how do you hide the cords on under cabinet lights

How To Hide Under Cabinet Lighting Wires (5 Ways To Do It!)

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How do you hide under cabinet lighting wires?

You can also secure the wires under the cabinet using brackets. Under-cabinet lighting is gorgeous, and wires that hang down can seriously detract from them. Between wooden valances, cable protectors, and special panels, there are many options to hide lighting wires.

How should I Place my Kitchen Cabinet lights?

The placement of your lights should be about how the light projects across your counter and back splash and not about hiding wires. During my cabinet lighting install, I decided to run the wires through the inside of the cabinets starting at the top and exiting the bottom.

How do you hide electrical cords in a room?

Method 1 Hiding Cords Behind Objects. Try taping the cord. You can also hide an electrical cord with tape. Try using clear packing tape to affix the cord to an area that is not the focal point of the room, like the leg of a chair or the back of a table. Then run the electrical cord down the length of the leg toward the electrical outlet.

How do you hide the cords on LED lights?

0:025:14Concealing and Managing your LED lighting wires - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou use three-quarter inch or larger double-sided foam tape you're going to need to trim it off ifMoreYou use three-quarter inch or larger double-sided foam tape you're going to need to trim it off if you use a half-inch. It should fit right on there. And you won't need to do any trimming.

How do you hide cables in a cabinet?

Use Cable Protectors Tie the cords together with tie wraps and staple them to the bottom of the cabinet. The wire should come from the light to the wall, then go into a groove in a piece of wood that is cut so it's long enough for all of your wires. Put this on top of your bundle and it will be hidden.

How do you wire lights under kitchen cabinets?

1:342:54How to Install Under Cabinet Lighting - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf you're going to recess the lights like in the top of cabinets drill the holes run the wiring andMoreIf you're going to recess the lights like in the top of cabinets drill the holes run the wiring and secure with screws. Next attach the lights twist. And lock secure. The power control.

How is under cabinet lighting wired?

Some types of undercabinet lights are provided with plug-in connectors to join fixtures end to end. Others, like the ones we're using, can be joined by running wires from one fixture to the next. Wire them together according to the manufacturer's instructions.

How do you make cords look neat?

Fasten Cables to Walls With Coaxial Cable Staples. ... Guide Cords Along Delicate Surfaces With Command Strips. ... Secure Bundles of Cables With Zip Ties or One-Wraps. ... Use Painter's Tape in a Pinch. ... Set Up Enough Power Strips. ... Label Your Cords. ... Use Bread Bag Tags if You Don't Have a Label Maker. ... Store Unused Cables in a Shoe Rack.More items...•

How do you hide cable cords?

7 Easy Ways To Hide Cords And CablesMake A Simple Fabric Panel. If you're tired of seeing a mess of cords hanging behind a piece of furniture with metal legs, you're in luck! ... Bundle Cords With Zip Ties. ... Run Them Under Rugs. ... Keep Cord Hubs Out Of Sight. ... Use Adhesive Hooks And Clips. ... Get A Cord Wrap. ... Set Up A Charging Station.

How do you run LED lights under kitchen cabinets?

2:3915:43How to install LED Strip Lights – Under Cabinet Lightstrips for your ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd so here is my connection for my light strips and we'll plug it in here mount it underneath. We'MoreAnd so here is my connection for my light strips and we'll plug it in here mount it underneath. We're going to create that gap under the microwave. And then extend the light strip.

What type of lighting is best for under cabinet?

LED lightingLED lighting is also the most energy efficient and long-lasting. Moreover, because it emits very little heat when on, it is perfect for use under kitchen cabinets, where food may be stored. Best of all, LED can produce a range of colors, from warm to cool.

Do under cabinet lights go in front or back?

When mounting any fixture under a cabinet, position it to the front. If there is a lens, face it toward the backsplash. The bottom-front rail of the cabinet should hide the fixture from your line of sight, whether you're standing or seated. A plug-in fixture may be used for short runs of under-cabinet lighting.

What are the different types of under cabinet lighting?

Under-cabinet lighting comes in three primary styles: strip lights, puck lights, and bar lights.

Should under cabinet lighting be warm or cool?

Cool lights are best for kitchens since it makes it easier to see what you are doing. On the other hand, warm lights are ideal for bathrooms. Under cabinet lighting provides another layer of light to a space. It creates visual interest and also makes it easier to see what you are doing.

How long do battery powered Under cabinet lights last?

Wireless battery powered under cabinet lights can last between 25 and 100 hours. This will depends on the fixture and for how long the light gets turned on for. For a rechargeable LED light, you can usually get 6-12 hours of constant-on from a full charge.

How do you hide power strips and cords?

