Kitchen cabinet uplighting

vk2003

I'm redoing our kitchen at the moment, and want to put some lighting above the kitchen cabinets which will throw light up to the ceiling. We used to have flourescent lights, but as these, like LEDs aren't dimmable so I don't want to use them.

So far, from research, it has been suggested that mains voltage GU10 lights would be best, as these give a slightly more diffuse light than the low voltage spots. They can also be dimmed easily, and since the bulb can be angled (with the appropriate light fitting), the light can be thrown in the correct direction.

I have been trying to find something suitable, but have not been able to locate any lights designed for this situation. Probably the best solution so far is a floor standing light to just stand on top of the cabinets.

I would be very grateful if anyone else has any ideas, or advice to offer as to alternatives.

TIA!

fluffpot

You can get dimmable fluorescents and indeed LED's (see here https://www.mr-resistor.co.uk), although they are a bit more expensive. I would still go with fluorescents (cheap) or tape/strip LED's. I really think that you won't need to dim them.
The problem with the GU10's is that they get very hot - not good in a confined space/on a chipboard carcass! They will give you a 'spot' of light (even if you angle them) rather than the general light from fluorescents.

Sye_2

Self adhesive dimmable LED ribbon is the way to go.

Put the driver on top of the kitchen cupboards and the 12v dimmer in the cupboard for convenience.

Make sure that you get the lumen output of the LED ribbon before you buy. You will need around 100 - 110 lumens per metre for your needs.

Warm white would be my suggestion.

vk2003

Thanks Fluffpot and Sye

I will look into the LED strips a bit further.

An important factor is that I want to use this dimming/control system like in the rest of the house. I have found some difficulty getting it work with most LED systems, which is why I have been shying away from them! Do you know of any that can be used with conventional dimmers?

Sye_2

vk2003 wrote: »

Thanks Fluffpot and Sye

An important factor is that I want to use this dimming/control system like in the rest of the house.

If you want to use that dimmer, then you will need a dimmable LED driver and dim that using your mains dimmer. They are a little more expensive but not prohibitively so.

Say you need 3M of Led ribbon at 110 lumen, that's between 5 and 6W per metre. A total of 20W max at 12v is less than 2A, so a dimmable 2.4A 12v constant current driver would be the way to go.

At around £25 for a good one, it's not too expensive.

Good luck.