoration of the headset. Most often it is white or silver plastic, which immediately gives itself out at first glance.

LED lights for kitchen - usually this is the most common LED strip. She has the most advantages, so she is more preferable:

Such a source is also called LED backlighting, it is most in demand in modern interiors, such as: high-tech, modern, loft, neoclassic, pop art, etc. It is rarely used for traditional strict classic styles.

As a supplement, we offer you a video below how you can make such lighting in the kitchen with your own hands. And photo gallery ready-made solutions.

LED lighting in the kitchen video editing

Lighting in the kitchen under the closet photo

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There are many ways and techniques to transform the kitchen interior. One of them is LED lighting for the kitchen under the cabinets. She not only successfully highlights all the advantages furniture set, but also serves purely utilitarian purposes: it facilitates the work of the hostess. With this kind of lighting, it is convenient to cook at any time of the day. How to choose the best option backlight and install it yourself?

Illumination of the working surface of the table greatly facilitates the work

Working in the kitchen takes a lot of time and energy from the hostess. To make work in the kitchen a joy, you need not only comfortable furniture, but also full lighting. The latter should not be dull, but at the same time not annoyingly bright.

This level of placement of lamps is located below the eyes and at the same time the lamps are located so that they do not dazzle during operation. The lighting for the kitchen above the cabinets also provides additional lighting, but has a completely different visual effect. Lighting on the cabinet lid allows you to visually "raise" the ceiling and thus increase the visual area of ​​the kitchen. But for cooking work, lighting under the cupboards is more useful.

Useful information! The more sources of soft lighting in the kitchen, the less shadows are formed, which means it is more convenient to work.

There can be several light sources in a kitchen:

LED lighting for the kitchen under the cabinets: varieties

LEDs simultaneously decorate the kitchen and act as a completely complete lighting. For such illumination of a kitchen set, you can use:

• tape;
• halogen spots;
• wall appliances;
• turning lamps.

What type of appliance to choose for lockers? For this purpose, tapes with LEDs and lamps fixed to the wall are used.

Useful service:

Especially for our readers, we suggest using, which allows you to organize kitchen space to your taste and quickly calculate the cost of the kitchen set.

LED strip

It is a versatile light source that can be positioned at any level. The tape provides uniform anti-reflective illumination, no shadow. It perfectly illuminates the workspace. Under the cabinets, the tape is attached directly to the bottom or along the line of the joint and the bottom of the shelves.

Kitchen plinths are usually lit at the same time as the workspace. And if you use the lighting above the cabinets at the same time, then you can completely do without the main source of lighting - chandeliers.

The advantage of the tape is that it bends easily and can follow all the turns and bends of the walls. The tape looks neat and completely unobtrusive, which allows it to be used in any interior design.

There are two types of tapes:

• monochrome (monochrome);
• multicolor.

What color to choose the tape depends on the preferences of the hostess of the kitchen and the design of the room. Calm White color is considered a versatile option. Its warm shade does not hurt the eyes. Green, blue, red and cold white lights can distort the color of the cooked food and are therefore not recommended for use in the kitchen. The brightness and intensity of lighting can be adjusted using a special device.

You can buy ribbon-shaped kitchen lighting for cabinets in almost any hardware or hardware store.

Chandeliers and lighting fixtures with LED lamps

LED lights for the kitchen above the work surface can be:

• external on suspensions;
• overhead on the surface of furniture;
• mortise.

The key to using these lights is proper installation to avoid shading and glare.

Surface mounted LED kitchen lamps under cabinets

One of the typical types of surface-mounted lighting fixtures is LED panels. Today they are used not only for the kitchen, such devices can increasingly be found in office premises, in salesrooms and medical institutions... These energy-saving devices have a long service life of about 15 years. They can be easily fixed under the cabinet using small self-tapping screws.

Useful information! LED panels do not emit heat during operation and do not tire the eyes, so they can be used in the kitchen without restrictions.

LED recessed furniture luminaires

Installing built-in lighting fixtures is not easy. For this purpose, you will need to make holes in the bottom of the cabinet and lay the wiring.Built-in appliances feature bright, directional light. Built-in lamps can be of several varieties:

• touch (controlled by touch);
• linear;
• furniture.

Touch lights are very convenient. They can be turned on and off with a light touch. For the kitchen, this is a very practical option, since there is no need to move from the desktop to the switch.