The easiest way to hide a power strip is to obscure it behind furniture. Set the power strip behind the TV stand, desk, or sofa that it's next to. Simply slide your furniture out a few inches to give the power strip some space for air flow and keep it from resting directly against any furniture.

How do you hide TV wires with decor?

Place some home decoration items, picture frames, plants, or books under the TV and position them so that they cover the cords. Make sure you don't just put the items randomly below the TV. They should look natural and blend in with the environment. That's all.

How can I hide my cables from my standing desk?

1:146:38How To: Standing Desk Cable Management - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt's simply cut enough and I use sticky cable thigh mounts with actual cable ties to hold the stripsMoreIt's simply cut enough and I use sticky cable thigh mounts with actual cable ties to hold the strips power cable. And then I attached it to the rest of the cables that connect to my monitor.

How do you hide plug sockets and wires?

#1 – Use Purpose Made Furniture.#2 – Use a Basket.#3 – Use 'Made For Purpose' Trunking.#4 – Hide Behind Faux Books.#5 – Hide In a 'Fit For Purpose' Cable Management Box.#6 – Use Special Skirting Board To Hide Wires.#7 – Add Extra Detail To Existing Skirting Board.#8 – Use Cable Clips to Hide Unsightly Wires.More items...•

What is an adhesive wire clip?

Adhesive wire clips are small plastic fixtures that have an adhesive back. They are good to help with a tidy home. You can thread your wires through the loops on the clips. This will keep them fixed firmly against your cabinets and they will no longer hang down. Adhesive wire clips can also be used with wire wraps to bundle your wires together. If you use wire wraps it will be easier for you to fit more than one cable through the loops and they are popular in DIY family homes.

Why hide wires in cabinet?

You might want to hide your wires inside the cabinet because you cannot remove the electric cord from where it is plugged in.

How to hide under cabinet lights?

You can also use a cable protector which will help how to hide under cabinet lighting wires, but they cannot be moved around without removing them from where they were placed first.

Can you buy cord covers for under cabinet lights?

Cabinet Lighting Wires: You can purchase cord covers which are specifically designed with the purpose of how to hide under cabinet lighting wires.

Can you use wire clips to hide wires?

No tools are needed and they come in many colors so you can match them with your room. Wire clips can only handle a few wires at a time though, so if you need to hide more than two cords, use wire protectors or wood valances. They cannot be moved around without removing the clip from the surface first though, because they lose their adhesive when removed from where they were placed.

Can you run wires down a wall?

If you need to run wires down a wall or somewhere they will be seen, use a cable protector. They are found in colors and finishes that may work for you. If you do not use this option, your wire could get damaged or hurt someone. My advice is to use other options like hiding wires behind the cabinets if possible. You can find these in various lengths and they are easy to cut to size too!

Can you hang a light fixture from the bottom of a cabinet?

Some light fixtures hang up from the cabinet’s bottom. You might not want it to be seen. If that is the case, you can glue a wood valance to the cabinet’s bottom so that it goes out and covers where the light fixture and wiring are. The wiring should also be hidden by tying wraps around it so that they cannot be seen hanging below the wood valance.

What gauge wire should I use for a light fixture?

Some will use low voltage wires which as a thinner gauge and others will use 120 volt wire that is a thicker 14 gauge wire. The thinner the wire, the easier it will be to hide, and will also be easier to install when it comes to bending around corners. Although I do not suggest selecting a light fixture with the wire as the main deciding factor, you can use it as the final decision maker if you are torn between two fixtures.

How to hide wires in cabinets?

When you pull the wires through the cabinets, you have two choices. Go down the back of the cabinet. Go down the front of the cabinet. My recommendation is to run the wires down through the front. If the wire is at the rear, you will probably see those wires every time you open the cabinets.

How do I pin up wires in kitchen cabinets?

There may be a span underneath the cabinets where the wire is hanging down and you need to pin it up. You can use small thin wire staples, but I personally do not like the idea of hammering those into the bottom of my cabinets. I also prefer not to use the ones that have a small nail as pictured to the left below. There are clips like the one pictured to the right below that use an adhesive backing that are not a bad alternative. The good news is you can test various clips and change them if they are not working for you.

How to protect wires from being damaged?

If you have to run your wires down a wall or somewhere else that will be very visible, then you may want to consider using a cable protector. You can find them in finishes that may work for you. These look better than seeing a wire which will almost never run in a straight line. It also protects the wire from being damaged. My recommendation is to avoid this as an option and find a way to hide your wires behind or inside of the cabinets. These can be purchased in various lengths and they are easily cut to size.

Can you hide under cabinet lights?

Hiding under cabinet lighting wires is easy but it is something you should plan out before you begin your project. If your lighting is already installed, there are still options that should work for you.

