Under cabinet lighting is a great way to illuminate your kitchen countertops or any other workspace. Deciding where to place under cabinet lights largely depends on the layout of the space and personal preference. There are good reasons to install under cabinet lighting in both the front and back. Here is an in-depth look at the pros and cons of under cabinet light placement to help you make the best decision for your home.
Introduction
Under cabinet lighting provides task lighting directly where you need it most – under upper cabinets and above countertops. This type of lighting illuminates workspaces beautifully without the shadows cast by overhead lighting. Under cabinet lights are slender fixtures that mount to the underside of cabinets, either hardwired or plugged into outlets. They provide bright, focused light in the front and/or back of the cabinet.
When designing your kitchen or any other space, deciding where to place under cabinet lighting is an important detail that impacts aesthetics and function. You’ll want to carefully consider the layout and your needs in order to choose the best placement for your unique space.
Do Under Cabinet Lights Go In Front?
Installing under cabinet lighting in the front, facing outward underneath the cabinet doors or face frames, has some great advantages.
Illuminates Countertops
The main function of under cabinet lights is to illuminate the countertop workspace directly below. Front placement shines the light precisely where you need it most – onto the counter workspace. This provides optimal task lighting for food prep, crafting, office work, and more.
Highlights Decor
Front placement also highlights the decorative features of your cabinetry and countertops. The outward-facing light accentuates the colors, patterns, and textures of your cabinet doors, hardware, countertop materials, and any items on display in the front.
Creates Ambiance
In addition to task lighting, front under cabinet lighting makes a design statement and sets a mood. It can create subtle, warm ambient lighting in a kitchen or bright, uplifting task lighting in a workspace. The lighting transforms the whole look of the space.
Light Beam Highlights Backsplash
Situate front lights close to the counter edge to graze the light upwards, highlighting the backsplash. This visually expands the space and shows off beautiful backsplash tilework.
Easier Installation
Front installation allows for easier access to make adjustments and electrical connections during and after installation. This is especially true for plug-in lights.
Do Under Cabinet Lights Go In Back?
While front placement has its perks, installing lights in the back under cabinets also offers some advantages.
Reduces Glare
By facing the light back upward under the cabinets, you reduce glare on the countertop workspace. This prevents shiny spots that could impede detailed work. Back placement provides soft, even lighting.
Illuminates Wall Space
Back under cabinet lighting illuminates the wall space behind the countertops beautifully. This subtly expands the feel of the room with reflected light.
Highlights Interior Decor
Just as front placement shows off countertop features, back placement highlights the interior decor inside glass-front cabinetry. The upward lighting sparksle against glassware, dishes, collectibles, and more.
More Hidden Look
Back under cabinet lights have a more hidden, integrated look since the fixtures themselves are not visible from the room. Some homeowners prefer this streamlined aesthetic.
Light Spread Provides Ambiance
While front placement spotlights the countertop, back placement casts a wider spread of ambient light. This makes the whole kitchen or space brighter.
Best Practices for Placement
Most kitchens and workspaces benefit from having under cabinet lighting in both the front and back. Here are some best practices for placement based on the goals and layout of your unique space:
- For narrow galley kitchens, install lights in the back to prevent glare.
- To illuminate a kitchen sink workspace, concentrate lights in the front surrounding the sink.
- For kitchen islands, use front placement to spotlight the countertop.
- To highlight decorative backsplash tile, position front lights to graze the light upwards.
- For display cabinets, install back lighting to illuminate prized dishware and collectibles inside.
- For office desks or craft tables against a wall, use back lighting to brighten the whole workstation.
- For extra illumination, install separate switches for front and back lights to adjust as needed.
Installation Considerations
Here are some tips to ensure proper installation:
- Most under cabinet lights require installing a wired electrical connection. Hire an experienced electrician if you are not familiar or comfortable with electrical work.
- For plug-in under cabinet lights, make sure there are outlets situated in spots that avoid unsightly dangling cords after installation.
- Measure carefully and follow manufacturer instructions for mounting.
- Use the appropriate mounting hardware for your cabinet materials to hold the lights snugly in place once installed.
- For lights with removable lenses, take care not to lose the lenses during cleaning or replacing bulbs.
Conclusion
The choice between installing under cabinet lighting in the front or back comes down to your space, goals, and personal preference. In most kitchens and workspaces, a combination of front and back lighting works best to fully illuminate counters, displays, and walls. Carefully think through how you use the space and where you want the brightest light focused to guide your placement decision. With proper front and/or back under cabinet lighting, you can highlight your elegant design choices and create the perfect workspace ambiance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Under Cabinet Light Placement
Should under cabinet lights point toward the wall or outward?
Most homeowners install under cabinet lighting in both directions – some pointing forward to illuminate counters and some pointing backward to brighten walls and displays inside glass cabinets. Combination front and back lighting is ideal.
Do you need under cabinet lighting in the back?
Back-pointed under cabinet lighting is not strictly necessary but offers appealing benefits. Back lighting makes rooms feel brighter and more expansive while highlighting decor and illuminating display contents in glass-front cabinets attractively.
Should under cabinet lights be in front or back of sink?
Concentrate under cabinet lighting in the front around the sink workspace to provide ideal task lighting for washing dishes and other sink activities. Add some back lighting as well to prevent shadows and brighten the whole sink area.
How far back should under cabinet lights be?
As a rule of thumb, install under cabinet lights 2-3 inches from the wall front and 1-2 inches from the back cabinet frame. This prevents shadows and ensures an even spread of light. Refer to manufacturer instructions for exact recommended placement.
Should under cabinet lights point up or down?
Under cabinet lights can point upward or downward depending on placement. Front lights should point down to illuminate countertops. Back lights should angle up to bounce off walls. Lights can also be mounted pointing straight across.