I went through something similar a couple of years ago when I redid my kitchen lighting. Before that, it felt like I was cooking in a cave—honestly, I'm surprised I still have all my fingers after chopping onions in that dimness. Anyway, I initially looked at those fancy premium LED strips online, and yeah, some of the prices were just ridiculous.
But then a friend of mine suggested checking out some mid-range brands on Amazon. I ended up grabbing a set that wasn't dirt cheap but wasn't breaking the bank either—think it was around 30 bucks for a decent length. Honestly, they've been great. The installation was straightforward enough (though I did have an awkward moment dangling precariously from a chair trying to stick them under the cabinets... DIY adventures, right?). And brightness-wise, they're perfect—bright enough to clearly see what I'm doing without feeling like I'm prepping dinner in an operating room.
For what it's worth, I've also used the really cheap ones in other projects around the house. They're okay, but I've found they don't always stick as well or last as long. One set started flickering after just a few months, which gave my hallway a haunted house vibe—not exactly what I was going for.
So yeah, in my experience, you don't need to splurge on the super high-end stuff, but maybe steer clear of the absolute cheapest ones too. Somewhere in the middle seems to be the sweet spot. Plus, if you're a bit creative, you can pair them with some softer overhead lighting or even a dimmable pendant light to balance functionality and coziness. Worked wonders for my kitchen anyway.
Interesting points, and I totally get the appeal of mid-range LEDs—especially if you're trying to balance cost and quality. But honestly, after renovating a few properties, I've found that sometimes spending a bit more upfront can save headaches down the road. Here's my take:
- Mid-range LEDs are usually fine for personal use, but if you're thinking about resale value or renting out your place later on, investing in slightly higher-quality fixtures can really pay off. Buyers and renters notice details like flickering lights or uneven brightness, and it can subtly affect their perception of the home's overall quality.
- Also, while DIY installs are great (and trust me, I've had my share of chair-balancing acts too...), sometimes it's worth hiring a pro electrician for kitchen lighting. Kitchens are high-use areas, and proper wiring and installation can prevent issues like overheating or premature burnout. Plus, a professional install often looks cleaner and more polished.
- Another thing to consider is color temperature. I've noticed some mid-range LED strips can have inconsistent color tones—even within the same batch—which can make your kitchen look patchy or uneven. Spending a little extra on brands known for consistent color quality can make a noticeable difference.
- Lastly, don't underestimate the value of dimmable options. You mentioned pairing LED strips with softer overhead lighting, which is a great idea. But having dimmable under-cabinet lighting itself gives you even more flexibility. It lets you adjust brightness depending on the time of day or mood you're going for, and buyers tend to appreciate that versatility.
Just my two cents based on experience. Not saying mid-range isn't a good choice—it definitely can be—but sometimes paying a bit more upfront can save you from having to redo things later.
Good points, but honestly I've had great luck with mid-range LEDs. Installed mine DIY about 3 years ago—no flickering yet, knock on wood. Agree on dimmers though...wish I'd thought of that earlier. Maybe next time!
Mid-range LEDs are definitely underrated. Mine have been solid too, going on 4 years now. Dimmers would've been nice, but honestly, I rarely adjust brightness anyway—usually just flip 'em on and off. DIY saves a ton, doesn't it? Good call doing it yourself...always satisfying when things hold up over time.
Couldn't agree more on mid-range LEDs being underrated. Installed mine about three years ago, and they're still going strong—though I did splurge on dimmers. Funny thing is, I rarely touch them either...guess it was more about having the option than actually using it. DIY definitely pays off; reminds me of the time I tried installing recessed lights myself—ended up with a few extra holes in the ceiling, but hey, character-building experience, right?
