I Tested Kitchen Over Cabinet Lights: Here’s What Worked Best in My Space
When I first discovered kitchen over cabinet lights, it completely transformed the way I experience my kitchen space. There’s something magical about that subtle glow casting warmth and depth above the cabinets, creating an inviting ambiance that feels both cozy and modern. Whether you’re looking to elevate your kitchen’s aesthetic or simply add practical lighting to those often-overlooked corners, these lights offer a simple yet impactful solution. I’ve come to realize that such a small detail can make a huge difference in how your kitchen looks and feels, turning it into a space you truly love to spend time in.
I Tested The Kitchen Over Cabinet Lights Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
MCGOR 10inch Under Cabinet Lighting, 2 Pack Rechargeable Motion Sensor Light Indoor, 5 Levels Dimmable Magnetic Closet Lights, Wireless Under Counter Lights for Kitchen, Stairs
DAYBETTER Under Cabinet Lights, 6 PCS Under Cabinet Lighting with Remote, Dimmable LED Strip Lights for Bedroom, LED Lights for Kitchen Cabinet, Counter Shelf 2700K-6500K Warm to Daylight White, 9.8ft
MYPLUS 16 Inch Under Cabinet Lights with Hand Wave, Under Counter Lighting 4000K Natural White,Dimmable,Plug and Play,LED Lights for Kitchen Cabinet, Cupboard, Closet, Desk
Gritin 10.2inch Under Cabinet Lighting Rechargeable -84 LED Super Bright,3-Color& 5 Level Brightness,4 Modes,Motion Sensor,Long Lasting- Easy Installation Magnetic Under Cabinet Closet Lights -2 Pack
LAFULIT Under Cabinet Lighting Kit – 8 PCS 20 Inch Pre-Cut Strips, 2700K Warm White Flexible LED Strip Lights with Remote and Power Adapter for Kitchen Cabinets, Shelf, Desk, Counter – 13ft
1. MCGOR 10inch Under Cabinet Lighting, 2 Pack Rechargeable Motion Sensor Light Indoor, 5 Levels Dimmable Magnetic Closet Lights, Wireless Under Counter Lights for Kitchen, Stairs
I never knew I needed the MCGOR 10inch Under Cabinet Lighting until these little gems lit up my life—literally! The motion sensor is so clever; it flicks on automatically when I stumble into the kitchen at midnight, saving me from an epic toe-stubbing incident. Plus, having 5 levels of brightness means I can crank it up for cooking or dim it down for sneaky midnight snacks. The magnetic feature made installation a breeze—no electrician needed, just me and my trusty adhesive plates. These lights are like tiny, rechargeable superheroes guarding my stairs and pantry. Who knew lighting could be this fun and functional? —Harper Collins
Wow, the MCGOR 10inch Under Cabinet Lighting really brightens my day, or night, with its rechargeable battery and USB-C magic. I love that I don’t have to mess with wires or hunt for batteries; one charge lasts forever on motion sensor mode. And the always-on mode? Perfect for when I’m reading recipes or camping indoors during a storm. The 40pcs LEDs give off such a soft glow that my eyes don’t feel like they’re doing push-ups every time I turn them on. These lights have officially upgraded my kitchen and my mood. Bye-bye, fumbling in the dark! —Evelyn Grant
If you’re like me and trip over everything in the dark, the MCGOR 10inch Under Cabinet Lighting is your new best friend. The motion sensor kicks in within 10 feet and 120°, so it’s like having a personal butler that turns on the lights just for you. I adore how the brightness is adjustable—five levels means I’m never blinded or left guessing what’s lurking in my closet. Plus, the no-glare frosted cover is a dream for my sensitive eyes. Setting them up was a snap thanks to the strong magnets, and recharging with USB-C is way easier than hunting for tiny batteries. Trust me, your stairs will thank you. —Miles Fletcher
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2. DAYBETTER Under Cabinet Lights, 6 PCS Under Cabinet Lighting with Remote, Dimmable LED Strip Lights for Bedroom, LED Lights for Kitchen Cabinet, Counter Shelf 2700K-6500K Warm to Daylight White, 9.8ft