How to install an LED strip with your own hands

The stores have the opportunity to purchase a ready-made installation kit, which includes a tape, a transformer, electrical wire or buy all of these items separately. To install LED lighting for the kitchen under the cabinets, you will need double-sided construction tape and a plastic corner.

Note! When choosing a tape for the kitchen, you should opt for moisture-resistant models.

Installation sequence:

• Measure and cut the desired piece of tape.
• At the end of the tape, the contacts are exposed, the cable cores are attached to them with solder.
• The corner is fixed with construction tape on the bottom of the cabinet.
• To enter the tape, you need to make a hole in the right corner of the cabinet.
• The transformer device is placed inside a kitchen cabinet.
• The protective layer is removed from the tape and it is glued to the corner. The rest of the tape is passed through the hole.
• The contacts of the tape, observing the polarity, are fixed to the terminals of the transformer.
• It remains to attach a plug with a cable and connect the device to an outlet.

Note! The tape cannot be connected without a transformer.

The LED strip can be divided into several pieces that are connected in one chain.

Useful information! Before installation led strip all surfaces must be degreased.

Competently thought out and made lighting is one of the ways to decorate the kitchen space, making it more attractive and comfortable. One of the most common options is LED kitchen lighting under cabinets, which allows you to give the interior a special mood. Consider how to independently select everything you need and carry out the installation without resorting to the help of specialists.

LED lighting for kitchen under cabinets: the advantages of such a solution

LED lamps appeared on the domestic market long enough for everyone who was at least somehow interested in this issue to learn about the advantages of such a solution in comparison with the usual incandescent lamps and even energy-saving ones. First of all, diode lighting in the kitchen is famous for its efficiency and long service life. In addition, the LEDs light up at maximum power from the first second, since they do not need a warm-up time, and the frequency of switching on and off does not affect their service life in any way.

Of course, not everything is so smooth, and LEDs have one significant drawback - and the cost. The price of such a backlight really will not be low, however, as all those who have already used it say, such an investment fully justifies itself very quickly.

The lifespan of an LED strip can be several decades, and the level of electricity consumption will be so low that soon the money spent will be compensated.

Helpful advice! If your kitchen already has some kind of lighting, chances are you can only replace the lamp while keeping the lamp. This is possible due to the fact that manufacturers of LED lamps offer a huge range of products and select suitable option you can almost always.

Where can be locatedlighting for the kitchen under the cabinets

In an effort to decorate the interior of their kitchen in the proper way, each owner should understand that, ideally, the lighting should be multi-zone. That is, one lamp on the ceiling, most likely, will not be enough. Therefore, in most cases, in addition to the main lighting, they also provide lamps above the dining area and, of course, LED lighting for the kitchen above the work surface.

But that's not all, because the backlight is mounted not only as a functional element. It is often used as a decoration. Consider where the backlight might be located:

• LED lighting for the kitchen working area is just the case when light sources are mounted under wall cabinets;
• lighting under the hood;

• internal lighting of glass cabinets. This solution looks especially beautiful if there is frosted glass in their doors;
• backlight over top cabinets Is a great way to visually expand the available space. Like all other options, illuminating the ceiling with an LED strip with your own hands is a completely feasible task;
• under the lower kitchen cabinets. This is perhaps one of the most original options that allows you to create an unusual effect of furniture floating;
• separate lamps to illuminate the working area in the kitchen.

Helpful advice! Depending on the purpose for which you are installing the LED backlight, you can choose one or another lighting color. So, if you plan to use it as an additional light source for work, it is better to give preference to white backlighting. But for decorative design, you can mount and color.

Kitchen lighting for cabinets: LEDfixturesfor this purpose

In order to understand what the choice of LED strip is based on and how to properly organize the illumination of a particular zone, first of all it is worth considering what kind of light sources are. Let's take a look at all the types, and then determine which of the options is best suited for a specific purpose.

So, the main types of LED devices:

• surface mounted linear luminaires. They can be purchased individually or as a whole set, in which there are several modules and adapters. Connecting several of these individual elements, you can make a rather long light source;
• Spotlights overhead type - they work on the same principle as the first type, but they are not assembled into a general structure;

• spot or linear recessed luminaires. They differ from the others in their subtlety, which allows them to be installed directly into the bottom of kitchen cabinets. This is an easy-to-use option, however, do it yourself. assembly work it will be difficult and most likely you will have to resort to the help of a specialist;
• led strip for the kitchen. This is one of the most popular options today, which is not much inferior to all of the above. This type of device owes its popularity to a huge variety of colors, ease of installation and low cost.

