If You Had to Redo Your Kitchen Lights, What Would You Pick?

I get where you're coming from about dimmers in the kitchen. I used to think they were kind of unnecessary, but after installing them in a few properties, I’ve noticed people actually use them more than I expected. Personally, I end up adjusting the lights pretty often—full brightness for cooking or cleaning, then dial it down when we’re just hanging out or having a late snack. It’s nice not having that harsh overhead glare all the time.

That said, in rentals, most tenants seem to leave them on high and forget about it. Maybe it’s just habit? For my own place, though, I’d definitely keep the dimmers. They’re not that hard to clean, and the flexibility is worth it. If you like having options, I’d say they’re not overkill at all.

I’ve noticed the same thing—dimmers seem like a small upgrade but they really do make a difference, especially if you’re trying to save energy or just want a softer vibe at night. I’d probably go with LED fixtures and dimmers again, but I’d be picky about color temperature. Warm white feels cozier for me, but I know some folks like it brighter and cooler for task lighting. Funny how much lighting changes the whole feel of a kitchen...

It’s wild how much lighting can make or break a kitchen, right? I used to think it was just about picking a nice fixture, but after flipping a few houses, I’ve learned it’s way more nuanced. One place I renovated had these harsh, bluish LEDs—looked like an operating room. Even with dimmers, it just never felt inviting. Ended up swapping them for warm white bulbs and suddenly the space felt like somewhere you’d actually want to hang out.

I’m with you on the color temperature thing. Warm white is my go-to for kitchens that are more of a gathering spot, but in one flip where the kitchen was tiny and tucked away, I actually went with cooler lights over the counters. It made food prep easier and somehow made the space feel bigger. Still kept warmer lights over the dining area though—kind of a best-of-both-worlds situation.

One thing I’ve been debating lately is under-cabinet lighting. Some buyers love it for task lighting, others think it’s overkill or just another thing to clean. Have you tried those LED strips or puck lights under your cabinets? Curious if they’re worth the hassle long-term or if they end up being one of those upgrades that sounds better than it lives.

Funny how something as simple as light bulbs can spark so many opinions...

Have you tried those LED strips or puck lights under your cabinets? Curious if they’re worth the hassle long-term or if they end up being one of those upgrades that sounds better than it lives.

I put in LED strips under my cabinets about three years ago—honestly, I can’t imagine going back. They’re super helpful for chopping and reading recipes, especially at night. Cleaning hasn’t been a big deal, but I went with the kind that’s encased in silicone, so maybe that helps. Puck lights seemed clunky to me, but I know some people like the more focused effect. If you go with strips, just make sure they’re dimmable... otherwise it can feel like a runway.

If I had to do it over, I’d probably still go with strips, but I’d plan the wiring better. The first time, I underestimated how annoying it is to have cords visible or running awkwardly behind appliances. I agree with you on the silicone casing—makes a difference for cleaning.

Puck lights seemed clunky to me, but I know some people like the more focused effect.