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Cabinet lighting is more than just a source of light – it can make your home more practical and easier to use. In this guide, we’ll cover how cabinet lighting can improve visibility in your living spaces and make storage areas more functional. You’ll also learn about the different types of lighting and how to incorporate them into your cabinets to enhance both convenience and organisation.
1. Switch Types
The choice of switch plays a key role in cabinet lighting design. Let’s look at two of the most common types: sensor switches and manual switches.
Sensor switches use advanced technology, often based on infrared detection, to sense cabinet door movements or human motion. When you open a cabinet door, the light turns on automatically. This offers excellent convenience, as there’s no need to physically touch a switch, while also helping to save energy.
Commonly used: inside cabinet doors, drawers, and wardrobes or storage cupboards
Manual switches are the more traditional option, controlled by hand. They are simple, reliable, and easy to install. One of their key advantages is their durability – they rarely malfunction. There’s also plenty of choice, from touch and rotary switches to options that can be connected to your smartphone or smart home system for remote control, giving you flexibility to suit your lifestyle.
Commonly used: open shelving, inside glass-front cabinets, under-cabinet LED strips, kickboard lighting and others
2. Functional Lighting
Functional lighting is essential for creating a practical and efficient living space. It ensures you can see and access items clearly when needed – a real benefit in deeper cabinets where finding things can be tricky.
Consider colour temperature when selecting lights: warmer tones create a cosier, more inviting feel, while cooler white light is ideal for areas where high visibility is needed. Placement also matters.
Directional lighting can be used to target specific areas, such as kitchen benchtops, vanity spaces, or study desks, making tasks easier and more comfortable.
3. Decorative Lighting
Decorative lighting brings refinement and atmosphere to your interiors. It can set the tone of a room through colour, shape, and light effects, adding depth and style to your design.
One of its key roles is highlighting features and textures – from the warmth of timber joinery to the elegance of stone benchtops or the detail of feature walls. Choosing the right colour temperature and intensity can enhance these materials beautifully.
In more intricate designs, lighting is often cleverly concealed within shelves. This avoids glare while creating a soft, diffused glow that enhances both function and style. It’s a technique often used in display cabinets and even along kickboards, producing striking visual effects that catch the eye without overwhelming the space.
In Summary
From practicality to beauty, and from technology to artistry, cabinet lighting offers endless possibilities. Whether you’re after a functional solution or looking to inject distinctive style into your home, the right lighting can transform your interiors.
Bring these lighting concepts into your own space, and you’ll discover how much character and atmosphere they can add.
Follow Fantaci for more insights into interior design and joinery – we’ll see you in the next feature.
