How To Add Task Lighting to a Kitchen

Proper lighting is a game-changer in any kitchen, especially when it comes to task lighting. Whether you’re chopping vegetables or reading recipes, having enough light can make your kitchen more functional and enjoyable. In this This Old House episode, Kevin O’Connor teams up with an electrician to help a couple upgrade their dark Brooklyn, New York, kitchen with strategic task lighting, creating a brighter, more efficient workspace.

What Is Task Lighting?

Task lighting focuses light on specific work areas, such as countertops, islands, and under cabinets. It helps make food preparation, cooking, and other kitchen tasks easier by providing targeted illumination. This type of lighting also improves visibility, helps prevent accidents, and creates a more inviting atmosphere in your kitchen.

Benefits of Task Lighting

Adding task lighting to your kitchen offers several advantages, including the following:

• Enhanced safety when using sharp utensils
• Improved visibility for food preparation and cooking
• Increased functionality of work areas
• More aesthetic ambiance in the kitchen
• Reduced eye strain and fatigue

Types of Task Lighting

There are several types of task lighting to choose from:

• Pendant lights: Ideal for islands or dining areas
• Puck lights: Small, focused lights that are a good option for tight spaces
• Recessed ceiling lights: Sleek and modern lights that provide general overhead illumination
• Track lighting: Offers flexibility in directing light to darker spots
• Under-cabinet lights: Great for illuminating countertops and work surfaces

Task Lighting Tools and Materials

The items you’ll need to install task lighting in your kitchen will vary depending on the lights you install. Here’s a list of items you may need:

• Cordless drill/driver
• Drywall saw
• Flat pry bar
• Light fixtures
• Oscillating multi-tool
• Reciprocating saw
• Screwdriver
• Wire stripper

Planning Your Task Lighting Project

Before you start installing lights, evaluate your kitchen’s layout and lighting needs. A thoughtful plan will help ensure that your new lighting looks great and functions well.

Assessing Your Kitchen’s Lighting Needs

Identify areas in your kitchen that need additional lighting. Think about how you use each space and how your existing lighting fits in. Here are some common spots that may need more light:

• Above the stove
• In dark corners or shadowy areas
• Over the kitchen island
• Over the sink
• Under cabinets

Choosing the Right Fixtures

Select fixtures that complement your kitchen’s style and provide adequate illumination. Consider color temperature (warm or cool light), dimming capabilities, ease of installation, energy efficiency, and light output (lumens).

Installing Recessed Lighting

Recessed lighting is a great choice for general task lighting in the kitchen. It provides a clean, modern look while offering plenty of light across wide areas. In the above demonstration, O’Connor and the electrician walk viewers through the installation process.

Preparing for Recessed Lighting Installation

Before installing recessed lights, complete the following tasks:

1. Turn off the power in the kitchen from the main electrical panel.
2. Remove any existing light fixtures.
3. Locate ceiling joists and any obstacles in the ceiling.
4. Mark locations for new recessed lights.

Cutting Holes and Running Wires

To install recessed lights, use a template to trace circles on your ceiling for the new lights, then cut the holes using a drywall saw. Run armor-sheathed cables between the recessed fixtures and secure them to the junction boxes using approved connectors.

Connecting and Mounting Light Fixtures

Once the wiring is in place, make wire connections inside the fixtures’ junction boxes. Push the recessed fixtures into the ceiling holes and engage the pressure clips to secure the fixtures.

Adding Under-Cabinet Lighting

Under-cabinet lighting brightens your countertops, reduces shadows, and illuminates your work surfaces. Here’s how to install this type of lighting in your kitchen.

Preparing for Under-Cabinet Lighting

Before installing under-cabinet lights, remove switch plates and switches from the wall. Cut access holes above your upper cabinets and drill holes through wall studs for wiring, if needed.

Running Wires and Installing Junction Boxes

To set up under-cabinet lighting, follow these steps:

1. Install a junction box on top of the cabinet.
2. Run a second cable from the top junction box to the underside of the cabinet.
3. Run an armor-sheathed cable from the switch to the top of the cabinet.
4. Install a second junction box under the cabinet.

Mounting and Connecting Light Fixtures

To complete the under-cabinet lighting installation, attach mounting clips to the underside of the cabinet. Connect fixtures with interconnected cables and snap fluorescent light fixtures onto the clips. Use an oscillating multi-tool to cut grooves for cables, if necessary.

Installing Above-Cabinet Lighting

Above-cabinet lighting enhances the ambiance in a room and highlights the upper areas of your kitchen. The step-by-step guide below captures this installation’s nuances, from planning to execution.

Preparing for Above-Cabinet Lighting

Before installing above-cabinet lights, clean the tops of your cabinets, make sure the proper wiring is in place, and plan the placement of your light fixtures. Consider the overall lighting scheme when positioning your fixtures to achieve an even and enhanced illumination.

Mounting and Connecting Light Fixtures

To install above-cabinet lighting, follow these steps:

1. Attach mounting clips to the top of the cabinets.
2. Connect fixtures with interconnected cables.
3. Snap fluorescent light fixtures onto the clips.
4. Conceal wiring behind the cabinet’s crown molding, if possible.

Finalizing the Lighting Installation

After installing all task lighting fixtures, consider adding a few finishing touches to ensure that all lights function as intended and blend seamlessly with your kitchen decor. Double-check that all wire connections are secure, turn the power back on, and test each fixture to make sure they’re working properly.