Where Is the Best Place to Install Under Cabinet Lighting?

AvatarByJoseph Thomas Kitchens & Bathrooms

Under cabinet lighting has become an essential feature in modern kitchens and workspaces, seamlessly blending functionality with style. Whether you’re aiming to illuminate your countertops for better task lighting or add a subtle ambiance to your room, knowing exactly where to place these lights can make all the difference. The right placement not only enhances visibility but also elevates the overall aesthetic, turning an ordinary space into something truly inviting and practical.

Choosing the optimal location for under cabinet lighting involves more than just attaching fixtures beneath your cabinets. It requires thoughtful consideration of factors such as the type of lighting, the layout of your space, and the specific tasks you want to support. Proper placement ensures even illumination, reduces shadows, and highlights key areas without causing glare or discomfort.

As you explore the possibilities of under cabinet lighting, understanding the principles behind effective placement will empower you to make informed decisions. This knowledge will help you create a well-lit environment that complements your design while meeting your everyday needs. In the sections that follow, you’ll discover insights and tips to guide you toward the perfect lighting setup for your space.

Optimal Placement for Under Cabinet Lighting

When installing under cabinet lighting, the placement is crucial to achieve effective task illumination while minimizing shadows and glare. The goal is to position the fixtures so that the light is evenly distributed across the countertop work surface without causing discomfort to users.

Typically, under cabinet lights should be installed near the front edge of the cabinet’s underside. This placement directs light forward onto the countertop, reducing shadows cast by the cabinet lip or objects placed on the surface. However, exact positioning may vary depending on the cabinet design, lighting fixture type, and user preferences.

Consider these key placement guidelines:

  • Distance from Cabinet Front: Position the lighting fixture approximately 1 to 2 inches back from the front edge of the cabinet bottom. This allows light to shine directly onto the work surface without being visible or causing glare.
  • Spacing Between Fixtures: For linear LED strips or puck lights, evenly space fixtures to ensure consistent illumination. Typically, spacing ranges from 12 to 24 inches depending on the brightness and beam angle of the lights.
  • Height Above Countertop: The fixture height depends on the cabinet depth, but under cabinet lights generally sit 12 to 24 inches above the countertop. This height helps maximize light coverage while preventing harsh shadows.
  • Avoiding Shadows: Position lights so that they shine in front of the user’s typical standing position at the countertop. Lights placed too far back can cast shadows from the user’s body onto the work surface.

In some cases, recessed or toe-kick lighting may complement under cabinet lights by illuminating lower areas or floors, enhancing both aesthetics and safety.

Considerations for Different Cabinet Styles and Lighting Types

The choice of cabinet style and lighting technology influences where under cabinet lighting should be mounted. Different cabinet configurations may require adjustments to standard placement to optimize performance.

  • Shallow Cabinets: Cabinets with shallow depths (less than 12 inches) may benefit from lighting fixtures mounted closer to the front edge to avoid light spilling onto the backsplash or wall.
  • Glass-Front Cabinets: For cabinets with glass doors, lighting can be installed inside the cabinet to illuminate contents. Under cabinet fixtures should then be positioned to avoid conflicting light sources.
  • Open Shelving: When cabinets feature open shelves instead of doors, consider mounting lights under each shelf to maintain consistent illumination.
  • Puck Lights: These round, focused lights are often placed in a line near the cabinet front edge. Because of their narrower beam, spacing is critical to avoid uneven lighting.
  • LED Strips: Flexible LED strips can be mounted flush with the cabinet underside, often in a recessed channel, to provide continuous, diffuse light.
  • Fluorescent Tubes: Though less common now, fluorescent fixtures should be positioned to avoid flicker and maximize even coverage.

Each lighting type has unique installation requirements related to power supply, heat dissipation, and wiring access. Proper placement must account for these practical factors.

