Lights under kitchen cupboards do two jobs. They put light exactly where you prepare food, on the worktop, and they make the whole kitchen feel finished. This guide covers the choices that matter when you pick under cabinet lighting, and answers the questions we are asked most often.
You can see the full range in our under cabinet lighting collection.
Spotlights, strip lights or magnetic track?
There are three main ways to light under a kitchen cabinet.
Under cabinet spotlights
Small round, square or triangular lights fitted to the underside of the cupboard, either on the surface or recessed. They give pools of light along the worktop and suit most kitchens. Our range includes slimline options such as Astro TrioTone® and Apex TrioTone®, and Hype TrioTone®, which can be surface mounted or recessed.
Under cabinet strip lights
A continuous line of light gives an even wash along the worktop with fewer shadows between lights. You can use an integrated strip light such as Connex TrioTone®, or flexible LED strip and LED tape fitted in an aluminium profile, which can be cut to suit the length of each cabinet. See how to cut, join and install LED strip.
Magnetic track
The Affinity™ Magnetic Track fixes under the cabinet with adhesive tape, and the lights attach magnetically. You can move or add lights later without rewiring, which makes it a flexible choice for longer runs.
Choosing the colour of light
LED colour is measured in Kelvin (K). Lower numbers are warmer and more yellow, higher numbers are cooler and whiter.
- Single colour. One fixed colour, for example warm white at 3000K or natural white at 4000K.
- TrioTone®. Choose warm (3000K), natural (4000K) or cool (5000K) white on the light itself, so you can match it to the kitchen at the time of fitting.
- CCT. Adjust the colour across a wider range, typically 2700K to 6000K, using a CCT receiver or smart driver. Ranges include Astro Pro™, Ark Pro™ and Neo Pro™.
Powering your lights
Most of our under cabinet lights run at 24V and connect to a driver, which converts mains power to 24V. Single colour and TrioTone® lights use our 2-pin drivers, and CCT lights use 4-pin drivers. See the full 24V driver range, or use the driver calculator on any product page to find the right size.
A small number of integrated strip lights, such as Connex™ and Axis™, run directly from mains voltage and have their own rocker switch. Any work on mains wiring should be carried out by a qualified electrician.
Dimming and sensor control
Many of our under cabinet lights can be dimmed using a receiver or smart driver. Our Leader & Follower sets have an IR sensor on the leader light that controls every light in the chain, so you can switch the whole run with a wave of the hand. Browse more options in lighting sensors and control.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best lights for under kitchen cupboards?
It depends on the look you want. Spotlights give pools of light and suit most kitchens. Strip lights and LED tape in a profile give a continuous, even line of light. Magnetic track lets you move lights later. All three are available in our under cabinet range.
Should I use spotlights or LED strip under kitchen cabinets?
Choose spotlights if you want a classic look with defined pools of light. Choose LED strip if you want even light along the whole worktop with fewer shadows, or if the cabinets are different lengths, as flexible strip can be cut to size.
What colour light is best under kitchen cabinets?
Natural white (4000K) is a popular choice for worktops because it is clear without feeling cold. Warm white (3000K) suits traditional and wooden kitchens. If you are unsure, TrioTone® lights let you choose between warm, natural and cool white when you fit them.
Do under cabinet lights need a driver?
Our 24V under cabinet lights need a driver. The integrated mains strip lights, such as Connex™ and Axis™, do not. The driver calculator on each product page helps you choose the right size.
Can under cabinet lights be dimmed?
Yes, many can. Most of our 24V spotlights dim with a receiver or smart driver, and some, such as Apex TrioTone® and Horizon Pro™, have dimming built in. Check the specification tab on each product page.
Can I change the colour of the light after fitting?
With TrioTone® lights you choose warm, natural or cool white on the light itself. With CCT lights you can adjust the colour at any time using a CCT receiver or smart driver.
Can under cabinet lights work with a sensor?
Yes. Our Leader & Follower sets have an IR sensor on the leader light that switches and dims every light connected to it. We also offer separate sensors and controllers in our lighting control range.
Can I use under cabinet lights in a utility room?
Yes. Our under cabinet lights are designed for kitchens and utility rooms. They are rated IP20, which means they are for dry areas. For areas exposed to water, look for IP65 rated products.
What warranty do Sensio under cabinet lights have?
Our under cabinet lights come with a 7 year warranty. See our guarantee for full details.
Need help choosing? Get in touch with our team, or find a distributor near you.
