(Part 2) Best under-counter light fixtures according to redditors

Second this. I bought this battery powered one for a coat closet with no wiring and I couldn't be happier. It turns on instantly when I open the door and the battery lasts forever. I've only charged it 2-3 times in the past 10 months and we open the closet door 3-4 times a day.

I love this idea!!

I'd be interested in matchmaking and/or creating the questionnaire. I studied personality psychology in college and my job involves creating surveys/analyzing data, so I think I could do a decent job of balancing traits to make complementary pairs.

For beams, how about touch lights like these? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Q9PVRBG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_KF1yDbQ2AQ7TH They're usually sold in cheap multi-packs, and I've even seen them at the dollar store. You could use command strips to tack them onto a wall and have whoever's acting as host light them up accordingly.

For other mini-game suggestions, I think you could adapt some of the party games on this list: https://www.buzzfeed.com/mallorymcinnis/20-insanely-simple-party-games-to-entertain-your-whole-famil (e.g. Likes and Dislikes, Partners in Pen, Newlywed Game, etc.).

Links for your convenience:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FY57K63/ref=psdc_3736741_t1_B075MXG292

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Self-Assembly-16-H-Acrylic-Display-Box-Plastic-Showcase-Dustproof-Protection-US/331477570398

https://www.amazon.com/Sorbus-Floating-Shelves-Hanging-Decoration/dp/B077FH3KFP/ref=pd_rhf_ee_s_rtpb_1_2/143-8163163-8505704?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B077DVLBQB&pd_rd_r=0263c6a6-ae9b-4fdb-87ea-dd0914c37920&pd_rd_w=Nr9Y4&pd_rd_wg=1iLS6&pf_rd_p=a81132e4-a99d-4ec4-b8d9-0eee61b952f3&pf_rd_r=NQN2X5Z5EZJ7Y52GRPN5&refRID=NQN2X5Z5EZJ7Y52GRPN5&th=1

Thanks!

Yeah - the light I have is this simple one from amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06Y3NWN8R/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_j0Q1CbNHNC7QD

Here are the printed mounts for it! https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3322690

Neat light, but as someone who's run a night round for several years now, buying and throwing away AA batteries gets to be a burden. I switched to a rechargeable solution two years ago and I couldn't be happier: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06Y28GG7W/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

This one!

I mounted it with a bunch of adhesive strips from leftover command hooks, worked like a charm! The bulb shield/cover was super easy to remove, too.

No, they're these. I made the black cuffs around them out of black glossy scrapbooking paper. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07R8SJZGM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_tuE0DbJ6Y7M57

Go to Amazon and get this Good Earth Lighting Fluorescent 36-inch Plug in Under Cabinet Light Bar - 25W - Equivalent to (2) 60W Incandescent Bulbs - 3000K Soft White - White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00Z5RS9K6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_sw1tvVy3u1vS6
It's a great mount and it's cheap. Just take out the bulb it comes with and get a reptisun 18" bulb

Yeah, I think this general method is what you should do. I just used a similar scheme using these:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07TN5HNPN/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

This set came with a collection of flat ribbon extensions, but I wasn't using it under cabinets. I was lighting the top shelf of 3 shelving units, similar to an entertainment center. I came into the top of each unit and hid the lights on the back of the front top trim piece. No way the provided extensions would have reached, or been invisible.

My solution was to use small gauge wire twisted into a pair. From the power pack, underneath the base unit under the shelf units, I cut the output of the power pack, spliced some wires on it, and ran up to the top of one of the units. I then connected this to the 3 sets of wires, each going to a shelf unit. To make the final expected connection, I cut off the connectors from some supplied ribbon extensions, which made each wire pair able to connect to an LED strip as originally expected. The only hard part was the soldering, since it was kind of small. But tinning the wire ends allows them to be tacked onto the connectors. It worked out pretty good, and is still unconnectable, in case any repairs or modifications.

