A multi-layered lighting design is crucial for a kitchen because it will reinforce the necessary brightness to make the space functional. This includes cabinet lighting, which not many seem to know. So, if this is news to you, it's time to learn more about it to level up your kitchen lighting design!
Introduction: The Importance of Modern Cabinet Lighting
Cabinetry is a common element in any kitchen layout, and it mostly surrounds the primary work areas like the countertops and range. Because of this, you need to ensure that proper illumination reaches these parts, or it'll be difficult for you to utilise them!
Some popular lighting fixtures incorporated in the kitchen for cabinet lighting are under cabinet lights and plinth lights. Under-cabinet lighting is installed under the kitchen cabinets to directly illuminate the surface underneath. On the other hand, plinth lights are installed on the kickboard to provide practical and aesthetic benefits. Today, we'll focus on everything you need to know about plinth lights!
Benefits of LED Plinth Lights
As mentioned earlier, plinth lights are installed on the kickboard. It’s a small, low-wattage fitting suitable for low-area installations. Although plinth lights cannot provide adequate luminance to completely illuminate a room, they can add elegance and aesthetic detailing. Plinth lights come in various shapes, styles, sizes, and colours. Therefore, you will be able to find one that meets your requirements!
Why should you have plinth lights? Here’s why!
Enhances Functionality
Plinth lights can provide low lighting, which enables you to have clear visibility of the floor area. With this, you can efficiently move around since you can see all the nooks and crannies. Also, at night, you can utilise plinth lights as a night light to safely navigate through the space without tripping or hitting anything!
Improves Aesthetics
Have you ever entered a room, all finished and decorated but seems slightly lacking? Having plinth lights resolves that off-putting feeling and completes the entire look of your room. In a kitchen divided into several zones, plinth lights are the way to bring every section together to create a cohesive appearance.
However, plinth lights are not just for that! They can also highlight the texture of your flooring and bring out the beautiful detailing of your tiles. Ceiling lights will not be able to do such a thing; however, with the low lighting of plinths, it's possible!
Provides Additional Lighting
Adding plinth lights creates another layer of lighting that you can utilise as a night light and ambient lighting. Aside from extra brightness for your flooring, it can also enhance the atmosphere of your space!
Increases Home Value
While plinth lights are packed with several benefits, not many homes have them. So, if yours has, it gives it more edge when you decide to put it on the market! Remember, unique and functional features like this can attract buyers and potentially sway them into going with your property!
Types of LED Plinth Lights
There are many types of LED plinth lights that you can find. Because of this, making your way through them is a long process if you don't know the basics. So, to ensure you see everything before you buy, here are the categories you should be aware of!
- Single-Colour LED Plinth Lights - As the name entails, this type can only produce one colour. It can be from the millions of shades in the colour wheel or one colour temperature.
- Multi-Coloured LED Plinth Lights – This can transition from one colour to another including white. It’s perfect if you like creating fun and colour lighting designs or a simple lighting style!
- RGB LED Plinth Lights – This type gives you access to millions of colours except white. If you don’t need a white LED colour, this plinth is suitable for you.
- White LED Plinth Lights – This plinth light comes in cool white, natural white or warm white light. You can select one that fits your needs accordingly. There are also CCT plinth lights which can transition from cool to natural to warm white light.
Features to Consider When Choosing LED Plinth Lights
Aside from knowing the types that you can find, it's also essential to have an idea of the considerations that you need to think about when purchasing plinth lights. Your choice will depend on your requirements, and this guide is only an overview of what you must check before buying.
- Brightness – This is measured by lumens. The higher the lumens, the brighter the fixture. Most plinth lights will have a lower lumens count compared to other fittings since it's low-level lighting. To know the appropriate brightness level, consider the size of your kitchen.
- Colour Temperature – This is measured in degrees Kelvin, with the lower numbers having a warmer tone and the higher numbers having a cooler tone. The most common colour temperatures are cool white, natural white, and warm white light. To decide, think of the primary use of your plinths. If it's for ambient lighting, choose natural white, but if you want to utilise it for task lighting, natural white and cool white are ideal!
- IP Rating – This indicates the waterproofing ability of the fixture. Plinth lights with an IP20 rating are okay if you're using them indoors except in the bathroom. However, if you plan to use them outside and in your bathroom, you'll need an IP65 and up (IP44 can work in the bathroom's zone 2).
- Remote Control and Smart Home Integration – You can control your plinth lights in various ways, such as using a remote control, a wall lighting switch, or smart home devices like Alexa or Google Home. For this, you can select based on your preference but look for the plinth compatible with your preferred control device!
Installation Process of LED Plinth Lights
Installing plinth lights is pretty straightforward. You just need to have the right tools, knowledge and experience. If you've never done it before, it's better to call for an electrician to do it for you. This will guarantee your and your home's safety, and you're confident that your lights are correctly mounted.
So, for those who've done it before and only need a reminder, here are the steps
Planning and Measuring
Plinth lights should have a 40 – 50 cm spacing in between. Before doing anything, measure out and mark the spacing and cut-out holes of the plinths.
Wiring and Power Source
Trim the cut-out holes and connect the plinth light to the appropriate LED driver. Most plinth lights are low-voltage, so ensure you have a compatible LED driver to make them work. If you want, there are plinth light kits that are expandable. With this, you don't need to worry about compatibility and can add more fixtures according to the driver's capacity.
Mounting and Attaching
Once you finish the wiring, push it inside the kickboard and put the plinth light into the hole you trim earlier. When you're done, you can start using your gorgeous plinths!
Maintenance Tips for LED Plinth Lights
LED plinth lights are powered with LED technology; therefore, expect them to last for years. Typically, it has an average lifespan of 30,000 hours, which is longer than a non-LED fixture! Just clean it regularly to keep it in good shape and ensure that it will live throughout its expected lifespan. Wipe it with a clean damp cloth to remove any dust build-up.
Should your lights start to reduce brightness, you can either look for the same fixtures to replace or find something with a similar cut-out hole requirement so you don't need to patch and re-trim holes.
Indoor vs Outdoor LED Plinth Lights
Did you know that you can also add plinth lights outside your home? If you plan to do so, ensure you get the correct fixture. Remember the IP rating? Outdoor plinth lighting installation needs fittings that are IP65 and up. This will guarantee that the lighting unit will be able to survive the outdoors. As for installation, they have the same procedure, so just follow the instructions earlier.
Conclusion
LED plinth lights are the perfect lighting solution to create a cohesive space. It can also elevate the visuals of your room since it can add depth and dimension and highlight low-level details. If you're looking for high-quality LED plinth lights, visit our website, LED Supplier! We have an extensive range of plinth lights and other lighting solutions!
