How to Hide Under Cabinet Lighting Wires

Under cabinet lighting is a beautiful addition to any kitchen design. The targeted lighting illuminates the counters, perfect for prepping and cooking. However, if your under cabinet lighting wires are exposed, it will spoil the entire aesthetic.

“Exposed wires can reduce the overall aesthetic of your kitchen and if not properly anchored, can hinder the delivery of high-quality light to work surfaces and cause unwanted shadows,” says Lecora Lee from Hafele, the leading manufacturer of furniture fittings, hardware, and lighting experts. “Häfele wire management devices are critical to any undercabinet lighting plan, tidying the look while maximizing the value of space.”

Here are the six best ways to hide under cabinet lighting wires.

Types of Under Cabinet Lighting

There are three main types of under-cabinet lighting: LED light strips, light bars, and puck lights. Light strips come in several lengths and can be customized to fit your cabinet’s length. Light bars are long strips of lighting that come in specific lengths or can be customized to your required size. Puck lights are small, disk-shaped fixtures resembling hockey pucks used as accent lighting.

Six Ways to Hide Under Cabinet Lighting Wires

1. Use raceways to conceal wires

Raceways are long metal channels that can be attached under the cabinet and house all the wires for the under-cabinet lighting. Raceways are great options because they protect the wiring from heat and corrosion and can be painted to match the rest of your space.

If necessary, you will need to cut the raceway to fit your space, and you can either use adhesive backing or screws to secure it in place.

2. Add wire molding/valance

Like regular molding, wire molding and valances are attached to the wall beneath cabinets as a decorative piece of molding or trim. They provide a clean and finished look to your under-cabinet lighting installation. Molding and valances are made in various materials like plastic, metal, or wood, and they can be customized to match the existing décor of your kitchen.

3. Install a lightbox inside the cabinet

A lightbox is designed to contain and protect all wiring and outlets. Installing a lightbox inside an upper cabinet right above the under-cabinet lighting will conceal all the wiring for a clean and seamless look. After you drill a hole in the bottom of the upper cabinet, route the wires into the lightbox and use cable clips to secure them to prevent them from getting tangled.

4. Use adhesive clips

Adhesive clips are easy to install and budget-friendly. Attach them to the underside of the cabinet or the wall and pull the wires through them. Space them evenly along the cabinet or wall to ensure they hold the wires well. Adhesive clips stick to the wall with adhesive and are an excellent alternative if you don’t want to drill holes in your wall.

5. Use LED strip lights with concealed wiring

Some LED under cabinet lighting comes with concealed wiring, which means the wires are very thin and even more easily concealed. After you mount the LED lighting strips, use adhesive clips to secure the wiring underneath the upper cabinets. The wires are thin enough that raceways or molding wouldn’t be necessary.

6. Drill holes through the walls

This is a good option if you are installing new cabinetry since you will have to drill through your kitchen walls. Drill holes through the walls and thread wires through for the under-cabinet lighting. This will keep the wires out of the way and create a seamless look for your under-cabinet lighting.

What to Consider Before Installing Under Cabinet Lighting

Here’s what to think about before you decide on installing under-cabinet lighting in your kitchen:

• What is the purpose of the under-cabinet lighting? Is it for task lighting or ambiance?
• Consider the material of your cabinet – some materials may require different installation methods.
• Consider the best power source for your lighting. This will affect the complexity of the installation.
• Do you want dimmable lighting, remote controls, or smart home integration?
• Think about your budget and the cost of the lighting.
• Choose an under-cabinet lighting style that complements the overall aesthetic of your kitchen.

Under Cabinet Lighting Installation Tips

Before you DIY under cabinet lighting, there are a few things you need to keep in mind:

• Make sure to follow all electrical codes when drilling through the walls and threading wires through the wall.
• Don’t overload the electrical pathways when drilling and adding new wiring.
• Turn off all power before you install the lighting and maintain all safety procedures.
• Follow all manufacturer's instructions for installation and ensure you have all the necessary tools before getting started.
• Test the lighting before completing the installation and ensure they function correctly.

 Under cabinet lighting adds functionality and beauty to your kitchen, and exposed wires will detract from the overall look. Several effective ways to hide the wiring include raceways, wire molding, lightboxes, adhesive clips, LED strip lights with concealed wiring, and drilling holes to hide the wiring behind the wall.

Before installing, consider the purpose of the lighting, cabinet material, power source, dimming options, budget, and overall aesthetic. We work with Hafele Lighting to offer the best under-cabinet lighting with multiple options. Contact your local dealer to find out how Hafele under cabinet lighting can be integrated into your kitchen design.