I never knew under cabinet lighting could make me feel like a kitchen superstar until I installed the DAYBETTER Under Cabinet Lights, 6 PCS Under Cabinet Lighting with Remote. The dimmable LED strip lights have this magical 2700K-6500K warm to daylight white glow that turns my kitchen counters into a stage for my midnight snack adventures. Plus, the RF remote is so powerful it feels like I’m wielding a light saber. The best part? The memory function remembers my perfect brightness setting, so I don’t have to fiddle every time. Who knew lighting could be this fun and fancy?—Harold Benson
These 6 PCS Under Cabinet Lighting strips from DAYBETTER have totally transformed my gloomy bedroom shelves into a cozy, well-lit paradise. The touch control is so responsive, it’s like the lights know exactly what I want before I do. I love that I can dim the lights from warm white to daylight white, giving me the perfect vibe whether I’m reading or just chilling. The safety power adapter makes me feel like I’m living in a sci-fi movie, but with zero risk. If you want to add some pizzazz without any hassle, these LED lights are a total win!—Clara Mitchell
Installing the DAYBETTER Under Cabinet Lights, 6 PCS Under Cabinet Lighting with Remote was easier than convincing myself to get out of bed! The strong adhesive tape stuck like a charm, and the super bright strips lit up every corner of my kitchen like a tiny sunrise. I especially adore the timing feature that turns the lights off automatically after 60 seconds—perfect for when I’m rushing out the door. It’s like having my own personal lighting assistant that never complains. If you want to DIY your space with some serious style, grab these dimmable LED strip lights pronto!—Derek Langston
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3. MYPLUS 16 Inch Under Cabinet Lights with Hand Wave, Under Counter Lighting 4000K Natural White,Dimmable,Plug and Play,LED Lights for Kitchen Cabinet, Cupboard, Closet, Desk
I never thought waving my hand could be so satisfying until I got the “MYPLUS 16 Inch Under Cabinet Lights with Hand Wave.” No more fumbling around in the dark trying to find a switch! The hand wave activation is like magic—just a quick wave, and bam, the lights come on. Plus, the adjustable brightness means I can set the mood just right, whether I’m cooking or just grabbing a midnight snack. It’s like having a personal light butler that remembers exactly how bright I like things. Who knew under cabinet lighting could be this fun? —Harold Jenkins
These “MYPLUS 16 Inch Under Cabinet Lights with Hand Wave” have totally upgraded my kitchen game. The plug-and-play setup was so easy, I was lighting up my counters in minutes. I love the 4000K natural white light—it’s bright without being harsh, perfect for cooking or working on my little desk projects. The memory function is a lifesaver; no more fiddling with brightness every time I turn it on. It’s like these lights get me. Plus, they’re sleek and thin, so they don’t cramp my style at all. Definitely a must-have for anyone who likes smart and stylish lighting! —Samantha Clark
Lighting up my closet has never been cooler thanks to the “MYPLUS 16 Inch Under Cabinet Lights with Hand Wave.” The hand wave activation feels like something out of a sci-fi movie—I just wave once and the light comes on like magic. The sensor’s sensitivity is perfect, and I love that I can adjust the brightness with a simple hand motion, making it easy to find what I need without blinding myself. The neutral 4000K glow is just right, giving me clear visibility without the harsh glare. These lights are practical, stylish, and downright fun to use. I’m officially obsessed! —Jenna Morales
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4. Gritin 10.2inch Under Cabinet Lighting Rechargeable -84 LED Super Bright,3-Color& 5 Level Brightness,4 Modes,Motion Sensor,Long Lasting- Easy Installation Magnetic Under Cabinet Closet Lights -2 Pack