Helpful advice! Today on sale you can find both linear and turned lamps with touch control. Such devices turn on and off all with one touch and look very aesthetically pleasing.

How to choose an LED stripfor lighting in the kitchen

Despite the fact that most of the LED strips look very similar, in fact there are several types and a special classification, which is made depending on such factors:

• the number of crystals (can be from 1 to 4);
• full color or monochrome glow;
• size, which can range from 1.06x0.8 to 5.0x5.0 mm.

Simply put, before buying an LED strip, you need to decide what type of backlight you want to get. And to make it easier, we will consider several recommendations of specialists that can be used as guidelines in order to buy lighting for the kitchen under the cabinets:

• if one of the tasks of the mounted backlight is to provide additional illumination of the working surface, then a uniform and contented bright light can be achieved using a 50x50 LED strip;

• if the backlight has no practical application, and its only role is decoration interior, a 35x28 single-chip LED strip will be enough.

Considering the fact that the diode strip for the kitchen is several LEDs placed in the same plane, several more types of this product are distinguished, depending on how tightly the elements are located to each other. So, the most popular options are 30, 60, 120 and 240 pieces per 1 meter of tape.

It is this parameter that determines how powerful the tape will be, how much energy it will consume, as well as its brightness.

There is one more extremely important point - the degree of protection from moisture. In this case, you need to pay attention to the marking, which may be as follows:

• IP20 - low level of protection. Such tapes are not recommended for use in the kitchen or bathroom, where the air humidity is quite high;

• IP65 - average level protection. This option will perfectly cope with the task and the humidity in the kitchen will not affect the operation of the LEDs in any way;
• IP68 is the absolute level of protection. Such products are not susceptible to moisture and can even be used to illuminate the pool.

Kitchen lighting with LED strip: how to choose a power supply

In addition to the fact that the installation of an LED strip in the kitchen requires close attention when choosing, it is worth paying attention to which power supply will be used for this purpose. It is very important to choose an option in which the power of the transformer will be sufficient, but at the same time it was not excessive.

Consider how the calculation is made required power transformer using the example of a 50x50 LED strip and a power of 12 W:

• provided that the length of the tape is 5 m, 12 W must be multiplied by 5. We get 60;
• the stock is provided using a factor of 1.25, thus getting 75;
• we acquire a transformer with a power of 75 watts.

Related article:

Self-adhesive 220V models. Diagram of connecting a 220V LED strip to the network. The price of tapes and their installation by hand.

However, power is not the only parameter of the transformer that you need to pay attention to if you want to make a lamp from an LED strip with your own hands. Great importance also has a block design, which in turn can be different:

1. Plastic sealed housing of compact size.
2. Aluminum sealed housing. It usually costs a lot more, but it is highly resistant to external factors, which allows you to use it even for mounting street lighting.
3. Perforated body. These are open-type blocks, which are characterized by large dimensions and are inexpensive at the same time. The main drawback is that such a unit will require additional protection from moisture, but it is among devices of this type that you can find quite powerful models to use one device for several at once LED lamps for kitchen.
4. Power supply unit. These devices have a low power, which does not exceed 60 W, so you will have to use a separate unit for each tape. The main advantage is that they do not require installation.

The main component of the LED system is a small transformer that powers the LEDs.

Important! If you purchase a housing that is not protected from moisture, then the installation must be carried out in a place where the risk of contact with water will be minimal. In addition, it is beneficial for the device to be protected against voltage surges, as this will have a positive effect on the lifespan of the LEDs.