I used these: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00YMNSCYM/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

As long as you have room on top of the cabinets it's easy to put lighting in. Before I put the cabinets up, I put up regular outlets (so I have the option for any kind of lighting) and attached them to switches (because under cabinet lighting on a 3-way switch is great). When I put up the cabinets I cut channels for the light wiring and strings to pull them through. Then, when I was almost done with the kitchen I ran the wires up behind the cabinets and plugged them in.

Clean the cabinets and line them. Seal any holes you find along the corners and edges, and you should be fine. You can also install motion sensing LED lights in the cabinets. I love these and if you don't want to stick them up, they still work if you simply place them in the cabinet. Your nice, clean cabinets won'd seem so creepy and will be more welcoming.

I appreciate it! I'd be happy to. So the three main components used are These lights, these lights and this fogger the puck lights are great because they're really bright (and can be adjusted with a remote) they change color and can be easily hidden. So, on my kitchen table, I turned off all the lights surrounding, turned on the puck lights, the two lights I showed you and another light just for fill. I shot it at 1/25 shutter speed at an f4 and a 400 ISO. So basically only the subjects were lit and everything else was dark. The green lights did a great job turning the fog green. Everything you see here was shot as is.

http://www.amazon.com/CYRON-Multicolor-LED-System-HTP904E/dp/B004Q088Q8/ref=pd_cp_hi_3

Battery powered puck (cabinet) lights. Turn em upside down on the top metal and let the light shine down the chains. Get some UV tape, put it on the disc, and a UV light and you're good to go. $25 for the lights, 15 bucks for the tape, and 10 bucks the UV light.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Q9PVRBG?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Albrillo LED Under Cabinet Lighting Dimmable Warm White if it qualifies as a lantern,

if not then a nitecore tip

I was planning on using these.

The ones I ended up using are not waterproof but have lasted 7 months now without issues. They are https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01ARQY31S/ref=ya_aw_oh_bia_dp?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Good Earth Lighting 36-inch Plug In Under Cabinet Light Bar https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00Z5RS9K6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_B1F-AbZKBSFV7 this is the one I’m using for a 36 inch reptisun 10.0 T8 and yeah I struggled for a bit myself lol basically had to settle for this

I just finished doing my under the cabinet lights last night. I used these per the suggestion of someone else here and they worked great: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MKKBKZK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1. The diffusion they add is nice, though with your countertop material you probably don't have to worry too much about individual LED reflection. But per other comments, because you don't have a lip on the bottom of your cabinets, you could use something like these to create one and run them along the front most part of the cabinet. I don't think it'd look too bad at all - you can cut the channels I linked with a hack saw and and the plastic diffusers easily with a strong pair of scissors.

Omg those colors are terrible. I'm so sorry!

You're renting right? Have you ever painted anything before? First things first, ask the landlord if he'll supply the paint if you supply the labor. It can't hurt! But you'd need to do a decent job sooo...

I'd go with a cool white in the kitchen. They make special super smooth durable paint for cupboards, but it's pricy! It finishes more like an enamel. Try to find out what kind of paint was used previously. You may need a primer and if you aren't sure, definitely get primer. Just do everything white, and research how to paint cupboards. 90% of a good paint job is prep work! Things like sanding, removing hardware, priming, taking cupboards doors down, etc. I wouldn't waste time on the insides unless you're really anal about stuff. I always bought the rubbery liners for mine.

If the landlord allows, I'd add hardware to the cupboards as well. These are a decent clean look:

Cosmas 305-030SN Satin Nickel Cabinet Hardware Euro Style Bar Handle Pull - 3" Hole Centers, 5-3/8" Overall Length - 25 Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01D0KWBJ4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_j3RDzbD9DSWFH

But measure to see what makes sense. Drill and sand the holes before painting and look to see if there were pre-existing pulls. If so, try to re-use those old holes (sometimes they are patched and painted over). Path of least resistance and so forth...