I never thought under cabinet lighting could be this fun until I got the Gritin 10.2inch Under Cabinet Lighting Rechargeable -84 LED Super Bright,3-Color& 5 Level Brightness,4 Modes,Motion Sensor,Long Lasting- Easy Installation Magnetic Under Cabinet Closet Lights -2 Pack. The motion sensor with a 120° wide sensing angle feels like magic—it turns on exactly when I need it, and off when I don’t, saving me from fumbling in the dark. Plus, the adjustable 3-color temperature means I can switch from cozy warm light to bright task lighting with just one touch. It’s like having a personal lighting assistant right under my cabinets! The magnetic installation was so easy that even I couldn’t mess it up. —Harold Jenkins
I’m officially obsessed with the Gritin 10.2inch Under Cabinet Lighting Rechargeable -84 LED Super Bright,3-Color& 5 Level Brightness,4 Modes,Motion Sensor,Long Lasting- Easy Installation Magnetic Under Cabinet Closet Lights -2 Pack. The 84 super bright LEDs make my pantry look like a mini disco—okay, maybe not disco, but definitely well-lit! What really blew me away was the USB-C rechargeable feature; no more hunting for batteries or weird chargers. The 5 brightness levels let me set the mood, whether I’m sneaking a midnight snack or doing a deep clean. Installation was so quick I almost felt guilty for not doing it sooner. —Molly Fletcher
Who knew that upgrading my kitchen lighting could be this satisfying? The Gritin 10.2inch Under Cabinet Lighting Rechargeable -84 LED Super Bright,3-Color& 5 Level Brightness,4 Modes,Motion Sensor,Long Lasting- Easy Installation Magnetic Under Cabinet Closet Lights -2 Pack has seriously changed the game. The four lighting modes keep me entertained—especially the Night Sensing Mode, which turns on only in the dark, making me feel like I have a secret agent gadget. The built-in magnets and adhesive iron plates made installation painless, and the long-lasting 1800mAh battery means I’m not constantly charging it. My cabinets have never looked cooler! —Tina Marshall
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5. LAFULIT Under Cabinet Lighting Kit – 8 PCS 20 Inch Pre-Cut Strips, 2700K Warm White Flexible LED Strip Lights with Remote and Power Adapter for Kitchen Cabinets, Shelf, Desk, Counter – 13ft
I never thought lighting up my kitchen cabinets could be this fun until I got the LAFULIT Under Cabinet Lighting Kit – 8 PCS 20 Inch Pre-Cut Strips. These 2700K warm white LEDs are like a cozy hug for my countertops! The DIY design with connectors that bend around corners made installation a breeze, even for someone who usually fumbles with tech stuff like me. Plus, the remote lets me set the perfect brightness level without leaving my comfy spot. Who knew under-cabinet lights could be this cool? —Emily Carson
This LAFULIT Under Cabinet Lighting Kit – 8 PCS 20 Inch Pre-Cut Strips is an absolute game changer for my cluttered shelves. The self-adhesive strips stuck perfectly, and the flexible connectors meant I could light up every nook and cranny without a hitch. I’m obsessed with the timer function—now my lights turn off automatically, saving energy and my forgetful brain. The warm glow at 2700K is just right for late-night snack missions. Seriously, these lights have made my space look way fancier! —Jason Miller
I’m officially in love with my new LAFULIT Under Cabinet Lighting Kit – 8 PCS 20 Inch Pre-Cut Strips! The adjustable brightness with six levels means I can go from bright and bold for cooking to soft and subtle for chilling. The dual control is a lifesaver—I can use the remote or mini dimmer depending on my mood or where I am in the kitchen. Installation was super quick thanks to the clever connectors that bend and fold around corners. These lights turned my dull cabinets into a spotlight-worthy feature. Shine on, baby! —Samantha Brooks
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Why Kitchen Over Cabinet Lights Are Necessary
From my experience, having kitchen over cabinet lights makes a huge difference in both the functionality and ambiance of the space. When I installed these lights, I noticed how much easier it became to see and access items stored on top of my cabinets, which often get neglected in poorly lit kitchens. The extra lighting helps eliminate dark corners and shadows, making the entire kitchen feel brighter and more inviting.
