5 Cabinet Lighting Ideas to Consider For Your Kitchen

December 26, 2024

Getting the right mix of lighting in any room is important and it’s essential for the kitchen. In addition to overhead lighting, you also have to consider task lighting and other lighting that will be useful. For function, for style, or for both, this can mean adding lighting to cabinets. Here are a few cabinet lighting ideas to consider for your kitchen design:

  1. Install task lighting under cabinets.
  2. Use lighting to highlight decor or design features.
  3. Put lighting above cabinets.
  4. Integrate lighting into the cabinet frame.
  5. Consider toe-kick lighting under lower cabinets.

kitchen with wood and glass upper cabinets1. Install Task Lighting Under Cabinets

Upper cabinets are a great way to add more storage to your kitchen design. But, they can also create dimly lit areas in valuable workspaces where they hang above the counter. Adding recessed lights, slim light bars, rope lighting, or other space-saving lighting options under the cabinets is a great way to illuminate these areas.

Plus, it can add useful task lighting. This is a big benefit of under cabinet lighting. Making the most of LEDs and using recessed lights to illuminate hard-to-reach areas are closet lighting ideas you can use for cabinet lighting and better lighting in your kitchen. You can also use linear and flexible lighting under cabinets to illuminate and highlight a backsplash.

custom tile backsplash in kitchen2. Use Lighting to Highlight Decor or Design Features

Another one of the cabinet lighting ideas is to use lights to highlight decor or design features. This can help you create a focal point or enhance a look in an interesting way.

This can also have a bonus of illuminating large cabinets that may need a little extra light. This can work well in a variety of areas in the kitchen and is a corner kitchen cabinet idea as well.

Similar to under-cabinet task lighting, recessed lights, rope lights, LEDs, and other small lighting that takes up minimal space can be used to highlight glassware or decor in glass-front cabinets, on open shelves, or even along a plate rail close to the ceiling.

open concept dining room and kitchen3. Put Lighting Above Cabinets

Depending on how you configure and organize your kitchen cabinets, it may make sense to add lighting above them. If you are extending upper cabinets to the ceilings, recessed lights nearby can help add lighting in those areas.

If there will be some wall space between the ceiling and the top of the upper cabinets, another cabinet lighting idea is to add a wall fixture in this area to direct light where you want it. You can also opt for sleek or decorative modern track lighting ideas for lighting from the ceiling that you can adjust directionally as needed.

Another option is to use linear or flexible lighting in coves around the perimeter of the ceiling and above the cabinets. This is common when enhancing or decorating tray ceilings and can add a decorative layer of light to your kitchen. It can also help create a cozier, more comfortable atmosphere and enhance the look and feel of the kitchen.

ktichen with two sets of counters, stainless steel appliances, kitchen island and dining bar, and backlit cabinets4. Integrate Lighting Into the Cabinet Frame

Integrated lighting is a bathroom design trend that is popping up in a lot of other areas. Lighting can be integrated into a mirror and into other features as well. In the kitchen, you can integrate lighting into the frame of a cabinet for maximalist lighting from minimalist fixtures.

Often, this is done with linear light hidden behind and built into the face frame. You can control this lighting via other methods, like a switch, or smart technology for your kitchen, or via a door sensor that triggers the lights when the cabinet door is open. This type of cabinet lighting can also be used to illuminate shelving functionally, decoratively, or both.

5. Consider Toe-Kick Lighting Under Lower Cabinets

Similar to how cove lighting illuminates dark alcoves above, toe-kick lighting illuminates that dark space between your lower cabinets and the floor. This is another type of decorative accent lighting that can help enhance the atmosphere and add depth to the look and feel of your kitchen, and is a kitchen cabinet trend.

Build Your Dream Home With Custom Home Group

These are just a few cabinet lighting ideas to inspire you as you think about the kitchen cabinet styles and kitchen design in your custom home. Figuring out all the details on your own can be overwhelming. Working with an experienced custom home builder can make this process much easier.

They’ll help you narrow down options to what will suit your needs and wants and ensure you end up with the kitchen and home you love. If you’re ready to bring your dream home to life, contact Custom Home Group at 717-284-4090!