Lauren HollandBy Lauren Holland

Updated November 2026

LED lights for underneath kitchen cabinets put task light exactly where you chop, mix and read recipes, without shadowing your own hands. This guide walks through choosing the right strip type, planning spacing, and installing the lights so the result looks even and glare-free. You can handle most of the work in a weekend if the cabinets are already accessible.

Step 1: Choose the Right LED Format

Most homeowners choose between flexible LED tape, rigid bar fixtures and puck lights. Flexible tape gives a continuous line of light and works well along a straight run of cabinets. Bar fixtures are more uniform in brightness and easier to mount on a solid surface. Puck lights create pools of light and suit short runs or cabinets with gaps, though they can leave dark spots between them.

Shopping for one? See our guide: Light Underneath Kitchen Cabinets: 6 Best Picks for 2026.

Look for a CRI (color rendering index) of 90 or higher so food and finishes look true. For color temperature, 3000K gives a warm white that suits most kitchens, while 4000K reads cleaner and works well with cool-toned countertops.

Step 2: Plan Placement and Spacing

Mount the lights toward the front edge of the cabinet bottom, roughly 1 to 2 inches back from the front, so the fixture is hidden and the light falls on the counter rather than the wall. Keep the fixture as close to the front as the mounting channel allows.

For puck lights, space them about 12 to 18 inches apart. Continuous tape or bar fixtures need no spacing calculation, but plan for power feed points every 16 to 20 feet to avoid voltage drop. Check the manufacturer’s specifications for maximum run length before you buy.

If you are still deciding how the light will fall across the counter, sketch the run on paper first. The guide Under-Cabinet Lighting: Planning Counter Light covers layout logic in more detail.

Step 3: Plan the Power Source

Low-voltage LED systems use a driver or transformer that plugs into a standard outlet or connects to a switch. Plug-in drivers are simplest, but hardwired drivers look cleaner. Make sure the driver is rated for your total wattage with some headroom, and place it where it can be reached for service. Any hardwired work should be done by a licensed electrician, especially if you are adding a new circuit or working inside a junction box.

Consider controls at this stage. A wall switch, a plug-in dimmer or a smart controller can all work, but confirm the driver is compatible with the dimmer type before you install.

Step 4: Install and Test

  1. Turn off power at the breaker and confirm with a voltage tester.
  2. Clean the underside of the cabinets with a dry cloth so adhesive backing sticks.
  3. Mark the run with painter’s tape and dry-fit the fixtures.
  4. Mount channels or fixtures with screws where possible; use adhesive backing only as a supplement.
  5. Run low-voltage wire through the cabinet back or along the rear edge, avoiding sharp bends.
  6. Connect the driver, restore power and test each section before closing the job.

Common Mistakes

  • Mounting too far back, which pushes light onto the backsplash and leaves the counter dim.
  • Mixing color temperatures within one run, which makes the light look patchy.
  • Skipping voltage drop planning on long runs, causing the far end to look dimmer.
  • Relying only on adhesive backing on warm or dusty undersides, where it can let go.
  • Ignoring glare: exposed LEDs visible from standing eye level are uncomfortable.
  • Aluminum mounting channels with diffusers hide the LED strip, soften the light and make the line look even. View on Amazon
  • Plug-in LED driver with dimmer gives you a simple way to control brightness without wall work. View on Amazon
  • Non-contact voltage tester confirms the circuit is dead before you touch wires. View on Amazon

FAQ

What color temperature is best for kitchen under-cabinet lights?

Most kitchens look best with 3000K for a warm, inviting tone or 4000K for a crisper, more neutral light. Choose one temperature and keep it consistent across the whole run.

Can I install LED lights under cabinets without an electrician?

Plug-in or low-voltage systems with adhesive or screw mounts are often DIY-friendly. Any hardwired connection or new circuit should be handled by a licensed electrician.

How far apart should puck lights be spaced?

Space puck lights roughly 12 to 18 inches apart for even coverage. Check the specific fixture’s light spread, since wider beams can allow a bit more distance.

Conclusion

Good under-cabinet lighting comes down to four decisions: format, placement, power and color temperature. Plan each one before you buy, and the installation will go smoothly. Take time to test the run before closing everything up, and adjust the mounting if the light falls unevenly.

Ready to choose one?

Lauren Holland

About Lauren Holland

Lauren Holland is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our kitchen design & remodeling guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.