The kitchen looks small with no natural light so I think the under cabinet LED strips are a great idea. Something like this might work - I would go with warm lighting just so the white isn't so stark.

Albrillo LED Under Cabinet Lighting Dimmable Warm White, 12W 900 Lumens, 3 Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ARQY31S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_X7RDzb9EGZ4KM

For the living area just get rid of that ugly neon vomit color as fast as possible. Dear god. Do not leave any of that.

I would aim for something in a very light warm gray (I know it's not the most revolutionary but it works) for the walls or if you want to go modern, a nice crisp white. You can always add warmth and color with textiles (furniture, rugs, curtains) so don't be afraid of doing a fresh box in white if you want the light. Use a matte or eggshell finish in the living room. Anything with gloss will highlight EVERY imperfection in the walls.

If your living room windows are subject to passerby's views, I'd consider getting a double rod for curtains. A softly textured sheer curtain will allow lots of light in the daytime while still obscuring you from unwanted attention. Something like this:
Best Dreamcity Faux Linen Sheer White Curtains / Draperies for Bedroom (Pack of 2 Panels, W52" by L84", White) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01F03O5SO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_rbSDzb6SMDNRP

You can then choose a thicker curtain for the outer rod for evening privacy. (Sheers tend to be much more sheer at night when lights are on inside.)

Since it's a basement apartment, if the ceilings are low, you can trick the eye into seeing the ceilings as higher if you hang the rod closer to the ceiling but it looks like you have standard height ceilings so I think a standard 84" long curtain length would work out fine.

As far as furniture goes, it's so subjective, but the setup in the pic looks good! I would stay with neutrals, personally, and add color through throw blankets or toss pillows and artwork and accent pieces (be they plants or statuary or what have you). I'm still a big fan of grey. It's a one bed so I'd consider a sleeper sofa. They've come a long way and you don't have to get something that looks like it lived at your grandmas. Something along these lines would work well, I think. (The added storage is a nice bonus too.)

Poundex F6931 Bobkona Jassi Linen-Like Sectional with Pull-Out Bed and Compartment, Blue Grey https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CAJSC1W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_chSDzbBPEP4EG

I'd add some large area rugs. Definitely some artwork. Society6.com is a good place to find interesting art on a budget.

Add some simple mirrors on the walls as well - ideally one large one on the wall opposite the windows to reflect light back through the apartment. It would make a world of difference for you. I'm kinda pushing you in the clean and modern direction so I'd recommend something like this:

Raphael Rozen - Elegant - Modern - Classic - Vintage - Rustic - Hanging Framed Wall Mounted Mirror, Distressed Wood Finish, Gray - White Color https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01G2FVBOA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_kmSDzbASV1EQ2

It could add some warmth and texture to what might otherwise be a bland wall. Adding some floating shelves below or to the sides with some favorite books or mementos might be nice as well.

Definitely add some floor lamps and perhaps a side table lamp or two as well. Lighting is so much more important than people give it credit for. Always buy soft white. I actually really like Edison bulbs inside of lamps because they are a soft and soothing lighting, even when covered by lamp shades. They make a nice point of interest too. I always buy lamps with 3-way switches also. You'll never realize how awesome it is until you have it and then you'll use it constantly. (Won't work with the Edison bulbs though - you'll have to buy the dimmable lightbulbs). If you want the Edison bulb look to be a part of the decor, these lamps are pretty fun and work well for date night lighting, chilling on the couch eating snacks and watching Netflix lighting etc.


Injuicy Lighting Loft Retro Industrial E27 Edison Bulb Wooden Base Table Lights Vintage Antique Wood Desk Lamp for Bedside Bedroom Living Dining Room Home Corridor with Switch(Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FYRD37U/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_HrSDzb4CXRZ75

If you're buying area rugs - get them larger. You want to define a space with it - not have a bath mat between your couch and your coffee table.

Get a coffee table with storage. Having a place for all your stuff is key to keeping things looking nice and uncluttered. I love having lots of blankets around because I tend to hunker down in winter but if you're really minimalist you could get away with not having storage.