Do you have to hide wires in kitchen?

There is no requirement do hide the wires. However, it is not going to look very nice to have the wires exposed. If you are going to take the time to install lighting that will make your kitchen look better, then it is best to hide the wires and make it look professional.

Do I need an electrician to install undercabinet lights?

However, it is important that you take all safety precautions and install according to your local building code. Although an electrician is recommended, it is not required.

How to keep undercabinet lights out of the way?

That is with cable protector. One way to do this is by bundling the wiring carefully and compactly into a bundle and then using tie wraps to hold it in place.

What to do if cable protector doesn't match color?

If the wooden cable protector does not match the color of the cabinet, you can use a suitable stain or paint to make it all look seamless. Or as close to seamless as possible.

How to make a hole and channel in a cabinet?

To create a neat and tidy hole and channel you can use a router. The wooden plank can then slide into place within the cabinet’s interior. To finish you need to use a wooden plank without any openings to cover the completed construction.

Can you hang a light fixture on the underside of a cabinet?

You will find some lighting fixtures tend to hang down somewhat from the underside of cabinets, which is not ideal if you are trying to keep the fixture or just the wiring hidden. This problem can be solved by installing a wooden valance to the underside using some wood adhesive to extend the front face of the cabinet.

Can you hide wires in a cabinet?

Yes, the idea is to keep the wires affixed to the wall or surface as close to the bottom edge at the front of the cabinet as they can, using a slight overhand on the cabinet to keep them hidden.

Can you stain wood furniture?

You can decorate this wood appropriately so that even if you don’t find the right color to match from the beginning, you can use a stain or paint to get it as close to the rest of the furniture as possible.

Can you hide undercabinet lights?

However, there are ways to avoid this happening. By using some forethought, planning, preparation and clever designs, you can hide the wiring for those under-cabinet lighting so that it will look like areas of your kitchen or other dark rooms light up as if by magic.

Why do you need under cabinet lighting?

Under cabinet lighting looks more professional when the wires are hidden. Under-cabinet lighting can provide more light in the important work areas of your kitchen that can make seeing the food you are preparing and the sharp utensils you are cleaning easier.

Where to mount under cabinet lights?

Mounting the lights on the back of the cabinets allows you to hide the cables in the walls without running any cables to the front of the cabinets.

Where to put plug in lights on cabinets?

Hardwired or plug-in lights can be installed at the front of your cabinets for maximum illumination effect, and the cables can be hidden along the inside of the cabinets. Drill a small hole up towards the very front of the cabinet where it cannot be seen, and run the cable up through the hole. Run the cable along the very front of the cabinets and around the side until you can wire it into the switch cable from the wall. Use vinyl to cover the bottom of the cabinets and prevent the cable from being seen.

What is the purpose of a wood plank in a recessed light fixture?

Commonly used with recessed lights, the light fixture's end that penetrates into the inside cabinetry will require a wood plank across its exposed top with a hole and channel needed to guide the wires to the wall outlet. A router creates the hole and channel on the wood plank, which simply slides into the cabinet's interior.

How to hide wires under cabinet?

The wiring length itself should extend directly from the light to the wall. The protector is commonly wood that is cut into a rectangle of the same length as the secured wire bundle. Using a router tool, you can cut a groove into the wood for the wire bundle to lie within without the chance of being pinched. Affixing the protector across the wire bundle on the underside of the cabinet will hide the wires from view. You can even paint or stain the wood to match the cabinetry as well.

What is a room without under cabinet lighting?

A room without under-cabinet lighting will greet you with darkened, recessed areas that offer a gloomy aesthetic. In fact, the hallmark of a cheerful room full of cabinetry, especially for kitchens, is illuminating the countertop below.

Do under cabinet lights need wiring?

Under-cabinet lighting, however, requires extensive wiring so that the entire countertop surface area has sufficient lighting. Hiding the lighting's wires requires some design and preparation of the cabinetry for the best installation.

Can you glue a valance to a cabinet?

Wood Valances. Some light fixtures hang down slightly from the cabinet's underside; you may not want the fixture or the wiring to be visible. In these cases, you can affix a wood valance to the cabinet's underside with wood glue, creating an extension of the cabinetry's front face.

Can you cut a luminaire cord?

Usually not much stuff will fall in between high and low. You might think it would look better if you cut the cord shorter and just hardwired it, but that would violate the luminare's UL listing and be a code violation. There were some products that were UL approved that could be cut to lenght and customized easily, but UL put a halt to that when the products became cheap enough and 'consumer friendly' enough that every home owner was putting them in instead of an electrician. So, now it is either cheap and consumer friendly with a rediculously long cord that plugs in, OR complicated and expensive enough that most consumers won't do it themselves, costing even more in electrician labor $$. Hopefully, you caught the Catch22 in there that UL has purposely built into the product standards for the most part.

