Can anyone comment on a retrofit light installation under upper cabinets?
I'm intrigued by this photo. It appears that the under cabinet lights are "shielded" from view by an inset wooden piece that's just a couple of inches tall. I've been trying to figure out how to install counter lights in my kitchen that won't look like an after-thought add-on.
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When we retrofit under-cabinet lighting on our projects, we usually have to fish the wiring down from above and/or in between the wall studs. If its the latter option then this can be accomplished by removing small sections of drywall which are then patched once the wiring is complete. (Easy if you don't have a completed full height back splash)
I prefer low voltage LED ribbon lighting to the other options as its extremely small (1/8" thick x 3/8") and can be installed without spaces, so the lighting is very consistent. The wiring is also small enough (22/2) to fish more easily than 14/2. Imo, the lighting is attractive enough where it doesnt require a lighting valance, but one could be added if you prefer.
Steve
I am considering LED ribbon lighting, but don't know if it will glare into my eyes since I'm short.
And thanks for the education on lighting lingo re. "lighting valance." There are few things worse than trying to explain to store salespeople what it is I'm looking for, and having them look at me like I'm a cuckoo person.
Ok now I know a little more about your situation, you can use the rear lighting valance to your benefit, as it can be used to also mask the low voltage wiring that supplies the LED. A good electrician or GC can plan the cable path for you, but if you're planning on doing this yourself, you'll need to create a switched outlet for the transformer, and run the low voltage wiring from there to the cabinets. You'll want to do the "drops" at the ends of the cabinet runs, which on a typically kitchen plan that is broken up by doorways, windows, sinks etc means you'll be installing several.
The easiest way to do this is usually by "spidering" the drops down from the ceiling above, but because the wiring is low voltage (once its passed through the transformer) then you could instead run this behind the valance, or behind the cabinetry face frame etc if you need to. (Running these wiring paths can be tricky which is why an electrician or GC with experience can be a huge help).
Steve
It sounds like you are in good hands with Steve. But I promised photos, so I'm sending them. One (slightly blurry) is an up close shot of a puck light with under cabinet cover, one is of two of them from a distance in context. I used these under the regular height upper cabinets as well, but those don't photograph as easily. We chose puck lights to echo the circles of the can lights on the ceiling, especially since these two shown are so visible.
Steve