How to make the lighting in the kitchen under the cabinets best can be determined by evaluating the lighting area, as well as your own preferences and financial capabilities, since different models will have a different value. In addition, before you buy LED kitchen lighting for cabinets, you need to understand that the cost of a product in most cases directly determines its service life.

rulesDIY LED strip installation

Installation of an LED strip is a task within the reach of everyone. Sticking to a few simple rules, you can make a high-quality and beautiful backlight yourself. Here's what to consider:

• polarity must be observed;

• depending on what type of tape you are using, connect the power through a 12 or 24 watt unit. In this case, the block should be located as close to the tape as possible (the distance to be removed is 10 m);
• in order for the backlight to last long enough, it is advisable to avoid bends and twists. It is preferable to cut the tape and make the required angle by brazing. But this must be done carefully, with the obligatory insulation of the conductive tracks using a heat-shrinkable tube. It is believed that with the help of soldering, high-quality contact can be ensured without loss of electricity;
• in order to reduce electrical loss, you need to try to use a wire of the maximum cross-section and make as few connections as possible;
• if it is necessary to install a high-power tape, then it is advisable to use a special profile box for this;
• if necessary, connect together two pieces of tape, the length of which exceeds 5 m, this must be done in parallel;

• for the unit to function properly, it must be protected from overheating by placing it in a well-ventilated place.

Helpful advice! In order to cut the LED strip and not damage it, you must do this in the specially indicated places on it. Usually the manufacturer himself makes the appropriate notes.

What tools are needed to connectled strip in the kitchen

Before installing the LED strip in the kitchen, you need to make sure that all necessary tools and materials. Depending on how the elements will be connected, you may need a soldering iron and solder, rosin, heat shrink tubing or special connectors. Another option is wire lugs and crimps.

In addition, you need scissors and duct tape, as well as double-sided tape or other fasteners. If you need to make a niche in the furniture for laying the tape, then you can use a jigsaw.

Naturally, one cannot do without the tape itself, a suitable power supply unit, as well as a diagram according to which the installation will be carried out. As already mentioned, in some cases, a profile box is also used to lay the tape.

It is extremely important to take into account the fact that LEDs generate heat during operation, which is directed to the base of the element. To avoid overheating and extend their service life, it is recommended to glue the tape to an appropriate base - a heat-conducting substrate or an aluminum profile.

Helpful advice! Usually, in order to make a backlight in the kitchen, a cable is used, the cross-section of which is from 0.5 to 2.5 mm². Calculations are made based on a special formula.

How to make a backlight in the kitchen:instructions for work

Before attaching the LED strip under the cabinets in the kitchen, you need to distribute it in such a way that the dividing strip of light and shadow is located at the border of two objects. In this case, this will be the bottom wall of the cabinet and the wall. The easiest way is to place the tape on the wall, however, in this case it will be visible, which can spoil the visual effect. Therefore, in order to provide the illumination with the required depth, fastening is carried out mainly to the surface of the cabinets.

It is best to attach a diode tape under the cabinet, the glow sector of which is quite narrow. In this case, the wall will not be illuminated at all. An excellent aid for light distribution can be an aluminum profile, which has a protective light-diffusing film. And with the help of different heights of the profile sides, you can even form light spots.

Otherwise, for the successful installation of the kitchen unit backlight, it is enough to adhere to the following simple instructions:

• the power cable must be passed to the connection as inconspicuously as possible, carefully drilling a small hole for this in the back of the kitchen cabinet;

• before attaching the LED strip, the surface must be thoroughly degreased and prepared. Some tapes already have a special adhesive that is applied to the back. In this case, installation is as simple as possible and comes down to applying the tape to the surface. If the back of the tape is smooth, you can use double-sided tape;
• if you want to disguise the tape, you should use a profile whose color will match the color of the cabinet;
• we carry out the fastening of the power supply and install the electrical wiring. In this case, the wires also need to be fixed very carefully, using special clips or double-sided tape for this;
• all elements must be connected according to the selected scheme and checked using a tester. This is necessary to make sure there is no short circuit between the elements. If everything is in order, the backlight can be connected to the network.

Separately, it is worth considering the case when it comes to installing a high-power LED strip. In this case, for greater aesthetics, the tape is laid in a profile. First of all, the laying is done, and only then the power leads are connected. After that, the tape must be fixed with the same double-sided tape, and the profile itself must be fixed on the cabinet.

Important! If the profile is fastened using self-tapping screws that are screwed in from its inner side, the sequence of actions will have to be changed accordingly.

How to install a touch switch with your own hands

One more important element LED backlight - switch. And if you wish, you can even make a touchscreen version yourself. But for this you need to understand how this device works. And given the fact that no matter what type of switch we are talking about, the principle of operation is always the same, it is quite simple to figure it out.

