A kitchen should be a space that inspires creativity. The right lighting under your cabinets can transform your kitchen into a stylish workspace where cooking feels more like an art. But finding the perfect under cabinet lighting solution can be a challenge. Wires, complex installs, and harsh lighting make it difficult to get the elegant yet functional lighting you want. That’s where Philips Hue LED LightStrips come in. These smart light strips offer a simple way to install beautiful, customizable under cabinet lighting that will make your kitchen shine.
We’ll cover everything from selecting the right kit to installing and setting up seamless voice control. With Hue LightStrips, it’s never been simpler to give your kitchen a makeover with stylish lighting that’s as functional as it is beautiful.
What Are Philips Hue LightStrips?
Philips Hue LightStrips are thin, flexible LED light strips that can be molded and stuck to fit a variety of spaces. Just like other Hue smart lights, they can display any color you choose and are completely dimmable from your phone. A single strip offers plenty of soft, diffuse lighting, while extensions can provide more length.
Here’s an overview of Hue LightStrip features that make them perfect for under cabinet lighting:
- LED technology is energy efficient and long lasting
- Flexible strip design bends to fit under cabinets and shelves
- Connects to Hue Bridge for app and voice control
- Choose from 16 million colors and warm to cool white tones
- Dims smoothly from 100% brightness down to 1%
- Optional extensions expand coverage
With all these features, Hue LightStrips offer a stylish under cabinet lighting solution that’s easy to customize to your taste. The simple installation means you’ll be enjoying your new lighting in no time.
Getting Started with Hue Under Cabinet Lighting
Installing Hue LightStrips under your cabinets is a DIY project anyone can tackle in just a few steps. But before sticking up any lights, let’s go over what you’ll need to get set up.
Planning Your Under Cabinet Lighting
First, you’ll want to measure the underside of your cabinets to determine how long your LightStrips need to be. Make sure you account for any gaps between cabinets or corners. This will tell you how many LightStrip kits and extensions you may need. Also consider where you can access a power outlet nearby to plug in your Hue lights.
Next, decide on the lighting effect you want to create. Do you want bright, energizing light for food prep? Or a softer glow for ambiance? Think about which cabinets you primarily use and where task lighting would be most useful. This will help you determine where the LightStrips should go and what brightness or color settings to use.
Shopping List
Here are the supplies needed for a basic Hue under cabinet lighting install:
- Philips Hue LightStrip Plus kit
- Optional LightStrip extensions if needed
- Mounting clips or double sided tape
- Philips Hue Bridge (needed for app control)
Be sure you have the Hue app downloaded on your phone. This is used for setting up and controlling your new smart lighting. Check that your Hue Bridge is connected to your wifi router with the app open so it’s ready to go.
Safety First
As with any electrical project, make sure power is turned off at the circuit breaker before beginning installation. Use a nonconductive ladder or step stool to safely reach the tops of your cabinets.
Installing Hue LightStrips Step-By-Step
Once you’ve completed the planning stage, it’s time to install your Hue LightStrips. Follow these steps for easy under cabinet lighting:
Prep the Area
Start by cleaning underneath cabinets to remove any dust or grease. Wipe the area with a clean, dry cloth so the LightStrips adhere properly. Lay out your LightStrips to visualize placement and determine if you need any extensions. This is also when you would install any mounting clips to provide additional support.
Cut Strips to Length
Use scissors to cut the LightStrip to the measurement of your cabinet area. Make sure you are only cutting along the marked lines to ensure full LED functionality. The LightStrip can be extended up to 33 feet long with the extensions if needed.
Affix LightStrips
Once cut to size, peel off the backing strip to reveal the strong adhesive tape. Press the LightStrip firmly into place along the underside of your cabinet. Run your finger along for optimal contact. Place mounting clips every 2-4 inches for extra stability if needed.
Connect Power
Plug the included Hue LightStrip power supply into an outlet, then connect it to the control box attached to your LightStrip. Be sure to neatly tuck away any excess strip and wire length under cabinets or along edges.
Finish Setup in the Hue App
Open the Hue app and follow the prompts to connect your new lights. You can name the LightStrips, assign them to rooms, and start creating your perfect lighting scenes. Use preset colors or custom options to get the under cabinet glow you’ve always wanted.
Test and Enjoy
Bask in the ambiance of your new accent lighting. Make any adjustments needed to placement or settings to achieve optimal illumination under your cabinets. That’s all it takes to install chic, customizable under cabinet lighting with Hue LightStrips!
Tips for the Best Under Cabinet Lighting
To get the most out of your Hue LightStrips for under cabinet lighting, keep these tips in mind:
- Strategically place LightStrips to illuminate work areas
- Minimize shadows by having LightStrips closer to cabinet fronts
- Use the included diffuser clips for perfectly even lighting
- Take advantage of millions of color options for any occasion
- Set schedules so lights turn on at certain times every day
- Group with other Hue lights for whole-home ambiance
Don’t be afraid to get creative with your Hue lights! Use color loops or sync LightStrips to music or movies for even more flair underneath your cabinets. Control is at your fingertips with the Hue app and compatible smart assistants.
With customization, voice control, and effortless installation, Philips Hue LightStrips make it simple to outfit your kitchen with beautiful under cabinet lighting. By following this guide, you can quickly and easily transform any work area into a brightly illuminated space that inspires and delights.
So breathe new life into your cooking space with Hue LightStrips under your cabinets. Keep this reference handy as you install smart lighting made simple. We hope you find as much joy creating your ideal kitchen atmosphere as we do. Those dinner parties and late night snacks will feel more special illuminated in any color you choose with just a tap or voice command. Let your creativity shine!