Rooms
Kitchen indirect lighting
The kitchen is the only room where indirect light is not enough on its own – the worktop needs direct light. But in three places an LED strip makes the kitchen both practical and inviting.
Two lights, two jobs
In the kitchen two things are often mixed up: general light and task light. General light makes the room pleasant and is enough for eating and relaxing – indirect light is best for that. Task light is what lets you chop an onion – that needs at least 500 lux directly on the worktop, more on dark surfaces, and indirect light does not deliver it economically.
The solution is to layer: indirect general light from the top of the wall cabinets to the ceiling, direct task light from under the wall cabinets onto the worktop. When both can be dimmed separately, the same kitchen is a workspace in the morning and a dining space in the evening.
Three places for an LED strip
1. On top of the wall cabinets – indirect general light
Strip along the top of the wall cabinets, light to the ceiling. The cabinet acts as the glare shield, so the profile does not need to be neat – it is not visible. The cheapest and easiest indirect light in the whole house: put the profile on top of the cabinet, the driver next to it, the plug in the wall or inside a cabinet next to the microwave or fridge. It needs at least 15 cm between the cabinets and the ceiling – if the cabinets reach the ceiling, this does not work. Wireless control.
In practice: L-shaped kitchen, wall cabinets 2.4 m + 1.8 m
Strip on top of the whole run of wall cabinets: 4.2 m × 14.4 W/m = 60 W. White ceiling, height 2.6 m, cabinet top at 2.2 m → 40 cm gap, the light spreads well. A 75 W driver on top of the cabinet in a socket. Result: 200 lx general light across the whole kitchen. Materials, strip and a basic U-profile €40/m = €160, driver €70-110 (+ optional wireless controller €50-80).
2. Under the cabinets – direct task light
Strip at the front edge of the underside of the wall cabinets, light down onto the worktop. This is not indirect light but direct, and it is the only one enough for work. A low, neat profile, because it is visible when sitting at the table. 14-17 W/m and CRI 95 – food colours are rendered correctly. Switched separately from the general light.
3. Kickboard – floating cabinets and a night light
Strip behind the kickboard, light onto the floor. The cabinets seem to float, and the dim light on the floor is enough when you get up at night for a glass of water. Combine with a motion sensor and a schedule. IP65 strip, because the floor is washed wet.
Sizing
| Place | Job | Power | Colour temperature | Special notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| On top of the wall cabinets | Indirect general light 200-300 lx | 14.4 W/m | 3000-3500 K | Gap to ceiling ≥ 15 cm, light ceiling |
| Under the cabinets | Direct task light 500 lx | 17 W/m | 3000-3500 K | CRI 95, low neat profile, separate switch |
| Kickboard | Night light, mood | 7.2 W/m | 2700-3000 K | IP65, motion sensor |
One colour temperature for the whole kitchen
If there is 3000 K on top of the wall cabinets and 4000 K below, the difference shows immediately and looks like a mistake. Choose one tone – 3000 K if the kitchen is part of the living area, 3500 K if it is a separate workspace. Or a CCT strip everywhere, so the tone changes together.
Cooker hood and heat
Above the hob, the underside of the wall cabinet gets hot. A strip in an aluminium profile copes, without a profile it overheats and its life is cut by years. A profile is essential above the hob, and the strip is left out at the cooker hood – the hood has its own light.
Utility room – the same principle → · Furniture → · Kickboards → · Colour temperature →
Kitchen LED strips → LedStore
Frequently asked questions
How is indirect lighting done in a kitchen?
A strip on top of the wall cabinets aimed at the ceiling. The cabinet acts as the glare shield and the profile does not need to be visible. It needs a gap of at least 15 cm between the cabinet and the ceiling.
Is indirect light enough as kitchen task light?
No. The worktop needs 500 lux of direct light, and indirect light does not deliver that economically. The strip under the cabinets is direct light – a different thing from the indirect general light on top of the cabinets.
Which LED strip for under the kitchen cabinets?
17 W/m and CRI at least 95, so food colours are rendered correctly. Colour temperature 3000-3500 K. IP65 if the strip is in the splash zone of the sink.
Which colour temperature for a kitchen?
3000-3500 K, and the same throughout the kitchen. A warm tone makes food appetising, but too warm makes it harder to judge colours. 4000 K is clinical for a home kitchen.
Is kickboard lighting worth it in a kitchen?
Yes. The cabinets look as if they float and the floor light works as a night light without switching on the main light. 7.2 W/m and IP65 are enough.
What if the wall cabinets reach the ceiling?
Then indirect light from the top of the wall cabinets is not possible. The alternative is a corner profile at the wall-ceiling junction on the opposite wall, or a light cove if the kitchen is being renovated.
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