If you don't have a coat closet and you don't have a large entry for a standard coat hook wall hanging try one of these for the things you use every day:

JustNile Versatile Metal 180 Degree Triple Pronged Swivel Swing Arm Wall Mounted Hook, Set of 2 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06Y5C5CSW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_OvSDzbBWNGVNK

And that's where I'm gonna stop because I do have to work tomorrow.

One caveat - I did push for a more modern look BUT all of this advice would work if you like a more traditional style too. Key points being lots of neutrals and don't get too crazy with accent colors. Match your finishes on metals as much as possible and just try to keep things within the same finish family.

One of the huge problems this place has right now is a warm matte grayish violet as the kitchen accent and a an oddly cool yellow green semi gloss on the walls. Just choose warm or cool (I like warm, personally, especially for places with light walls) and stick to it. If you try to keep things cohesive you'll generally end up happy with the result!

Good luck! Post your afters for us!

http://www.amazon.com/CYRON-Multicolor-LED-System-HTP904E/dp/B004Q088Q8/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1347843218&sr=1-1&keywords=cyron+multicolor+LED

this?

Under Cabinet LED lighting kit, 6 PCS LED Strip lights with Remote Control Dimmer and Adapter, Dimmable for Kitchen Cabinet,Counter,Shelf,TV Back,Showcase 2700K Warm White, Bright, Timing https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TN5HNPN/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_NprRDbXEG4JZM

You can buy lighting kits that can be installed after the fact and plugged into an outlet. It won't have a switch on the wall, of course, but I know lots of people, including myself, that just leave the under cabinets turned on full time. Especially if they're LED, since they don't use much power.

I keep my mixer in a dark corner, so it's kinda hard to see the contents in the bowl, so I stuck on this motion sensing light. It's kinda big, but it does the job well. Had to put a little ring of electrical tape facing the outside because if it picks up too much ambient light, it never turns on. Rubber bands are to keep the light from coming off the magnet.

Bonus video of slow-mo pizza dough!

It was these: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FFRXX72?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

these are what i bought:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NFBG1O0/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

i already have similar LEDS that are blue/red, so i added some of these and i seems to have helped with the leggy plants and actually helped make them darker green too.

Forget the wiring. Use batteries.

I have wired lights now fitted with LEDs in my van, but if I were building now I'd use batteries. No wiring and easy to install, or even move around as necessary. And just get a battery charger for the AAs or 18650s and fit that into your system.

Like these: https://www.amazon.com/Starxing-Wireless-Operated-Lighting-Dimmable/dp/B07FY57K63/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1542562734&sr=8-3&keywords=led+dimmable+puck+lights+battery

Arc reactor

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A4A094C

Repulsors

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00YMNSCYM

The arc reactor I found by accident after having already bought something else. This one, amazingly, fit perfectly into the cavity and had no bezel (my first one was thinner, and was the same diameter but had a bezel).

The hand repulsors are wired (you can see the wire on my right wrist) to a battery pack that I purchased separately. There’s a power switch for them under my right arm.

I have these in all our pantries and under cabinets. The pantries last about a month or longer. Under cabinets, depending on use - 2 weeks. Get the 'white' light ones. They're brighter.

Takes about 4 hours to recharge.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06Y28GG7W/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Edit: not HA. Just old school motion detection. Simple, but effective. Stays on about 30 seconds after you walk away.

I installed these:

Albrillo LED Under Counter... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DGTYNN9?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Pretty nice for the money; come with a little RF remote. I plugged them in over the microwave and routed the wire down behind the microwave to the RF receiver and the beginning of the light strings. Not had a problem one; installed back in May. I leave them on all the time; make a good nightlight for the kiddos. They don’t consume enough power to worry about.

PM me if you’d like to see a pic. The Amazon review pics are on par with anything I could show you though.

