Planning Under-Cabinet and Shelf Lighting in a Kitchen Design

[cedricvale]

Hi everyone,

When designing a kitchen in Sweet Home 3D, I think lighting under wall cabinets and along shelves is worth planning early rather than leaving it until the end. It can make a big difference to both the appearance of the room and how useful the worktop lighting will be.

A few things I'd consider when planning the layout:

1. Position the strip carefully

For under-cabinet lighting, the position of the strip affects where the light falls on the worktop. Placing it too far back can leave the front edge darker, while positioning it closer to the front can provide more useful task lighting.

2. Think about the diffuser and profile

An aluminium profile with a diffuser can give the installation a neat finish and help soften the appearance of individual LEDs. It is also worth considering how the profile will fit beneath the cabinet and whether it will be visible from normal viewing angles.

3. Choose the colour temperature

Warm white can work well in a relaxed kitchen or living area, while neutral white may be preferable where clear task lighting is important. Keeping the colour temperature consistent across connected areas can also make the overall design feel more cohesive.

4. Plan the power and wiring

Before finalising the design, leave a suitable route for the wiring and consider where the power supply will be located. It should remain accessible and be installed in a suitable place away from moisture and excessive heat.

For anyone comparing real-world options for a planned kitchen, this under-cabinet LED lighting range may be a useful starting point for understanding the types of fittings available.

How do you represent under-cabinet lighting in Sweet Home 3D? Do you use separate light sources to approximate the effect, or have you found a better method for getting realistic results in the final render?