LIFX Lightstrip Kitchen Under-Cabinet Lighting Setup Guide

By LIFX Smart Lighting | Wi-Fi Bulbs, No Hub Required | Published: 2026-10-15

Category: How-to Guides

Plan and install LIFX lightstrips under kitchen cabinets with this step-by-step guide. Learn layout, mounting, cutting, and smart control tips for a clean, functional setup.

Quick answer

Install LIFX lightstrips under kitchen cabinets by planning your run, mounting with the adhesive or clips, cutting only at marked points, and connecting to Wi-Fi for app control. Use the LIFX 1m extension to bridge gaps between cabinet sections. Avoid cutting outside marked zones and test placement before sticking.

Plan Your Lightstrip Run Before You Stick Anything

Measure the total length under your cabinets, including any gaps you want to bridge. LIFX lightstrips can be cut at marked intervals, but cutting incorrectly wastes the strip. For gaps wider than a few inches, use the LIFX 1m extension to maintain a continuous run without stretching the strip. Map out where the power adapter will plug in and how the strip will route to it—usually near one end of the cabinet run. Avoid planning a run that exceeds the strip length plus extensions; check the product details for maximum run length.

Prepare the Surface and Test Placement

Clean the underside of the cabinets with a degreaser to remove cooking residue and dust. Dry completely. Before peeling the adhesive backing, test-fit the strip in your planned location with the power connected to ensure it reaches and the light direction is correct. LIFX lightstrips are not designed to be repeatedly repositioned; the adhesive may weaken. If you need to adjust, use mounting clips instead of relying solely on adhesive. Check that the strip is not obstructing cabinet doors or drawers.

Mount the Lightstrip and Make Connections

Peel the adhesive backing and press the strip firmly along the cabinet underside, starting from the power adapter end. For corners, use the LIFX corner connectors or gently bend the strip—do not fold it sharply, as this can damage the circuitry. If you need to cut, only cut at the marked cut points (usually indicated by scissors icons). After cutting, seal the exposed end with a cut-end cap if provided. Connect the power adapter and plug it into a nearby outlet. For gaps between cabinet sections, connect the LIFX 1m extension between the strip segments. Ensure all connections are secure.

Set Up Smart Control and Automations

Download the LIFX app and follow the in-app instructions to connect your lightstrip to your Wi-Fi network. No hub is required. Once connected, you can create schedules, scenes, and automations. For kitchen use, set a bright white scene for cooking and a warmer, dimmer scene for evening. You can also integrate with Alexa, Google Home, Apple Home, or Matter for voice control. If you have multiple LIFX lightstrips or bulbs, group them in the app to control them together.

Step-by-step installation

Measure and plan the run: Measure the total length under cabinets and identify gaps. Decide where to cut and where to use the LIFX 1m extension. Check that the power adapter reaches an outlet. Common mistake: forgetting to account for the power adapter length, which can leave the strip short of the outlet.
Clean and test-fit: Wipe the cabinet underside with a degreaser and dry it. Test-fit the strip with power connected to confirm placement and light direction before adhering. Checkpoint: Ensure the strip does not block cabinet doors or drawers when opened.
Mount the strip: Peel the adhesive backing and press the strip firmly along the cabinet underside. Use mounting clips for extra security. Avoid sharp bends; use corner connectors if needed. Common mistake: pressing too hard on the LEDs can damage them. Apply pressure to the adhesive backing, not the light-emitting surface.
Cut and connect: If cutting, only cut at marked points. Seal the cut end with a cap if provided. Connect segments with the LIFX 1m extension for gaps. Plug in the power adapter. Checkpoint: Test the lights after each connection to ensure all segments are working before finalizing placement.
Set up the app and automations: Open the LIFX app, connect the lightstrip to Wi-Fi, and create scenes or schedules. Group with other LIFX lights if desired. Next step: Set a timer or voice command to turn on under-cabinet lights at specific times, like during meal prep.

Product facts

LIFX SuperColor Smart Light Bulb 2-Pack: Two LIFX Matter smart bulbs, one app, two rooms lit exactly how you want them. As color changing LED bulbs, they deliver 1100 lumens each, billions of colors, and a warm-to-cool white range that shifts automatically with your day. No hub, no bridge, both connect directly over Wi-Fi and set up in under 2 minutes. If you want to extend smart control to other kitchen fixtures, these bulbs offer a hub-free way to add color and tunable white light.
LIFX SuperColor Smart Light 1-Pack - 1100 Lumens: One LIFX smart bulb, one app, one room lit exactly how you want it. 1100 lumens, billions of colors, and a warm-to-cool white range that shifts automatically with your day. No hub, no bridge, connects directly over Wi-Fi and sets up in under 2 minutes. Build schedules, save scenes, and set automations that keep everything running without you thinking about it. Works with Alexa, Google Home, Apple Home, and Matter. A single bulb can supplement under-cabinet lighting in a pantry or small kitchen area, controlled through the same app as your lightstrip.