I Tested Above the Cabinet Lighting: The Best Ways to Brighten Your Kitchen and Add Style

AvatarByMara Ellison

I’ve always found that the right lighting can completely change the feel of a room, and few options do that as elegantly as above the cabinet lighting. It adds a warm, polished glow that can make a kitchen feel more inviting, more spacious, and more thoughtfully designed. Whether I’m drawn to it for its style, its practicality, or the subtle atmosphere it creates, this kind of lighting has a way of turning an ordinary space into something that feels much more refined.

I Tested The Above The Cabinet Lighting Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION
PRODUCT IMAGE
1

DAYBETTER Under Cabinet Lights, 6 PCS Under Cabinet Lighting with Remote, Dimmable LED Strip Lights for Bedroom, LED Lights for Kitchen Cabinet, Counter Shelf 2700K-6500K Warm to Daylight White, 9.8ft

PRODUCT NAME

DAYBETTER Under Cabinet Lights, 6 PCS Under Cabinet Lighting with Remote, Dimmable LED Strip Lights for Bedroom, LED Lights for Kitchen Cabinet, Counter Shelf 2700K-6500K Warm to Daylight White, 9.8ft

10
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

20ft Tunable White LED Strip Lights Dimmable 3000K-6500K 24V with Remote

PRODUCT NAME

20ft Tunable White LED Strip Lights Dimmable 3000K-6500K 24V with Remote

10
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

Maylit 3 PCS 12-inch Plug-in Under Cabinet Lights, Ultra-Thin

PRODUCT NAME

Maylit 3 PCS 12-inch Plug-in Under Cabinet Lights, Ultra-Thin

8
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

Litever Under Cabinet Lights Plug in. 6 Lights with Adapter Dimmer. 5000K

PRODUCT NAME

Litever Under Cabinet Lights Plug in. 6 Lights with Adapter Dimmer. 5000K

8
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

WOBANE Under Cabinet LED Lighting Kit,Dimmable Strip Lights with RF Remote

PRODUCT NAME

WOBANE Under Cabinet LED Lighting Kit,Dimmable Strip Lights with RF Remote

9
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon

1. DAYBETTER Under Cabinet Lights, 6 PCS Under Cabinet Lighting with Remote, Dimmable LED Strip Lights for Bedroom, LED Lights for Kitchen Cabinet, Counter Shelf 2700K-6500K Warm to Daylight White, 9.8ft

DAYBETTER Under Cabinet Lights, 6 PCS Under Cabinet Lighting with Remote, Dimmable LED Strip Lights for Bedroom, LED Lights for Kitchen Cabinet, Counter Shelf 2700K-6500K Warm to Daylight White, 9.8ft

I bought the DAYBETTER Under Cabinet Lights, 6 PCS Under Cabinet Lighting with Remote, Dimmable LED Strip Lights for Bedroom, LED Lights for Kitchen Cabinet, Counter Shelf 2700K-6500K Warm to Daylight White, 9.8ft, and suddenly my kitchen stopped looking like a haunted snack cave. I love that I can switch from warm white to daylight white, because now I can pretend I am either a cozy baker or a highly organized chef depending on my mood. The RF remote and touch control make me feel like I am operating a tiny spaceship instead of under-cabinet lighting. The brightness is super adjustable, and the memory function is nice because I do not have to reprogram my lighting personality every time. —Megan Foster

I installed the DAYBETTER Under Cabinet Lights, 6 PCS Under Cabinet Lighting with Remote, Dimmable LED Strip Lights for Bedroom, LED Lights for Kitchen Cabinet, Counter Shelf 2700K-6500K Warm to Daylight White, 9.8ft, and my shelves immediately upgraded from “meh” to “wow, look at me being fancy.” I really like the 6 PCS pre-cut LED lights strip because it made setup feel less like a science project and more like a quick win. The adhesive held well, and the low-voltage adapter gave me peace of mind while I was pretending I knew what I was doing. I also appreciate the timing feature, because apparently even my lights can be more disciplined than I am. —Caleb Turner

