A customer walks into your store looking for under cabinet lighting. They have seen the sleek, seamless glow in high-end kitchens and on retail displays and want the premium look, too.
From modern kitchens to cozy coffee shop counters, under cabinet lighting has become one of the most in-demand additions to homes and commercial interiors. Stocking hardwired under cabinet lighting allows you to carve out a profitable niche in a growing market. It offers customers a clean and permanent solution.
Before stocking hardwired under cabinet lighting, you need to understand what makes it different, the different types of light for different applications, and be able to answer your customers’ common questions.
In this guide, we will explain everything you need to know to stock, sell, and recommend hardwired under-cabinet lighting.
Table of Contents
An overview of the hardwired under cabinet lighting
Common questions customers ask about hardwired under cabinet lighting
What is the difference between plug-in and hardwired under cabinet lighting?
What type of light is best for under cabinet lighting?
Can LED strip lights be hardwired?
How many lumens should under cabinet lights be?
Final thoughts
An overview of the hardwired under cabinet lighting
Homeowners and contractors are ditching temporary plug-in lighting in favor of hardwired under cabinet lighting, which offers cleaner aesthetics and better reliability.
According to a Market Research Future report, the under cabinet market size was estimated at USD 5.14 billion in 2024 and stood at USD 5.16 billion in 2025. This market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 9.1% to reach USD 12.30 billion by 2034.
The growing demand for energy-efficient lighting solutions drives the growth in under cabinet lighting. As people become environmentally conscious and governments institute initiatives and regulations for energy conservation, the demand for LED hardwired under cabinet lighting increases.
More customers are investing in LED under cabinet lighting, which offers superior energy efficiency, longer life span, and low heat emissions compared to traditional lighting solutions like incandescent and fluorescent lighting.
In addition, the adoption of smart homes has led to an increase in the demand for under cabinet lighting solutions that can integrate with smart home technologies. Smart lighting systems offer convenience, control, and personalization.
Common questions customers ask about hardwired under cabinet lighting
When customers come to your store, they will have questions about lighting, and you need to understand your product to guide them to the best option for their needs. First, they will want to understand hardwired under cabinet lighting.
In simple terms, hardwired under cabinet lighting directly connects to the building’s electrical wiring. It is a permanent solution installed by a professional electrician and hides all the wires and switches behind the scenes. It offers a seamless finish with no cords hanging around or switches cluttering walls.
Now that we know what hardwired under cabinet lighting is, let’s look at other customer questions.
What is the difference between plug-in and hardwired under cabinet lighting?
Many customers may wonder why they need to go through the trouble of hardwiring their under cabinet lighting. You should explain to them the differences between plug-in and hardwired under cabinet lighting.
Plug-in under cabinet lighting is simply connected to an outlet and needs a PSU to transform the current to lower voltage. LED strips are the most common plug-in under cabinet lighting. Many customers prefer plug-in under-cabinet lights because they are easy to install and don’t need an electrician. Moreover, plug-in under cabinet lighting is cheaper, and one doesn’t need to cut into their wall to install it.
On the other hand, hardwired under cabinet lighting is more expensive, requires a professional to install, and is more permanent. However, it is ideal for long-term use and increases the home’s or business’s value.
What type of light is best for under cabinet lighting?
There are different types of under cabinet lighting, each with its unique merits and demerits. Some of the options available include:
- LED light bars: They are a popular choice because they are energy efficient, easy to install, and long-lasting. They come in various sizes and can be cut to fit the customer’s cabinets. LED light bars can be hardwired or plug-ins, giving customers flexibility. Some even come with additional features like motion detection and smart home compatibility.
- Puck lights: Puck lights get their names from the hockey pucks. They are a popular under cabinet lighting choice because they are versatile and affordable. One can choose between xenon, halogen, or LED bulbs, depending on their needs. They provide focused pools of light and are ideal for countertops or display shelves.
- LED Strip lights: Also known as LED tape lights, these under cabinet lights are flexible and customizable. They are a thin strip of LEDs that one can cut to their desired length. They are easy to install and affordable.
Can LED strip lights be hardwired?
Yes, LED strip lights can be hardwired, and this method is becoming increasingly popular. However, customers should know a few things before hardwiring LED strip lights.
LED strip lights run on low voltage, usually 12V to 24V, and therefore require a transformer or driver to convert the standard 120V household power. The transformer can be hardwired into the home’s electrical system and then connected to the LED strips.
How many lumens should under cabinet lights be?
Lumens measure the total amount of visible light a bulb emits. For under cabinet lighting, the goal is to have enough brightness for cooking and reading recipes without causing glares or harsh shadows.
For under cabinet lighting, it is recommended to have between 200 and 500 lumens per linear foot. This gives enough light for kitchen tasks while avoiding eye strain and maintaining a pleasant lighting environment.
Different lumen outputs have different purposes. For instance, 200-300 lumens are ideal for small kitchens. They have a soft glow that enhances the kitchen’s ambiance, making them ideal for accent lighting.
300-400 lumens is suitable for most kitchens and balances brightness and comfort. It is ideal for general task lighting and is sufficient for food preparation and cooking, providing clear visibility without a glare.
400-500 lumens are perfect for bigger kitchens and provide enough light for chopping vegetables or reading fine print. This light ensures every corner of the countertop is well-lit.
Final thoughts
Hardwired under cabinet lighting can transform your customers’ spaces. As a small business, you need to understand your customers’ needs and educate and guide them on the right under cabinet lighting to suit their needs.
You also need different types of under cabinet lighting with various lumens to cater to all customers’ needs and preferences. You can partner with electricians in your area to offer after-sales installation services. This keeps your customers loyal and increases their trust in your business.
If you want to grow your product line with sleek and smart products, hardwired under cabinet lighting is a bright idea.
