Things I wish I knew before installing under-cabinet lights (kitchen & closets)

Lighting Installation & Troubleshooting
1

Hi everyone,

I just finished installing under-cabinet lights in my kitchen and closets, and I wanted to share a few things I wish I’d known earlier. Hopefully this helps anyone planning a similar setup.

What worked well:

  • Surface-mounted lights were much easier since my cabinets were already installed

  • Mounting the lights closer to the front edge really reduced counter shadows

  • Motion-sensor lights are surprisingly useful in closets and drawers

  • Plug-in lights feel more stable for kitchens, while rechargeable ones work well where wires are hard to hide

Mistakes I made at first:

  • Light bars that were too short left dark gaps

  • Exposed cables ruined the clean look

  • Very cool white light felt harsh, especially at night

Overall I’m happy with the result, but it definitely took some trial and error.

Curious if others had the same experience — or if you’ve found better ways to handle light placement, wiring, or color temperature?

2

Great insights — thanks for sharing such a detailed real-world setup experience.

You touched on a few points many people overlook at first, especially front-edge placement and proper light length planning.
For anyone still planning their installation, we usually recommend:

  • Measuring the full cabinet run to avoid dark gaps

  • Choosing warmer or neutral white for living spaces used at night

  • Planning cable routing or wire channels before mounting