When you’re setting up your kitchen, there are lots of choices to make. One of the sneaky ones that people often forget about is the under cabinet lighting. It’s small, it’s out of the way, but it makes a huge difference. So, let’s chat about one big question:
Should kitchen under cabinet lighting be warm or cool?
First off – what even is warm or cool lighting?
Warm lighting has a soft, yellowish tone. Think of candlelight or the glow from a cosy lamp. It makes your kitchen feel relaxed, comfy, and welcoming. Cool lighting, on the other hand, is brighter and whiter, closer to daylight. It feels clean, fresh, and sharp.
So… which one’s better for under cabinet lighting in your kitchen? The answer is: it depends on how you use your kitchen and the vibe you want.
When warm under cabinet lighting is a good pick
Warm under cabinet lighting is great if your kitchen is the heart of your home, where everyone gathers, chats, and eats together. It’s lovely if you’ve got a rustic, timber-style kitchen or softer tones in your cabinets and benchtops.
Warm lighting gives off that “homey” feeling. It softens shadows, makes food look more appealing, and helps your eyes relax, especially in the evenings. If you like to wind down with a cup of tea after dinner, warm lighting is your best friend.
If your kitchen flows into a living or dining space with warm lighting, it makes sense to match it for a smooth, calm look.
When cool under cabinet lighting is the way to go
Now, if your kitchen is more about precision, chopping, prepping, baking, and you want to see everything clearly, then cool under cabinet lighting might be better. Cool light makes it easier to spot details. It can also make your space feel bigger, cleaner, and more modern.
If you’ve got a sleek white or grey kitchen with shiny benchtops, cool under cabinet lighting can really show it off. It also works well in high-traffic kitchens where you want to keep things sharp and neat.
Some people even like using cool lighting during the day, and warm lighting at night. With smart home tech from Elite Electrical Solutions, you can do exactly that, change the light depending on the time or mood.
What about mixing warm and cool?
You can mix them, but do it carefully. If your overhead lights are warm, and your under cabinet lighting is super cool, it might look strange. The two lights can clash and cast odd shadows.
If you’re going for a mix, it’s a good idea to stick to the same colour temperature family, like soft warm with warm white, or bright white with cool white. Elite Electrical Solutions can help you choose lighting that works well together.
What’s the best light temperature for under cabinet lighting?
Here’s a quick guide:
- 2700K to 3000K (warm white): soft, relaxing glow. Good for mood and comfort.
- 3500K to 4000K (neutral white): a nice middle ground. Still warm, but a bit clearer.
- 5000K+ (cool white/daylight): bright, clean, and focused. Great for working areas.
For many homes on the Sunshine Coast, under cabinet lighting in the 3000K to 4000K range is the sweet spot. It’s not too yellow, not too cold, just right.
Other things to think about
Choosing between warm and cool isn’t just about colour. You should also think about:
1. Dimmers: With a dimmer, you can turn the brightness up or down depending on what you’re doing. Elite Electrical Solutions can set this up for you so it’s easy to control.
2. Smart lighting: Want to control your lights from your phone? Or set them to change colour through the day? That’s where smart automation comes in. You can have cool lighting during food prep, and switch to warm lighting for dinner time, all at the tap of a button.
3. LED strips or puck lights? LED strips are sleek and give even lighting. Puck lights are small and round, great if you want focused spots. Both work well for under cabinet lighting, and both come in warm and cool options.
4. Installation: It’s not just about choosing the light. It’s about getting it installed right. No messy wires, no flickering bulbs. Elite Electrical Solutions makes sure your under cabinet lighting looks tidy and works perfectly.
Why use under cabinet lighting at all?
Okay, here’s a fun truth: once you add under cabinet lighting, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
It lights up your benches, makes cooking easier, and brings your kitchen to life. Whether it’s a 5am coffee or a midnight snack, under cabinet lighting gives just the right amount of glow without needing to turn on the big lights.
It also adds that “wow” factor. Visitors notice it. It makes your kitchen feel modern and well thought out. And with help from Elite Electrical Solutions, it doesn’t have to be tricky to add.
Call Elite Electrical Solutions
- We’re locals who know the Sunshine Coast inside out.
- Our sparkies are skilled and tidy, they get the job done right.
- We offer smart lighting, smart homes, and smart advice.
- We don’t just wire your lights, we help you figure out what works best for your space.
- From homes to cafés, from kitchens to full smart setups, we do it all.
So if you’re still wondering whether to go with warm or cool under cabinet lighting, why not get some help from the pros?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to under cabinet lighting. Warm is cosy, cool is bright. Pick what suits your kitchen style and your daily routine.
And if you want it all? With dimmers, smart controls, and clever design, you can have both.
Talk to Elite Electrical Solutions. We’ll help you light up your space the way you want, whether it’s warm, cool, or something in between.