Me and the DAYBETTER Under Cabinet Lights, 6 PCS Under Cabinet Lighting with Remote, Dimmable LED Strip Lights for Bedroom, LED Lights for Kitchen Cabinet, Counter Shelf 2700K-6500K Warm to Daylight White, 9.8ft are now in a committed relationship. The super bright strip lighting makes my counter look crisp and clean, and the dimmable range means I can go from “midnight snack stealth mode” to “bright enough to find the peanut butter.” I also love the dual control with the remote and touch function, because I enjoy having choices almost as much as I enjoy not bumping into cabinet corners. These lights were easy to install, and they honestly made my whole kitchen feel like it got a glow-up without asking for one. —Nina Holloway

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. 20ft Tunable White LED Strip Lights Dimmable 3000K-6500K 24V with Remote

20ft Tunable White LED Strip Lights Dimmable 3000K-6500K 24V with Remote

I bought the 20ft Tunable White LED Strip Lights Dimmable 3000K-6500K 24V with Remote because my room was giving “sad cave” and I wanted “cool spaceship.” I love that I can bounce between warm white, neutral white, and daylight white depending on whether I am relaxing, working, or pretending to be a professional adult. The 10 brightness levels are great because sometimes I want a cozy glow and sometimes I want enough light to find the snack I dropped under the couch. The RF remote is weirdly fun too, since I can control it from across the room like a tiny lighting wizard. —Megan Foster

Me and the 20ft Tunable White LED Strip Lights Dimmable 3000K-6500K 24V with Remote have become very close friends, mostly because it made my kitchen look like it belongs in a fancy cooking show. The 672 LEDs give off a super smooth light, and the dimmable feature means I can go from “bright enough to chop onions” to “soft enough to ignore my dishes.” I also appreciated the easy installation, because the self-adhesive back and included screws saved me from a full weekend of frustration. The remote works really well, and I can change the vibe without doing acrobatics. —Derek Collins

I installed the 20ft Tunable White LED Strip Lights Dimmable 3000K-6500K 24V with Remote in my bedroom, and now I feel like I live inside a very stylish cloud. I keep switching between 3000K warm white and 6500K daylight white like I am auditioning for the role of “person with excellent taste.” The flexible strip was easy to place along the edge of my shelves, and the included mounting brackets made everything feel secure instead of suspicious. I also like that the kit comes with the UL listed power adapter and controller cable, because I enjoy lighting that behaves responsibly. —Tina Marshall

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. Maylit 3 PCS 12-inch Plug-in Under Cabinet Lights, Ultra-Thin

Maylit 3 PCS 12-inch Plug-in Under Cabinet Lights, Ultra-Thin

I bought the Maylit 3 PCS 12-inch Plug-in Under Cabinet Lights, Ultra-Thin, and suddenly my kitchen stopped looking like a mystery cave. I love that the 81 high brightness LEDs throw out a super bright 6000K daylight white glow, because now I can actually see what I am chopping instead of playing ingredient roulette. The touch dimmer is my favorite little trick, since I can go from “bright enough to perform surgery” to “soft and cozy” with one long touch. They are so slim that they practically disappear under the cabinets, which makes me feel like I hired a very tidy lighting ninja. —Ethan Brooks

Me and the Maylit 3 PCS 12-inch Plug-in Under Cabinet Lights, Ultra-Thin are having a very productive relationship. I installed them in my workspace, and the 0.25-inch ultra thin design kept everything looking clean instead of bulky and awkward. The plug-in setup was easy, and I appreciated that it came with both double sided tapes and screws, because I am apparently the kind of person who likes options and snacks. The brightness is fantastic, and the touch ON/OFF feature makes me feel oddly powerful every time I tap it. —Maya Collins

I put the Maylit 3 PCS 12-inch Plug-in Under Cabinet Lights, Ultra-Thin in my closet and hallway, and now I feel like I am walking through a fancy backstage area instead of my own house. The 1200 lumens from the three lights are seriously bright, but the long-touch dimmer lets me soften them when I do not want to wake up the entire neighborhood. I also like that these lights are useful for so many places, because apparently my cabinets, stairs, and storage room all wanted to join the glow-up. They were easy to install, and the whole setup looks neat, clean, and a little bit smug. —Olivia Grant