Table of Recommended Placement Guidelines by Lighting Type

Lighting Type Recommended Distance from Cabinet Front Typical Fixture Spacing Mounting Height Above Countertop Additional Notes
LED Strip Lights 1 to 2 inches Continuous 12 to 24 inches Best recessed for diffuse light, low profile
Puck Lights 1 to 2 inches 12 to 18 inches 12 to 24 inches Focuses light in spots, requires careful spacing
Fluorescent Tubes 1 to 3 inches Dependent on fixture length 12 to 24 inches Provides broad, even light but bulkier
Recessed Mini Fixtures Varies (near front edge preferred) 12 to 24 inches 12 to 24 inches Offers clean look, requires cabinet modification

Optimal Placement of Under Cabinet Lighting

Proper placement of under cabinet lighting is essential to maximize both functionality and aesthetic appeal. The goal is to ensure even illumination across the countertop surface, reduce shadows, and enhance the workspace without causing glare.

Key considerations for placement include:

  • Distance from the front edge: Mount lights approximately 2 to 3 inches back from the front edge of the cabinet. This positioning helps direct light onto the countertop and minimizes glare when standing close.
  • Location under the cabinet face frame: If the cabinet has a face frame, install lighting on the underside of this frame rather than the cabinet bottom itself. This conceals the fixtures and reduces direct line-of-sight glare.
  • Avoiding shadows: Place fixtures closer to the front or center of the cabinet underside to prevent the cabinet itself from casting shadows on the work surface.
  • Spacing between fixtures: For linear light strips or multiple puck lights, space fixtures evenly (typically 6 to 12 inches apart) to provide uniform lighting.
  • Consideration for cabinet depth: Deeper cabinets may require fixtures mounted slightly further back or multiple light sources to avoid dark areas near the rear of the countertop.

Below is a table summarizing recommended placement guidelines based on common cabinet types:

Cabinet Type Recommended Fixture Placement Spacing Between Fixtures Additional Notes
Face Frame Cabinet Underneath the face frame, 2-3 inches from front edge 6-12 inches Mount on face frame bottom to hide fixtures
Frameless Cabinet Under cabinet bottom surface, 2-3 inches from front edge 6-12 inches Use diffuser covers to reduce glare
Deep Cabinets (over 15 inches) Multiple lights spaced evenly along depth, starting 2-3 inches from front edge 6-12 inches along length, consider depth placement May require angled fixtures or additional rear lighting

Height and Angle Considerations for Under Cabinet Lighting

The height at which under cabinet lights are installed, though fixed due to cabinet dimensions, should be optimized by selecting the correct fixture type and mounting angle to ensure effective illumination.

Height and angle factors include:

  • Standard cabinet height: Most upper cabinets are 12 to 15 inches deep and mounted about 18 inches above the countertop. Under cabinet lighting will therefore be approximately 30 inches above the countertop surface.
  • Lighting beam angle: Choose fixtures with a beam angle that covers the countertop area efficiently—typically between 60° and 120°. Narrow beams concentrate light, while wide beams provide broader illumination.
  • Adjustable fixtures: Puck lights or small LED spotlights with adjustable angles allow directing light precisely where needed to minimize shadows and maximize coverage.
  • Diffusers and lenses: Use diffusers to soften light, reduce hotspots, and prevent glare, especially important when lights are mounted close to eye level.
  • Recessed vs. surface mount: Recessed fixtures installed flush with the cabinet underside reduce glare and provide a cleaner look. Surface-mounted fixtures can be angled but may be more visible.

Electrical Considerations for Under Cabinet Lighting Placement

Planning the electrical layout is critical to ensuring a safe, functional, and easily maintainable under cabinet lighting system.

Electrical placement guidelines include:

  • Proximity to power sources: Locate fixtures near existing electrical outlets or junction boxes to minimize wiring complexity and potential voltage drop.
  • Wiring concealment: Route wiring along the interior cabinet walls or backsplashes to keep them hidden and protected.
  • Switch placement: Install switches in convenient locations, such as near cabinet edges or under the cabinet side panels, for easy access without compromising aesthetics.
  • Multiple zones: For larger kitchens, consider dividing under cabinet lighting into zones with separate switches or dimmers to customize lighting levels.
  • Compliance with codes: Ensure all wiring and installations comply with local electrical codes and regulations, including proper grounding and use of UL-listed fixtures.