So, the first thing to understand is that any switch consists of 4 elements:

• external (front) part. This is the panel we see. Sometimes, for convenience, manufacturers supply it with illumination;
• touch sensor - an element that responds to touch and, accordingly, sends a signal that turns on or off the backlight;
• a switching system that converts a signal into electricity, which activates the system, including lighting;
• device body. In this case, there are two types - built-in and overhead. Depending on the type, the installation method will differ and you will either need to simply fix it on top of some surface, or mount it inside the wall.

The quality of all the elements of the switch determines its life and service life. Therefore, when buying a ready-made switch for an LED strip or assembling it yourself, pay attention to the fact that the price of the elements corresponds to their quality.

Touch switches are usually located directly next to the tape itself, since they look like a module and do not spoil the appearance of the kitchen. But at the same time it is very important to remember that the sensor reacts to any contact, so the location must exclude accidental touches to which the sensor can respond.

Thus, we can conclude that everyone can buy LED lighting for the kitchen and install it on their own. To do this, it is enough to familiarize yourself with some of the most important characteristics of the elements and follow simple instructions, trying to avoid common mistakes. Otherwise, the lighting in the kitchen under the cabinets with LEDs does not present any difficulties, but it brings a special mood to the interior.

When decorating a kitchen, designers often use several types of lighting to delimit zones and highlight interior elements, thereby introducing ergonomics and modernity. Of particular interest are the LEDs that can be fixed under the wall cabinets.

In addition to beauty, they do an excellent job with the main purpose - the allocation of the working area. This allows you to use energy resources as economically as possible. Indeed, compared to products using incandescent technology, LEDs are an energy efficient type of luminaires.

Watch a video with a selection of photos of LED lighting under cabinets in the kitchen

Benefits of installing LED lighting under cabinets

Installing lighting under the wall cabinets provides good illumination of the desktop. Full power lighting is instant, unlike other lamps. The operating period of the LEDs is long, independent of the frequency of switching on / off modes. Taking into account the low energy consumption for several decades, it will be possible to save a good amount, which in the family budget will find more useful application.

There is no need to change the light and wiring to connect the LED lamp. It is enough to select the desired power and base, which will have the parameters corresponding to the lighting device.

Read also: Why the bathroom smells like sewage: causes and remedies

During operation, energy efficient lamps practically do not heat up and do not generate noise. The only drawback is the high cost. However, if we take into account the durability and economical energy consumption, then given fact does not find confirmation.

Place of installation of LED backlight

The very place of fixation under the wall drawers of the kitchen is the best option lighting of the working area. The stream of light does not blind the eyes of the hostess, opens up a sufficient view of the entire table, which contributes to comfortable cooking. Additionally, you can install LED strip on the top of the wall cabinets under the ceiling and on the bottom to give the furniture structure weightlessness.

Often, designers offer non-standard solutions backlight:

In the hood area;

In cabinets with glass doors;

Under the countertop;

Bar counter.

An interesting option installation of a luminous tabletop is considered. It is made from several layers of glued glass or transparent polymer. The backlight is mounted from below in such a way that the entire area is illuminated in operating mode.

And just a squeak of fashion is the installation of a luminous skin in the area of ​​the working apron. A diode panel with interesting artistic content will be a highlight kitchen interior and turns the cooking process into a real art.

Read also: DIY laminate repair: types of damage, laminate care

Types of LEDs for the kitchen

The backlight can be purchased ready-made or mounted according to an exclusive scheme of individual elements. For this, the following types of devices are used:

Linear overhead and mortise;

Point overhead and mortise;

LED strips.

Overhead lamps are easier to mount, but mortise ones look much more spectacular. Glowing tapes will be cheaper. They can be selected by brightness, color, size. Today this type is considered the most popular.

Criteria for choosing a diode tape

For safe operation, the diode product must be protected from water. Recommended indicators of moisture resistance are: IP44, IP65, IP67 at a voltage of 12 W. For normal perception of the luminous flux by the eyes, an option close to natural light should be chosen. Options color temperature should be in the range of 3300 - 500 K. According to the intensity of the glow, the SMD 35x28 tape model (including 30 diodes of 5 lumens per 1 m) will be acceptable.

Do-it-yourself LED strip installation features

To install lighting under a hinged kitchen cabinet, you will need materials:

The tape of the required length;

Aluminum profile (if fixation is carried out with its participation);

Electrical cable having a double braid (cross-sectional index - not less than 2x0.75 mm2), a plug (or a terminal block);