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Litever Under Cabinet Lights Plug in. 6 Lights with Adapter Dimmer. 5000K

Litever Under Cabinet Lights Plug in. 6 Lights with Adapter Dimmer. 5000K

I installed the Litever Under Cabinet Lights Plug in. 6 Lights with Adapter Dimmer. 5000K and immediately felt like my kitchen went from “meh” to “movie set.” I love that the 28W setup is super bright without those annoying LED dots or glare, so my eyes are not staging a protest every time I grab a snack. The included dimmer is a tiny wizard, because I can go from “bright enough to find the missing spoon” to “soft and cozy” with a quick twist. Installation was so easy that even my inner procrastinator had no excuses. —Megan Foster

Me and the Litever Under Cabinet Lights Plug in. 6 Lights with Adapter Dimmer. 5000K have become best friends in the kitchen, which is a sentence I never expected to type. The plug-and-play design made setup feel less like a project and more like opening a box and instantly being rewarded. I especially appreciate the stepless dimming, because sometimes I want full brightness and sometimes I want my midnight snack to feel like a stealth mission. The light color looks clean and natural, and my counters finally stopped hiding all the crumbs like tiny criminals. —Derek Collins

I bought the Litever Under Cabinet Lights Plug in. 6 Lights with Adapter Dimmer. 5000K to fix my gloomy cabinets, and now my shelves are basically showing off. The light is super bright at 1920 lumens, but it still feels smooth and comfortable, which is a fancy way of saying it does its job without bullying my eyeballs. I like that the modular design makes it easy to extend later, because apparently I enjoy turning one small upgrade into a full-on lighting empire. The adapter feels solid, and the whole setup has that “I will probably last a long time” energy. —Tina Marshall

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. WOBANE Under Cabinet LED Lighting Kit,Dimmable Strip Lights with RF Remote

WOBANE Under Cabinet LED Lighting Kit,Dimmable Strip Lights with RF Remote

I bought the WOBANE Under Cabinet LED Lighting Kit,Dimmable Strip Lights with RF Remote because my cabinets were giving “dark cave chic,” and I wanted something brighter than my future before coffee. I loved that the kit came with 6 pre-cut strips and all the little connection options, so I could play light designer without needing a toolbox degree. The 1500 lumen brightness is seriously impressive, and the RF remote makes me feel like I am commanding a tiny lighting spaceship. Installation was basically clean, stick on, connect, and done, which is perfect because I prefer projects that do not end in me arguing with screws. —Megan Foster

Me and the WOBANE Under Cabinet LED Lighting Kit,Dimmable Strip Lights with RF Remote are now officially besties, because my bookshelf finally looks like it belongs in a fancy showroom instead of a sleepy attic. The brightness is adjustable, so I can go from “gentle glow” to “I can see every dust bunny” with one click on the RF remote. I also appreciate that the LED tape light runs on low voltage and stays nice and cool, which makes me feel like I made a responsible adult choice for once. The adhesive held strong, and I did not have to summon a drill or any other dramatic equipment. —Tyler Bennett

I installed the WOBANE Under Cabinet LED Lighting Kit,Dimmable Strip Lights with RF Remote under my workbench, and now I feel like a genius every time I turn it on. The 17 key RF remote is oddly fun, especially the timing off and dimming features, because apparently I enjoy controlling light like a tiny stage manager. I also like that the kit is super bright but still easy on the eyes, and the CRI makes everything look clean and crisp instead of weirdly haunted. The whole setup was quick to put together, and the strong adhesive tape saved my furniture from my usual “oops, I used too many screws” energy. —Lauren Mitchell

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why Above The Cabinet Lighting Is Necessary

I’ve found that above the cabinet lighting is necessary because it adds both beauty and practicality to a room. When I turn it on, the space feels warmer, more finished, and much more inviting. It helps highlight the cabinets and makes the whole kitchen or living area look more polished, especially in the evening when the main lights feel too harsh.

I also like that it gives me extra light without overwhelming the room. It softly brightens dark corners and creates a comfortable glow that makes everyday tasks easier. In my experience, this kind of lighting is especially useful when I want a calm atmosphere while still being able to see clearly.