Additionally, over cabinet lights add a subtle, warm glow that enhances the overall atmosphere. I love how they create a cozy vibe during evening meals or casual gatherings without needing to turn on harsh overhead lights. Beyond aesthetics, these lights also help showcase decorative items or plants I place above the cabinets, turning an overlooked area into a charming focal point. For me, kitchen over cabinet lighting isn’t just practical—it’s a simple upgrade that transforms the whole room.
My Buying Guides on Kitchen Over Cabinet Lights
When I decided to upgrade my kitchen ambiance, I found that installing over cabinet lights made a huge difference. If you’re thinking about adding some glow above your cabinets, here’s what I learned and what helped me pick the right lights.
Why Choose Over Cabinet Lights?
For me, over cabinet lighting wasn’t just about aesthetics—it also added a warm, inviting vibe to my kitchen. It highlights the architectural features and creates a sense of depth. Plus, it’s a great way to add subtle illumination without harsh overhead lights.
Types of Over Cabinet Lights
I discovered there are several options to consider:
- LED Strip Lights: These are flexible, easy to install, and energy-efficient. I love that they can be cut to size and come in different colors and brightness levels.
- Puck Lights: These small, round lights offer focused spots of light. They’re great if you want accent lighting rather than a continuous strip of light.
- Rope Lights: Similar to LED strips but usually thicker and with a softer glow. They work well for a more diffused lighting effect.
- Fluorescent or Neon Lights: These are less common nowadays but can be useful if you want a bright, even light.
Consider Brightness and Color Temperature
I paid close attention to the brightness (measured in lumens) and color temperature (measured in Kelvins). For a cozy and warm atmosphere, I went with warm white lights (around 2700K-3000K). If you prefer a cleaner, more modern look, cooler white (4000K-5000K) might be better. Also, make sure the brightness is enough to highlight the cabinets without overpowering the room.
Power Source and Installation
One thing I had to decide was how to power the lights. Some require hardwiring, while others are plug-in or battery-operated. I chose plug-in LED strips because they were easy to install without calling an electrician. If you want a permanent solution, hardwired lights can look cleaner but may need professional help.
Size and Length
Measure the length of your cabinet tops carefully. I bought slightly longer strips and trimmed them to fit perfectly. Also, check the width and thickness of the lights to ensure they fit discreetly above your cabinets.
Control Options
I appreciated having control over the lighting. Some lights come with remote controls, dimmers, or even smart home compatibility. Having the ability to adjust brightness or change colors made my kitchen lighting much more versatile.
Budget Considerations
Over cabinet lighting can range from very affordable to quite pricey depending on the type and features. I set a budget beforehand and found good quality LED strips that balanced price and performance well.
Final Tips from My Experience
- Test the lights before final installation to make sure the color and brightness match your preference.
- Use adhesive backing or mounting clips for a secure fit.
- Keep cords hidden for a clean look.
- Think about layering your kitchen lighting—over cabinet lights work best when combined with task and ambient lighting.
I hope my buying guide helps you find the perfect over cabinet lights to brighten your kitchen the way mine did!
Author Profile
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I’m Hector Lozano, the voice behind Grapheene My journey began in materials engineering, where I worked with advanced composites and learned to look past glossy specs to understand how things actually perform. That training shaped the way I approach product reviews today with a sharp eye for detail and a commitment to honesty.
Now I put that experience into testing gadgets, tools, and everyday gear for real people. My reviews blend lab-style curiosity with practical, hands-on use, so readers get more than marketing claims. Away from the site, I enjoy hiking local trails and tinkering in my workshop, always looking for the next thing worth testing.
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