We installed our switches horizontally and just a few inches below the upper cabinets, to reduce their visibility. Same reason we installed the backsplash outlet horizontally and right above the countertop. It doesn't really matter whether your kitchen is modern or traditional--switches and outlets right in the middle of the backsplash is something to avoid when possible.

If you aren't planning on having something permanently plugged in in that area, then I would do plugmold. I have plugmold under all my upper cabinets, but should have done one low outlet in the spot where we keep our toaster oven and electric kettle, so you wouldn't see the cords at all.

Agree with chispa. We installed one low outlet on our coffee counter. Wish we had done the same for the stand mixer and blender. Love the plugmold for the infrequent appliances, but not for the things that stay plugged in.

@mcarroll16 and @chispa Thanks for the info! Plugmold sounds like a great idea. Will have to have a couple outlets low for a few things that stay plugged in. I'm trying to figure out if I would like the switches being horizontal. Guess like anything else, you just get used to it. Thanks!

My kitchen has one long, L-shaped counter with the sink and window centered on the long leg of the L. There are two receptacles between the window moulting and the countertop behind the sink, and they are mounted horizontally. They are rarely used. At either end of that part of the counter are 4-plex receptacles which are mounted vertically. This works very well for us. I really don't like the look of plug-mold, although I do have it in my shop.

Properly done plugmold has no "look". Mine is flat and installed flush with the finished panel under my upper cabinets. It is close to invisible, unless you have something plugged in. While waiting for parts, my electricians had installed a temporary one for us to pass inspection and that one was triangular/angled, stuck out and was visible, so make sure you specify the type you want and how you want it installed.

My plugmold is installed against the backsplash, just below the cabinet base. But the cabinet sides and doors extend 1 1/2" below the cabinet base, and hide the plugmold (& lighting strip) completely. There are multiple ways to deal with it. You just have to be aware of the cabinet construction details and the plugmold type as you plan.

"So what is the benefit of having outlets placed horizontally? Do people install switches horizontally as well?"

• Advantage: Saves vertical space. (I just glanced through houzz kitchen backsplash photos. None showed horizontal outlets or switches.)
• Disadvantage for switches: Not (as) obvious at a glance whether the switch is on or off, particularly for Decora-style switches which have no labels.

Yeah, but it's a 2-position switch. You're just going to rock it the opposite direction of whatever position it's in. Or you can get a push-button switch like the Lutron Maestro.

If I did the plugmold, I would definitely get the low profile type. And would be very specific on where it gets installed. I've found some that also have USB plugs. We will have a dedicated drawer for charging phones, etc., but having a couple USB plugs under the cabinets might be good. So much to think about!

@wdccruise I was going to search backsplash photos on here to see if there were any horizontal outlets/switches, but now I don't have to lol. But I still probably will.

We have both Decora and Maestro switches throughout the house. I'm just not sure how they will look sideways. Will confuse my MIL for sure lol. She has a hard enough time with the Maestro switches when she cat sits for us. A sideways switch might blow her mind! Definitely need to find some pics or do a mock up somehow.

They make switches (both toggle and rocker) where the actual switch is mounted "sideways" - so in a vertical "traditional" mount, the switch itself would be horizontal. So, if you mounted the box horizontally and used them, then the switches themselves would be vertical and the way your MIL is used to....

They avoid a lot of switches, outlets and cords on houzz with Photoshop.

@palimpsest Yes, I need to run it past our electrician and get his thoughts. We would have duplex only. A brief convo with hubby and he doesn't think we need plugmold with so many outlets. The few we need on perimeter would be for items that stay on the counters. Any other plug in kitchen items we use on the island usually. So I need to think more about how the outlets will be used. If they can be concealed, great and if not, oh well.

@Shasta I went through some photos and wondered where are all of the outlets???

I did find several photos that had horizontal outlets, but most were vertical. And a couple that had both on the same wall. Didn't see any horizontal switches.