Kitchen Plinth Lights

Kitchen Plinth Lights

Kitchen plinth lights are the most popular format we sell. They sit flush in a routed hole in your kickboard and connect back to a small driver, keeping the fitting completely hidden. Most kits come as a pack of four, which suits a standard single-run of kitchen units. You'll find round and square plinth lights in the range, and both are available in warm white (3000K) for a cosy feel or cool white (4000K) for a crisper, more modern finish.

Black plinth lights are increasingly popular in handleless kitchens and kitchens with dark cabinetry. They sit cleanly against matt black or graphite kickboards without the white or chrome bezels standing out. If you're specifying for a new kitchen build, it's worth confirming the kickboard colour before you order.

If you need a complete solution from scratch, check our under cabinet lighting collection for drivers, extension cables, and compatible under-cupboard fittings that can run on the same circuit.

LED Kickboard Lights

Kickboard lights and plinth lights are the same thing. The two terms are used interchangeably in the trade and by homeowners, so don't be put off by the naming. What matters is the mounting hole diameter and depth, the voltage of your driver, and the colour temperature you want. All three are listed clearly on each product page.

Most of our LED kickboard light kits include a 12V driver with a 6-way distributor, so you can connect up to six fittings from a single power supply. If your kitchen has more than one run of units, you may need an additional driver. Check the wattage of the driver against the combined wattage of the fittings before you buy. Our guide to LED drivers explains how to match them correctly.

Bathroom Plinth Lights

Plinth lights work well in bathroom cabinet plinths and vanity units, but you need to check the IP rating before installing them in a wet or damp location. IP44 (protected against water splashes from any direction) is the minimum for most bathroom zones. IP65 (protected against dust and water jets) gives more headroom if the fitting is close to a shower or bath. Each product page lists the IP rating, so check this before you order.

For more guidance on what IP ratings mean and which zones require what, read our article on IP ratings for bathroom lights. If you're looking for other bathroom lighting ideas alongside your plinth lights, our bathroom lights collection covers mirrors, downlights, and wall fittings too.

Plinth Lights with Motion Sensor and Remote Control

Motion sensor plinth lights switch on automatically when movement is detected and turn off after a set period. This is particularly useful for night-time kitchen visits where you don't want to trigger the main ceiling lights. Some kits also support remote control or dimming functionality, letting you adjust brightness without going back to the driver.

If you're building a sensor-controlled setup, our sensor collection includes IR door sensors and hand wave switches that are compatible with low-voltage LED systems. For dimming control, the LED controllers collection covers remote receivers and wall-mounted dimmer options.

Choosing the Right Plinth Light Kit

Start with the voltage. Most plinth light kits run on 12V via an external driver, but some fittings are 240V and wire directly to mains without a separate transformer. If you're replacing an existing system, match the voltage to your current driver. If you're starting fresh, a 12V kit is generally the easier installation for a standard kitchen.

Next, pick your format. Round plinth lights are the classic choice and suit most kitchens. Square plinth lights give a more contemporary look and work particularly well in modern handleless designs. Both formats require a routed hole in the kickboard, and the exact dimensions are listed on each product page.

Finally, choose your colour temperature. Warm white (3000K) gives a softer, more atmospheric glow that works well in living spaces and traditional kitchens. Cool white (4000K) is sharper and better suited to modern kitchens where you want the light to feel clean and bright. For more on picking the right colour temperature for your space, read our article on LED light colours.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between plinth lights and kickboard lights?

There's no difference. Plinth lights and kickboard lights refer to the same type of fitting. Both terms describe small LED fittings installed into the kickboard or plinth of kitchen or bathroom units. The two names are used interchangeably by homeowners, fitters, and manufacturers.

Do plinth lights need a separate driver?

Most plinth lights run on 12V and require a separate LED driver to step down the mains voltage. Kits typically include the driver and a distributor block that connects multiple fittings. Some 240V plinth lights wire directly to mains without a separate driver, but these are less common. Always check the product specification before ordering.

Can I use plinth lights in a bathroom?

Yes, but you need to check the IP rating of the fitting first. Bathroom zones require a minimum of IP44 for damp areas and IP65 for locations exposed to water jets or spray. Check the individual product page for the IP rating before buying for a bathroom installation.

What colour temperature is best for kitchen plinth lights?

Warm white (3000K) is the most popular choice for kitchen plinth lights as it gives a soft, ambient glow that works well for night-time use without being harsh. Cool white (4000K) is a good option if you want the plinth lighting to match bright overhead lights in a modern kitchen. Both options are available across our range.

How many plinth lights do I need for my kitchen?

Most standard kitchen runs use four fittings, and our kits are packaged in fours for this reason. Larger kitchens with multiple runs of units may need eight or more fittings and an additional driver. As a general rule, space fittings evenly along the kickboard, roughly one per cabinet door width, for a balanced result.

Are square or round plinth lights better?

It comes down to the style of your kitchen. Round plinth lights suit most kitchen styles and are the traditional choice. Square plinth lights look cleaner and more architectural, which makes them popular in handleless and contemporary kitchen designs. The installation process is the same for both.