Is it ok to skip the deco strip?

6 years ago

last modified: 6 years ago

I’m doing under-cabinet lighting on my IKEA uppers, and I’m wondering if it’s ok to skip the deco strip that typically hides the lights. Some have suggested installing it horizontal (1”) instead of vertical (2”) so there’s a lower profile, but I think I don’t like either.

Will it look unfinished to leave off the strip? The doors are a true shaker style, and the extra deco strip will make the lower rail look thick. The uppers are 20” from the counter and run 55” high up to the 10 foot ceiling. The deco strip would make them appear lower - either 18” or 19” from the counter.

(In the first picture below, you can see how low the deco strip would be if installed vertically (standard 2”) because they installed the side panel for the 2” deco strip. If we choose a smaller 1” strip, or no deco strip at all, we’d obviously shorten the side panel to be flush with the bottom of the upper cabinet.)

Featured Answer

traci_from_seattle

6 years ago

That light strip would be almost eye-level for me, with the cabinets being 20” above counters. I would want the trim.

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Comments (9)

PRO
Sharon Brindley Designs
6 years ago
What do the lights look like?
Brooklyn
Original Author
6 years ago
Flat. With a light switch on the backsplash.
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PRO
Sharon Brindley Designs
6 years ago
The lights are pretty low profile so I would agree the deco strip isn’t necessary. You can always install the lights and, if you feel they should be hidden, add the deco strip layer. I would recommend having the end table shortened but wait until you’re sure.
Monica
5 years ago
I'm having the exact same dilemma. I think installing the deco strip horizontally 1" would probably look better and so trim down the side panels. Also some have suggested using the strips all around using mitered edges for the corners.
harkness16
3 years ago
Hi! Can you share finished photos of your kitchen? Thinking of using Lerhyttan and would love to see how it all came out. Especially how you dealt with deco strips.
michaeljc70
2 years ago
I know this is old, but the lights is the least of your problem. What about the screws on the bottom of the cabinet? Also, the white melamine doesn't match the doors.
Hannah
2 years ago
What did you decide to do? Same dilemma
michaeljc70
2 years ago
I decided to skip paneling the underside of the cabinets (mine are white anyway) but putting the deco strip the short way. That should hide the lights and the cams. I have an island and I can't imagine spending the $$$$s I have and have people sitting at the island looking at screws and a bottom of the cabinet that doesn't match.

My cabinets are up but I haven't put up the deco strips yet. I am pretty sure that once they are up it will hide the lights and screws.