After all of these years--as in 29 and A half--I finally got under-cabinet lighting! What pushed me over the edge, was my mom wanted some for her new kitchen. After I installed hers, I found they were so easy to put up, I went back and got an identical set for myself. This set of four lights was purchased from Ikea. Note: If you get these at Ikea, you also have to buy a separate cord that plugs into the wall.
This is a before-they-were-lit-after-they-were-installed shot. Gah! Yes-I truly need to address the cord round-up! I'm not sure if I'm going to use metal screw-in hooks or those Command stickies (which I used for my Mom's). They were centered under the cabinets more/less using about 25" in between them. Each light had a metal collar that had a screw on each side. I used my drill to make a small pilot hole. The lights were placed about 3" from the front of the cabinets.
Turned "on," although it's hard to tell since it's still too light outside. The style is LED and were chosen because they do not generate heat. If that is a consideration for you, as well, you could also get florescent. I'm not sure how difficult this style is to locate, as I didn't see them at my local "big box" stores, so you may have to do some shopping around if you don't have an Ikea nearby. They were more expensive.
I simply adore them! I thought I'd like them the most for function, but found I like the ambient light in the evenings even more. With this particular style, the light heads will rotate a bit, so you have the option of directing the light. And, Silly Me, I did not get a set for the other side of the stove! (Which would be at the left.) I only need two lights over there, but they can be plugged in independently, so I'll have two spares, I guess. I'll attempt to get better beauty shots after I put those in, too!
I can't believe this is the first kitchen I've had these in--what took me so long?! How about you? I've got to believe most of you have them, too. Do you love them?
Coming soon, t-shirt quilt:
for this one, Six-Foot Chick, who's leaving in a few weeks :`(, majoring in Math:
I've often thought of having an electrician install under cabinet lights, I didn't realize that they sold anything for the diy-ers. Thanks for sharing this...I may give it a try.
ReplyDeleteI don't have them...but I grew up with under-cabinet lighting, and I miss it! It's on my kitchen 'wish list.'
ReplyDeleteOh, I bet you're dreading the time when your daughter has to take off! What a special gift for her to take with her.
ReplyDeleteNeat idea for under the counter. We are working on a MIL place and this is a great idea.
I love it! I have undercounter lighting and what a difference it makes! :) Your countertops and backsplash are so pretty!
ReplyDeletebe a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
Terrific! And a good reminder to me to get new lights installed under my few wall cupboards. I had them in our former house -- couldn't function without them -- but never got around to putting them here.
ReplyDeleteOne more thing for the To Do List, but a very Good Thing! Yours look great -- now do the other side!
Cass
I don't have these but I like the look. Never thought of it, either.
ReplyDeleteI bet you're loving these and want to cook all the time now! :)
ReplyDeleteWe've had them in a couple of houses and just love them. Especially the older my eyes get! (Notice I'm not getting older, just my eyes!)
Kim,
ReplyDeleteI have these same lights from Ikea and LOVE them...my hubby put some in at my moms kitchen because she loved mine so.
Blessings,
Linda
The look great. I'm going to have to remember to get some. I'm heading to Atlanta soon and have to get to Ikea! I'm looking forward to you quilt post. I have been saving the kids tshirts for years. One already graduated, one is in his last year and one will start next year. I'm a little behind!!
ReplyDeleteDon't have 'em. My fluorescent lights on the ceiling are dying though, so I may get 'em. Are yours LED under cabinet lights? I want LEDs, I found them here http://ledundercabinetlights.org Yours sure look like LEDs, by the wires and transformers?
ReplyDelete