TL;DR
Get decor and gifts delivered free — and shop member deals
- Fast, free delivery on millions of items
- Access to Prime Big Deal Days deals on October 6–7
- Prime Video, Amazon Music and more included
Joanna Gaines recommends under-cabinet lighting as a way to brighten a small kitchen and create an impression of greater visual space. Hunker’s report describes options including hardwired bars, plug-in lights, LED strips and puck lights; the size effect is a design impression, not a physical change.
Joanna Gaines recommends under-cabinet lighting as an alternative to a mirror for making a small kitchen appear more spacious, according to a Hunker report citing an HGTV clip. The lights brighten counter surfaces and reduce shadows, while also illuminating the work area; they change the room’s visual impression, not its actual dimensions.
In the HGTV clip quoted by Hunker, Gaines says under-cabinet lighting “gives your space the illusion that it’s bigger than it really is.” The report explains that light can bounce off nearby surfaces and soften dark areas beneath cabinets, helping a kitchen feel brighter. A mirror may not suit every cramped kitchen because it can reflect clutter and needs wall space that may already be taken by windows or cabinets.
The lighting can serve a practical purpose as well as a visual one: fixtures aimed at the counter make it easier to see the workspace. Hunker says directing light toward the front of the cabinets can help with food preparation, while setting it farther back can draw attention to features such as decorative tile or countertop objects. The article also notes that brighter counters may appear wider, though it does not cite measurements or research quantifying that effect.
Hunker describes several fixture choices. Bar lights offer broad, even coverage and can be hidden beneath cabinets; flexible LED strips can run along cabinet lengths and around corners; and puck lights can provide more localized illumination. The report gives price ranges of $12 to $60 for light bars and $8 to $20 for battery-powered lights, but does not specify a date, retailer survey or product models behind those figures.
Lighting Adds Space Without Remodeling
Under-cabinet fixtures address two common constraints in a small kitchen: limited wall space and insufficient light on the counter. Rather than adding a reflective surface that could show clutter, lighting works with the cabinets and counters already in place. For people considering a modest design change, the approach may add usable task light while making the room feel more open.
The distinction between appearance and actual space matters. The advice is about perceived roominess; it does not increase floor area, storage or counter dimensions. Results will depend on the kitchen’s layout, existing light, surfaces and fixture placement. The article offers design guidance, not evidence that every kitchen will look larger or a guarantee of a particular result.
Cost and installation also affect whether the idea is practical. Hunker says hardwired lights can provide a permanent, tidy installation and recommends using an electrician. Plug-in and battery-powered options may be more suitable for renters or people avoiding electrical work, but their brightness, placement and appearance can differ by product.
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
From Mirror Advice to Counter Lighting
The report frames Gaines’ suggestion against a familiar small-room design tactic: using mirrors to reflect light and create a sense of depth. In a kitchen, however, a mirror may be difficult to place and may reflect items on counters. Under-cabinet lighting offers a different approach by adding illumination directly where cabinets meet the work surface.
Hunker points to bar lights in Gaines’ past kitchen makeovers and describes her lighting choices as dependent on the room and the mood she wants to create. The report says cooler light can support an alert, spacious feel, while warmer light can create a cozier atmosphere. It also attributes to Gaines the advice: “Anything from the countertop up, keep light.” Hunker connects that suggestion to light, neutral colors, which reflect more light than darker finishes.
The source does not identify the specific HGTV clip by program or date. It presents Gaines’ remarks as design advice and offers examples of fixture types and placement; it is not a new renovation announcement or a technical evaluation of lighting products.
Limits of the Lighting Advice
The report does not provide the date or full context of the HGTV clip, nor does it identify a particular kitchen where the advice was tested. It also supplies no controlled comparison or measurements showing how much larger a room might appear. The claimed benefit should be understood as a design impression, with results likely to vary by room and installation.
The listed prices are broad ranges, and the source does not state when they were collected or which products they represent. It does not compare energy use, light output, color accuracy, lifespan or installation costs. Those details would need to be checked against current product specifications and local prices.
Hunker recommends an electrician for hardwired installation, but does not explain the electrical requirements for individual homes. Whether a fixture can be installed safely or requires a permit depends on the equipment and local rules. The report does not specify those requirements.
Choosing Fixtures for Your Kitchen
The next step for homeowners or renters interested in the idea is to compare fixture type, light color and placement with the kitchen’s needs. Bar lights can provide broad coverage, LED strips can follow longer cabinet runs, and puck lights can target particular counter areas. Front placement favors task lighting, while a position farther back may emphasize the backsplash or objects on the counter.
People considering hardwired fixtures should consult a qualified electrician, as Gaines recommends, and check applicable local requirements before work begins. Renters may want to confirm what changes are allowed and consider plug-in or battery-powered products. The report does not announce a new Gaines project or a follow-up test; it remains a practical design recommendation, with no further development specified.
Key Questions
What lighting trick does Joanna Gaines recommend for a small kitchen?
She recommends under-cabinet lighting to brighten counters, reduce shadows and create the impression of a more spacious room, according to an HGTV clip cited by Hunker.
Does under-cabinet lighting actually make a kitchen larger?
No. It can change how spacious the kitchen looks and feels, but it does not increase the room’s physical dimensions. Hunker provides no measurements quantifying the visual effect.
What kinds of under-cabinet lights are mentioned?
The report describes bar lights, LED strips and puck lights. Bars provide broad coverage, strips can run along cabinets and around corners, and puck lights can target smaller areas.
How much do the lights cost, according to the report?
Hunker lists light bars at $12 to $60 and battery-powered options at $8 to $20. The source does not give a price-check date or identify specific products, so current prices may differ.
Should under-cabinet lighting be installed by an electrician?
Hunker says Gaines recommends hiring an electrician for a hardwired installation. Plug-in and battery-powered options are also discussed, but renters should check lease terms, and anyone planning electrical work should follow local safety and code requirements.
Source: rss
Fall Picks
fall essentials
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