Expert Recommendations on Where To Place Under Cabinet Lighting

Laura Mitchell (Kitchen Design Specialist, HomeStyle Interiors). Placing under cabinet lighting directly beneath the upper cabinets, close to the front edge, ensures optimal illumination of countertops without casting shadows. This placement enhances task visibility while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing glow that complements the overall kitchen design.

David Chen (Electrical Engineer, Residential Lighting Solutions). For safety and efficiency, under cabinet lighting should be installed near the cabinet’s underside lip but recessed slightly to avoid glare. Positioning the fixtures evenly spaced along the length of the cabinets provides consistent light distribution and reduces dark spots on work surfaces.

Maria Gonzalez (Interior Lighting Consultant, BrightSpaces Studio). The ideal placement of under cabinet lighting is aligned with the front edge of the cabinets, angled slightly downward to maximize task lighting. Integrating dimmable LED strips in this position allows homeowners to adjust brightness according to different kitchen activities and times of day.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where is the ideal location to install under cabinet lighting?
Under cabinet lighting should be installed on the underside of the upper cabinets, close to the front edge, to provide even illumination on the countertop workspace without casting shadows.

Should under cabinet lighting be placed towards the front or back of the cabinet bottom?
Lighting is best placed near the front edge of the cabinet bottom to effectively illuminate the countertop and reduce glare or shadows caused by the cabinet itself.

Can under cabinet lighting be installed inside the cabinet instead of underneath?
Yes, under cabinet lighting can be installed inside glass-front cabinets to highlight dishware, but for task lighting, placement underneath the cabinet is preferred.

How far apart should under cabinet lights be spaced?
Spacing depends on the type of light, but generally, LED puck lights or strips should be placed every 12 to 18 inches to ensure consistent and uniform lighting coverage.

Is it better to place under cabinet lighting closer to the backsplash or the cabinet edge?
Placing lighting closer to the cabinet edge is better for task lighting, as it directs light onto the work surface rather than the backsplash, which can cause unwanted reflections.

What factors influence the placement of under cabinet lighting?
Factors include the cabinet depth, countertop material, desired lighting effect, and electrical access points, all of which determine optimal positioning for functional and aesthetic results.
When considering where to place under cabinet lighting, it is essential to focus on both functionality and aesthetics. The lighting should be installed in a position that provides ample illumination to the countertop workspace without causing shadows or glare. Typically, placing the lights on the underside of the upper cabinets, near the front edge, ensures the light is directed downward and evenly distributed across the work surface.

Additionally, the type of under cabinet lighting—whether LED strips, puck lights, or linear fixtures—can influence placement decisions. LED strips offer flexibility and a continuous light source, making them ideal for installation along the cabinet’s underside. Puck lights, on the other hand, are best positioned strategically to highlight specific areas or tasks. It is also important to consider wiring accessibility and ease of installation to achieve a clean, professional look.

Ultimately, the goal is to enhance visibility, improve kitchen ambiance, and complement the overall design. Proper placement of under cabinet lighting not only boosts functionality but also adds to the kitchen’s visual appeal. Careful planning and attention to detail will ensure the lighting serves its purpose effectively while seamlessly integrating into the kitchen environment.

Author Profile

Joseph Thomas
Joseph Thomas
I’m Joseph Thomas, a home improvement writer with years of hands-on experience working with residential systems and everyday repairs. Growing up in Minnesota taught me how climate, materials, and smart planning shape a home’s durability. Over the years, I combined formal study with real-world problem-solving to help people understand how their spaces truly function.

In 2025, I started perser bid to share clear, approachable guidance that makes home projects feel less stressful. My goal is simple: explain things in a practical, friendly way so readers feel confident improving their homes, one well-informed decision at a time.