LED strips for kitchens

Where an LED strip makes the difference in the kitchen

• Under the wall cabinets: bright task light on the worktop, without shadows from your head or the cabinets.
• In the plinth: a floating effect under the base units, lovely as a night light.
• Above the cabinets: indirect light against the ceiling for a spacious, calm kitchen.
• In display cabinets and niches: crockery, glassware and cookbooks in the spotlight.
• Kitchen island and bar: a line of light under the worktop or along the edge.

Which strip under the cabinets?

• COB, 24V, 10 W/m: about 1,000 lumens per meter, CRI 90+ and no dots in the worktop. The best choice for task light. See the COB LED strips.
• COB 8 W/m or SMD 60 LEDs per meter: softer light for plinth, niche or above the cabinets.
• IP65: next to the sink and hob, where there are splashes and steam. See the waterproof LED strips.

Which color temperature?

Choose 3000K warm white if the kitchen opens onto the living room: warm but bright enough to cook by. Choose 4000K if you mainly want functional light. Use the same color temperature throughout the kitchen. With a CCT strip you set the color temperature yourself.

How to mount an LED strip under the cabinets

• Stick the strip at the front of the cabinet underside, so the light falls on the worktop and not against the wall.
• Use an aluminum profile with a diffuser for a clean finish and better heat dissipation.
• Link the cabinets with connectors or strip cable, without soldering. See the LED strip connectors.
• Place the power supply in a wall cabinet or behind the plinth. Calculate the wattage: watts per meter × number of meters ÷ 0.8. See the LED strip power supplies.
• Operate the strip with a wireless wall panel or remote. See the dimmers and controllers.

Frequently asked questions about kitchen LED strips

How many lumens do I need under the kitchen cabinets?

For task light 800 to 1,000 lumens per meter. For atmosphere in a plinth or niche, 400 to 500 lumens per meter is enough.

Why do I see dots in my worktop?

An SMD strip with individual LEDs reflects as dots in a glossy surface. A COB strip or a profile with a diffuser gives one even line.

Can an LED strip go next to the sink?

Yes, with a waterproof IP65 strip. Keep the power supply and connections away from water.

Is there a complete set for the kitchen?

Yes, the 5-meter COB plug & play sets include the strip, power supply and connection. See the LED strip sets.