This is what I did this weekend in our kitchen. So happy with the outcome.

​

LED controllers (work with our Philips Hue system): aliexpress.

LED Strips (rigid): amazon.

Aluminum profile: aliexpress.

​

Throw in a power supply, wires, and crimp connectors and you're good to go.

​

Amazon. These are the ones I got but there are many different options: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XW3B4DK

could just use these (http://www.amazon.com/Rextin-36LEDs-Bright-adhesive-backside/dp/B00NFBG1O0)

direct to 12v. no driver, no adapter.

unless you want some type of dimming don't use the PWM/Driver. just add some type of switch.

glue on back to attach to things.

there similar versions surrounded in a plastic sleeve, for more protection.

Thanks for the reply. I found a few sets on amazon that advertise 100h+ on a single charge: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07R8SJZGM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_n3KDDbZVJ8B6S

Am I reading that right? Sounds too good to be true

Oh, well, hell, that's an eminently reasonable and logical answer. Jeez. You're right, changing out the bulb is probably the right answer.

This is the light I bought - rigid kind. I can always repurpose it for something else anyway.

Those of you who didn't like the LED flexible strip on this project....what about light bars, running along the perimeter of the server? Something like this, designed for under cabinet use:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DGTYNN9/fb8169

http://www.amazon.com/CYRON-Multicolor-LED-System-HTP904E/dp/B004Q088Q8/ref=pd_cp_hi_3

https://www.amazon.com/WORATON-Cabinet-Lighting-Changing-Dimmable/dp/B075RZ7RVJ?ref_=fsclp_pl_dp_1

I have this in my glass shelf they work fine you get different colors and they're dimmable.

If you want something a little nicer and more durable, consider mounting those LED strips into aluminum channel with diffusing lenses, like these.

I used these for over/under cabinet lighting in my kitchen and found they made mounting easier...

Good luck, and be patient with your wiring. Remember to double-check that the colors are consistent from controller to wiring to strip connections...

If you haven't already bought something, [this](lofter led closet light , rechargeable 62-led cabinet lights wireless under cabinet light for closet , cabinet , wardrobe , motion sensor closet light with 2 sensor mode (only motion, motion & light) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0769FZSCS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_DetLDb5GFE1VQ) is what I bought.

I have 3 of them, and they are fantastic. I charge them maybe 2-3 times per year, and they take maybe 2 hours to charge.

these

Rechargeable closet lights are wireless. It's versitle in that you can choose where to stick it without taking much space. Try it out.

https://www.amazon.com/Version-Rechargeable-Wireless-Cabinet-Wardrobe/dp/B07FNXJC8G/ref=sr_1_5?crid=3I0XAFZGZ0493&keywords=rechargeable+led+closet+light&qid=1555468805&s=gateway&sprefix=rechargabe+led+closet+l%2Caps%2C538&sr=8-5

Yep. From Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075RZ7RVJ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_uhwKDbNB5CWWX

Snap is great! I’ve been playing it recently but got a bit stuck. I’ll give it another go this week.

I wish they made another Snap for the Switch. Maybe for Labo VR...

Yeah, that LED strip is a great idea. Props to the seller for thinking of it. It's something like this, and it has an adapter that plugs into a wall outlet, so no batteries or anything. Just a switch on the back of the head.

Now that I've seen it, I can't believe it's not on every machine. Definitely lights up the work space better than that awkward goose-neck light.

I found some motion sensor lights on Amazon:

10 LED Bulbs Battery Operated: https://www.amazon.com/URPOWER-Operated-Wireless-Nightlight-Portable/dp/B074DTSQF7/

18 LED Bulbs Rechargeable Black: https://www.amazon.com/YouSheng-Wireless-Magnetic-Portable-Cabinet/dp/B07N2LHJMW/

78 LED Bulbs Rechargeable White: https://www.amazon.com/Version-Rechargeable-Wireless-Cabinet-Wardrobe/dp/B07FNXJC8G/