Picture it: You finally have the time and budget to renovate your kitchen. You know exactly what cabinets you want, and the theme you’re going for. All the trim and fillers are set, countertop and backsplash ready to go, and the inside cabinet accessories will make cooking and hosting a breeze. Your dream kitchen is finally ready for a reality hit!
But did you think about how the upper cabinets may cast a shadow on the countertop? What about the ambiance of the room when it’s nighttime? Want a lighting option that gives just a liiiitle bit of extra light while prepping during the day, without turning on all the overhead lights?
Under-cabinet lighting and toe-kick lighting are often necessary, but forgotten, parts of kitchen cabinet renovation. They not only matter for safety and clarity in the kitchen, but are also one of those upgrades that just makes a kitchen feel whole, feel finished… feel like the heart of the home.
Why It Matters
Under-cabinet and toe-kick lighting can make your kitchen truly pop. Aside from the ambiance it creates, it’s an important safety feature for any kitchen. The counterspace under your hood/microwave and cabinets can often be dark or dimmed from shadows, making it hard to work efficiently and comfortably, especially with knives and a hot stove. Under-cabinet lighting illuminates your prep work, making chopping and dicing a breeze, and avoiding spills and burns at the stove.
Under-cabinet lighting can also give off a high-end look by casting a smooth, waterfall-like light on your backsplash, highlighting the texture and adding depth. Toe-kick lighting can also make your lower cabinets look weightless, creating an illusion that they’re hovering since the light hits the floor directly. Plus, toe-kick lighting doubles as a gentle path at night so you won’t be tripping over the dog bowl!
Let Your Cabinets Shine
Under-cabinet lighting and toe kick lighting aren’t just for functionality and safety. The perfect balance of light in your kitchen can give a high-end feel and even set the ambiance, depending on the temperature and brightness. Dimming your under-cabinet lighting is a great option for a low-glare glow in the mornings and evenings, when you still need a bit of light but not the full overhead lights.
Under-cabinet lighting can also help to highlight the veining in stone countertops or countersplashes, and the texture of tile backsplashes. This vertical light on the backsplash also adds depth to the space under your cabinets. Toe-kick lights make lower cabinets appear to “float” and visually lighten the bases.
This lighting can also eliminate shadows on the countertop, and makes the color of your cabinets, backsplash, and countertop truly pop. With the kitchen usually the heart of the home, many memories are made there and under-cabinet lighting can elevate your kitchen to be the perfect backdrop.
Choosing the Right Light
There are a couple of different ways that you can add under-cabinet lighting and toe-kick lighting to your kitchen, with one definitely being a standout option.
LED strip/tape
LED lights run as a continuous strip under cabinets, inside cabinets, and toe-kicks. They provide seamless light in endless lengths, and are easy to hide. Some types of LED light systems, like the one The RTA Store provides, have an edge-to-edge design with light panels to hide the wiring and give your kitchen a truly finished look. They do need a power supply, and depending on the brand you purchase, cheap tape won’t last as long.
Rigid bar/linear fixtures
Rigid bar lights are simple to install for a straight and standard cabinet light, and can be hardwired or plugged in. They have a clean, even output and can often be linked without using any tools. However, sometimes the segment lengths can create gaps when doing a long run under cabinets and they do have visible seams.
Puck lights
Puck lights are great for small cabinets and inside glass fronts. With easy spacing, they can have a dramatic spotlight effect. They do have hotspots on glossy counters though, and are less even.
Wireless/battery/USB
These are “quick fix” lights often used for rentals or quick staging, as they are a no-drill solution. They stick on easily but do need battery replacement (if using), and are not a great long-term option for under-cabinet lighting.
Toe-kick lighting
Toe-kick lighting is usually done with LED strips to provide night lighting and pathway lighting. They have a low glare but high style impact, but do need thoughtful placement to avoid seeing the individual points of light on the strips.
When choosing your ideal under-cabinet and toe-kick lighting, LED lights tend to be the most versatile and are long lasting. They can also easily be dimmed and tuned for different light temperatures, often via remote. Plus, toe-kick lights can be motion sensing for an easy auto nightlight when getting that midnight snack!
When It Might Not Be Right
Sometimes, something crazy and unexpected happens – under-cabinet lighting isn’t necessary. Crazy, we know. But in some cases, you may not need it unless you want it!
If you have enough lighting from pendants and proper placement, you may already have enough light for any tasks you’ll have on the countertops. Plus, many kitchens now use open shelving instead of all upper cabinets, which would not block the light as much.
There may also be times that it just won’t work as well in your space. Extremely glossy counters like polished quartz, granite, or Corian as well as glossy marbles would act almost like mirrors when the light hits them. Instead of a soft-glow ambiance, you’d be getting bright dots or streaks from the under-cabinet lighting.
Of course, there’s also the most obvious reason – you don’t want to have to do any drilling or hardwiring. We get it – under-cabinet and toe-kick lighting is not for everyone or every kitchen. They can add finesse to your kitchen and provide a dramatic finish, even check the box on safety touches. They can also be a pain for some, especially those not wanting to deal with needing an electrician, extra tools, and hardwiring. When the time comes, consider under-cabinet lighting and toe-kick lighting as an upgrade that can truly make your kitchen feel like the heart of your home.
Working with The RTA Store
The RTA Store is your online one-stop-shop for all your cabinet needs and accessories. Our ready-to-assemble and pre-assembled kitchen cabinets give the look and durability of custom cabinetry at 30-50% less than big-box stores. With A-grade plywood boxes and MDF/HDF or hardwood door/drawer fronts, our cabinets come with a 20 year limited warranty.
But don’t stop there – we also have all the accessories you would need for your dream kitchen. Work with The RTA Store to complete your kitchen with range hoods, sinks and faucets, countertops, and under-cabinet lighting.
From spice drawers to mixer lifts, The RTA Store has more inside cabinet accessories than you’ll have room for. And it’s not limited to just the kitchen! Think file organizer for the office, laundry room hamper pullout, or bathroom vanity organizer, to customize your space.
Getting Started
Not ready to commit to a cabinet collection? Ordering fully-refundable cabinet door samples is a great way to see the style and color in your lighting. You’d be surprised how different a finish can look in different lighting! Plus, many of our cabinets have matching collections to mix in one room. Try one collection for upper cabinets and another for lower cabinets, or different cabinets for the kitchen island!
Once you’re ready to start, a member of our free design service will work closely with you from steps A-Z. They’ll let you know exactly what size cabinets you need and double-check to make sure everything lines up perfectly. Our upgraded design service also gives you unlimited design revisions and price quotes. Plus, the cost of the service is taken off your total once you order!
No matter the room or cabinet, we’re here to help make your dream space a reality, and at your budget. Located near the Hudson Valley in New York? Come visit our showroom on Route 52 in Hopewell Junction, NY!