Can a dimmer switch be connected to a receptacle?

Receptacles supplying lighting loads must not be connected to a dimmer switch unless the plug/receptacle combination is a nonstandard configuration type specifically listed and identified for each such unique combination.

Can you put a toaster oven in a microwave?

If you put a toaster oven there you could set fire to your kitchen -- do not use a heat producing appliance there. Even a small microwave needs room for air to flow around it.

Can a contractor make a silk purse out of a sow's ear?

The contractor can not make a silk purse out of a sow's ear, as they say. If the customer wants to pay for a more expensive lighting system, then it can be installed in a way that has a more custom look, but those custom light fixtures will cost a custom price.

Can you have multiple outlets with a switch?

If you have multiple units, you should have hard-wired (with a switch), rather than plug-in units. If that's not possible , at least use a system that can daisy-chain units together to be fed by one switch and plugged in one outlet.

Why is concealing lighting important?

Concealing your lighting helps hide unsightly wiring and can help redirect the lighting downwards to higher usage countertop areas, which can be helpful in a kitchen. It’s important to plan your preferred lighting concealment option in advance, rather than afterwards, as you may not be able to add this later.

How high can a puck light be installed?

This cabinet modification also allows the height of the light box to be manufactured as low as 7/8” for simple wiring and up to 6” high, allowing space to conceal electrical outlets to be mounted and exposed on the bottom side of the cabinet for that streamline look. The best part is that it can be removed to allow the installer to drill for wiring, recessed puck lights and electrical boxes. The light box will match the cabinet interior so it esthetically blends with the inside of the cabinet and you’ll hardly know it’s even there.

What is a light valance?

This is a piece of matching straight material that gets cut and attached to the bottom of the cabinet using L-Brackets or Pin Nails from the inside. This type of light valance comes in many different heights, routing and design types. This is by far the most economical choice for your space.

Can you add a bottom light valance to cabinets?

It’s important to plan your preferred lighting concealment option in advance, so your cabinets can be built accordingly. Although it may seem easy to add a bottom light valance moulding afterwards, this is sometimes not possible due to Code Clearance Requirements.

Can you conceal under cabinet lights?

NO CONCEALMENT. Some homeowners prefer to have no under cabinet lighting concealment and don’t mind having the under cabinet light showing. In this case, it is recommended you select a light that has a finished appearance/housing, so it isn’t unsightly to look at.

Is concealment required for under cabinet lighting?

Using an under cabinet lighting valance or a concealment method is an optional and not mandatory. Some opt to have the lighting fixture exposed and forfeit the light valance for a more streamline look. Of course, you’ll want to choose a sleeker lighting and have tidy wiring, as everything will be exposed. Most homeowners would agree that under cabinet lighting is worth investing in.

How to protect electrical cords from unsightly cords?

Use a surge protector that disguises cords. You can purchase a surge protector that also houses unsightly electrical cords. Try using a surge protector with cord storage. Mount it on the wall under a television, computer, or other appliance that is wrought with unsightly cords.

How to keep electrical cords out of sight?

Keep cords out of sight with a binder clip. If you need to corral multiple electrical cords, try attaching them together with a binder clip. You can then hang the binder clip on a nail, screw or hook that is in an inconspicuous place, like the back of a piece of furniture. Expert Q&A.

How to stop a tangled wire from tangled?

1. Try cord clips. A cord clip can help prevent a tangled mess of cords and wires. You can purchase cord clips at your local hardware store or online. Try affixing the cord clips to the back of a table or desk. Then position the electrical cord in the clips.

How to hide an electrical cord?

1. Hide the cord behind furniture. One of the easiest ways to hide an electrical cord is by positioning it behind furniture. Try hiding an electrical cord behind a desk or dresser. You can also easily hide an electrical cord by positioning it behind a bookcase. TV equipment can be placed inside of a cabinet, for instance.

Who is Jesse Kuhlman?

Jesse Kuhlman is a Master Electrician and the Owner of Kuhlman Electrician Services based in Massachusetts. Jesse specializes in all aspects of home/residential wiring, troubleshooting, generator installation, and WiFi thermostats. Jesse is also the author of four eBooks on home wiring including "Residential Electrical Troubleshooting" which covers basic electrical troubleshooting in residential homes.

Can you hide the electrical cord between two baseboards?

You can then hide the electrical cord between the two baseboards. For example, you can create a secondary baseboard that looks like a white picket fence, position it in front of your existing baseboard, and hide the cord between the two baseboards.