How to Hide Under Cabinet Lighting Wires? 7 Ways

Introduction

We’ve listed 7 ways to let you know how to hide under cabinet lighting wires to solve the wire-exposed problem that looks messy. Learn each difference in methods and follow our steps to make your kitchen look neat.

Use Raceways

Raceway is a good way to hide the wires; they look like a channel and are often made of plastic or metal material, which can protect your wires from being corroded and gnawed by small animals. Moreover, you can use paint to customize any color to fit your kitchen style.

Steps to install a raceway:

1. Measure the length under your cabinet where the wire runs.
2. Cut the raceway channel to that length using a fine-tooth saw.
3. Attach the raceway under the cabinet with either its self-adhesive backing or small screws.
4. Place all wires inside the channel and snap the cover shut.

Expert Tip: Choose a raceway with a removable front cover. That way, you can add or remove wires later if you install new lights.

Add a wire cover

A wire cover, also called a cord concealer, is a slim channel that snaps open. You tuck wires inside and press the cover closed so cords are hidden.

Why use a wire cover?

• It has a low profile—just a little taller than half an inch—so it stays mostly unseen.
• You can find paintable covers. After you stick it on, simply paint it the same color as your cabinets.

Steps to add a wire cover:

1. Use rubbing alcohol to wipe away any dirt on the bottom of the cabinet, this will allow the wire cover to stick tightly.
2. Stick or screw the bottom half of the wire cover under your cabinet along the wire’s path.
3. Lay the wires inside the open channel.
4. Snap the top cover on to close it.

Note: A paintable cover lets you match any cabinet finish. If you have light wood or dark paint, pick a cover you can paint afterward.

Add Wire Molding/Valance

Wire molding or a valance is a decorative strip (often wood, plastic, or metal) fixed to the bottom of the cabinet. It hides wiring behind a trim piece.

• Materials: Plastic, metal, or wood strips come in many styles. Choose the most matched material for your cabinet’s look.
• Appearance: It looks like a built-in trim piece, so wires stay invisible.

Steps to install molding or valance:

1. Measure the width of the cabinet underside in the section where your wires run.
2. Cut the molding or valance strip to fit that width.
3. Attach the molding with finishing nails or small screws under the cabinet front.
4. Tuck wires behind the trim piece so they stay hidden.

Pro Tip: If you already have decorative trim under your cabinets, pick a molding profile that complements it. The goal is for the new trim to look like it belonged there all along.

Consider a Lightbox Inside The Cabinet

A lightbox is a small enclosed box you place inside an upper cabinet to hold wiring and power outlets. All cords stay inside this box, hidden from view.

Benefits: Wires and outlets remain protected from spills or heat. You still have easy access behind the cabinet door.

Steps to add a lightbox:

1. Choose an upper cabinet over your counter where you want to hide the wiring.
2. Drill a small hole in the bottom of that cabinet. Make the hole large enough for the LED power plug to fit through.
3. Mount a small plastic or metal lightbox inside the cabinet, near its side or back wall. Use screws or double-sided tape.
4. Route the LED strip’s power cord down through the drilled hole into the lightbox space.
5. Secure cables with small cable clips inside the lightbox so they don’t dangle.

Expert Note: A lightbox keeps your under-cabinet wiring and any transformers safe from crumbs, splashes, or heat from dishes below.

Use Adhesive Clips

Adhesive cable clips are small plastic holders with peel-and-stick backing. They hold wires tight against the underside of cabinets or walls—no drilling needed.

• Cost: Very budget-friendly.
• Best for: Short wire runs or if you don’t want to leave holes in paint or wood.

How to use adhesive clips:

1. Wipe the area under the cabinet or along the wall with rubbing alcohol and let it dry.
2. Plan a path for the wire so it stays hidden (e.g., along a corner or under a shelf).
3. Peel off the backing from each clip.
4. Press the clip firmly onto the cabinet underside or wall at regular intervals (every 6–8 inches).
5. Snap the wire into each clip so it stays snug.

Note: These clips work best on smooth surfaces. If you attach them to textured wood, press for at least 30 seconds to make sure they stick well.

Use LED Strip Lights With Concealed Wiring

Some LED under-cabinet kits come with ultra-thin, flat wires built in. These are made for hiding LED strip wires easily.

• Design: The wires are almost ribbon-like. They lie flat against the cabinet bottom.
• Installation: These kits often include slim channels or clips sized just for the flat cords.

Steps for concealed wiring LED strips:

1. Choose an LED kit labeled “low-profile” or “concealed wiring.”
2. Peel the adhesive backing from the LED strip and stick it under the cabinet.
3. Press the flat ribbon cord into a slim clip or channel that came with the kit.
4. Hide the channel along the cabinet’s back corner or paint it to match the wood.

Pro Tip: Look for kits with a detachable driver (transformer). Then you can hide the driver farther inside a cabinet or drawer.

Drill Holes Through The Walls

Drilling a small hole through the wall or cabinet back lets you thread wires behind the cabinets so nothing shows. This is especially helpful when installing new cabinets.

• When to use: Best during a remodel or new installation, before cabinets are set in place.
• Result: A clean look with no visible wires “hiding under cabinet lights.

Steps to drill and hide wires:

1. Locate where the wire must run from the power source to the LED strip. Mark a spot on the cabinet back or inside wall.
2. Put on safety goggles and check for studs, pipes, or wires with a stud finder or by tapping lightly.
3. Drill a small hole (about ½ inch) from inside the cabinet through to the wall cavity.
4. Feed the LED power cable through the hole so it runs behind the cabinet wall.
5. Seal around the hole with a small rubber grommet or trim ring so the hole looks neat and wires stay snug.

Expert Tip: If you only have a small drill bit, start with a small hole. Then enlarge carefully to avoid splintering wood or cracking drywall.

Conclusion

Hiding under-cabinet lighting wires keeps your kitchen looking neat and organized. You now know how to hide wires for under cabinet lighting using raceways, wire covers, molding, lightboxes, adhesive clips, concealed LED kits, or drilling holes.

Pick the method that fits your skill level, tools, and budget. Soon, your under-cabinet lights will glow without any messy cords in sight!

FAQs

1. Things You need to Consider before Installing

Think about why you want lights (reading vs. mood), your cabinet material (wood or laminate), where you’ll get power, and whether you want dimmers or smart-home features. Also, consider your budget and match the new lighting style to your kitchen’s appearance.

2. Under Cabinet Lighting Installation Tips

Always follow local electrical codes. Don’t plug too many lights into one circuit. Turn off power before you start. Read all manufacturer instructions. After wiring, test the lights before you close up and attach any covers or molding.

3. How Long Will It Take to Finish the Project?

Timing depends on your kitchen’s size and which hiding method you pick. For most homeowners, installing lights and hiding wires takes about 2 – 4 hours in an average kitchen (assuming no major rewiring is needed).

4. What Tools Will I Need?

Gather basic tools: wire strippers, pliers, a drill (with bits), and a screwdriver (or drill-driver). You may also need a measuring tape for accurate cuts and a level to keep channels straight.

5. Types of Under Cabinet Lighting

There are LED light strips (flexible and adhesive), light bars (rigid metal bars with mounts), and puck lights (small round fixtures). Choose a style that fits your countertop layout and hides wires cleanly.

Related Resouces

1. How to Install Under Cabinet Lighting – Wikipedia