Under Cabinet Lighting for Kitchens

Hardwired Under Cabinet Lighting

Hardwired under cabinet lighting connects permanently to your mains supply at 230V. There are no trailing cables and no plugs to hide, which makes it the go-to choice for new kitchen installs, full refits, and any job where the finish matters. Installation requires a qualified electrician, but the result is clean and permanent.

Our hardwired range includes mains 240V puck lights in triangle, wedge, surface-mounted, and recessed formats. Many come in packs of three or five, which is enough to cover a run of standard kitchen wall units. If you need to know more about how these work, our blog post on how under cabinet LED lights work covers the basics.

Mains LED Linkable Under Cabinet Lighting

If you want a continuous run of light across multiple units without running separate wiring to each one, linkable systems are the answer. Our LED T5 linkable under cabinet lights connect in a daisy chain from a single mains feed. They come in 343mm, 525mm, and 904mm lengths and are available in warm white (3000K) and natural white (4000K), with switchable CCT on some models so you can adjust the tone after installation.

Link leads are sold separately in 500mm and 1000mm lengths, giving you the flexibility to span gaps between units cleanly. A touch sensor switch is also available if you want to add on/off control without going back to the consumer unit.

LED Strip Under Cabinet Lighting

LED tape is a good option if you want continuous, seamless illumination along the underside of a cabinet rather than individual light points. It's cut-to-length, low profile, and sticks directly to the cabinet surface. For kitchen use, we'd suggest warm white (2700K or 3000K) for a natural, comfortable tone over the worktop.

You can run LED tape in an aluminium profile for a neater finish and better heat management. Our aluminium LED profiles include surface-mounted, recessed, and corner options, all available in silver and black. For a complete setup, check our LED strip light kits which include tape, driver, and connectors in one box.

Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Under Cabinet Lighting

The first decision is installation method. Hardwired is the cleanest finish but needs an electrician. Plug-in and linkable mains units are quicker to fit and don't require any wiring work. LED tape sits between the two in complexity depending on how you power it.

Colour temperature matters more in a kitchen than most rooms. Warm white (2700K to 3000K) suits traditional kitchens and gives a relaxed feel. Natural white (4000K) is sharper and better for task lighting, particularly over hobs or prep areas. Cool white (6000K) tends to feel clinical in a domestic kitchen and is better suited to commercial environments.

Think about wattage relative to the length of your cabinet run. A typical 525mm T5 bar light draws around 8 to 10 watts. For most standard kitchen layouts, that's sufficient to light a single unit clearly. If you're covering a long run of cabinets, a linkable system or continuous LED tape will give you more consistent output than individual puck lights spaced along the run.

If any lights are going near a sink or hob, check the IP rating. IP20 (protection against finger contact only) is fine for most under-cabinet positions, but anything directly adjacent to a sink should be IP44 or higher. Our IP ratings guide explains the full scale if you're unsure. Also consider whether you need dimmability. Most of our linkable T5 units are switchable but not dimmable as standard. For dimming, LED tape with a compatible driver and LED dimmer gives you the most control.

For more kitchen lighting ideas beyond the cabinets, take a look at our LED kitchen lights collection and our blog post on creative ways to light up your kitchen. If you also need lighting at plinth level, our LED plinth lights work well alongside under cabinet units to layer the lighting in the room.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between hardwired and plug-in under cabinet lighting?

Hardwired under cabinet lights connect permanently to your mains supply (230V) and require installation by a qualified electrician. They give the cleanest finish with no visible cables. Plug-in and linkable mains options connect to a standard socket or daisy chain from a single feed, and don't need an electrician to fit.

What colour temperature is best for kitchen under cabinet lighting?

Warm white (2700K to 3000K) suits traditional kitchens and creates a comfortable, natural tone over worktops. Natural white (4000K) is better for task lighting where clarity matters, such as over a hob or prep area. Most of our under cabinet lights are available in both options.

Can under cabinet lights be linked together?

Yes. Our T5 linkable under cabinet lights connect in a daisy chain using 500mm or 1000mm link leads, so you can cover a full run of kitchen units from a single mains connection. This avoids the need for separate wiring to each fitting and keeps the installation tidy.

What is under cupboard lighting called?

It goes by several names including under cabinet lighting, under cupboard lighting, under counter lighting, and kitchen cabinet lights. They all refer to the same thing: lights mounted on the underside of a wall unit or cabinet to illuminate the worktop below.

Do I need an electrician to fit under cabinet lighting?

It depends on the type. Hardwired 240V units that connect directly into your mains wiring must be installed by a qualified electrician. Plug-in mains units and linkable systems that run from an existing socket can be fitted without an electrician in most cases. LED tape running from a low-voltage driver is also straightforward to install yourself.