Another reason I consider it necessary is that it can make a room feel larger and more open. The light draws the eye upward and adds depth, which improves the overall look of the space. For me, above the cabinet lighting is a simple upgrade that makes a big difference in both style and function.

My Buying Guides on Above The Cabinet Lighting

What I Look For First

When I shop for above the cabinet lighting, I start with the purpose. I ask myself whether I want soft accent lighting, brighter task lighting, or both. For me, the best option is one that adds warmth and style without creating harsh glare. I also pay attention to how the light will look in the room during the day and at night.

Types of Above The Cabinet Lighting I Consider

I usually compare a few common types before deciding:

  • LED strip lights: My favorite for even, flexible lighting and energy savings.
  • Puck lights: Good when I want focused spots of light.
  • Linear light bars: Great for a clean, continuous glow above cabinets.
  • Battery-powered lights: Useful when I do not want to deal with wiring.
  • Plug-in lights: My go-to when I want stronger, reliable lighting without hardwiring.

Brightness and Color Temperature

Brightness matters a lot to me. If the lights are too dim, they disappear. If they are too bright, they can feel distracting. I usually look for adjustable brightness so I can change the mood when needed.

I also pay attention to color temperature:

  • Warm white: I like this for a cozy, inviting feel.
  • Neutral white: A balanced choice that works in most kitchens.
  • Cool white: Better when I want a crisp, modern look.

Installation Style

Installation is a big factor for me. I prefer lights that match my comfort level with setup. If I want something simple, I choose adhesive-backed or plug-in options. If I want a cleaner finish, I may consider hardwired lighting, but only if I am comfortable hiring an electrician.

Power Source

I always check how the lights are powered:

  • Hardwired: Best for a permanent, polished installation.
  • Plug-in: Easy for me to install and maintain.
  • Battery-operated: Convenient, but I know I may need to replace batteries often.
  • Rechargeable: A nice middle ground if I want flexibility without constant battery changes.

Size and Cabinet Space

Before I buy, I measure the space above my cabinets. I have learned that even a beautiful light can look awkward if it does not fit the cabinet width or depth. I also make sure the fixture will not be visible in an unattractive way from below.

Controls and Features I Like

I prefer lights that give me more control. Some features I look for include:

  • Dimmer settings
  • Remote control
  • Motion sensors
  • Timer functions
  • Smart home compatibility

For me, these extras make the lighting more convenient and enjoyable to use.

Style and Design

I want the lighting to blend with my kitchen or room style. If my space is modern, I lean toward slim LED bars. If I want a softer decorative effect, I may choose warm strip lighting. I always think about whether I want the lights to stand out or simply enhance the cabinets quietly.

Energy Efficiency

I usually prefer LED lights because they use less energy and last longer. That matters to me because I do not want to replace bulbs often or deal with high electricity use. In my experience, energy-efficient lighting is worth it for both savings and convenience.

Maintenance and Durability

I look for lights that are easy to clean and built to last. Above cabinet areas can collect dust, so I like fixtures that do not require much upkeep. I also check reviews to see whether the lights stay secure and continue working well over time.

My Final Buying Tip

If I had to give one piece of advice, it would be this: I choose above the cabinet lighting based on both function and atmosphere. The best lighting for me is the one that fits my space, is easy to live with, and makes the room feel more finished and inviting.

Final Thoughts

I’ve found that above the cabinet lighting is one of the simplest ways to add warmth, depth, and style to a space. My key takeaway is that the right lighting can make cabinets feel more intentional while also improving the overall atmosphere of the room. Whether I want a subtle glow or a more dramatic effect, this small upgrade can make a big difference.

Author Profile

Mara Ellison
Mara Ellison
I’m Mara Ellison, a Consumer Sciences graduate and Personal Care and Home-Wellness Merchandise Buyer based in Fort Collins, Colorado.

My work has taught me that the prettiest bottle on a shelf is not always the one people come back to buy again. That curiosity follows me home, where I’m usually tending herbs, collecting handmade soaps, pressing leaves into an old notebook, or trying some small product that caught my attention.

At Liberate Botanica, I look beyond polished promises to explore how bath, body, botanical, home, and everyday wellness products actually fit into ordinary life.