Whether you're upgrading your kitchen, giving your bookshelves a fresh feel, or want to add subtle lighting to a dark corner, LED puck lights are one of the easiest ways to breathe new life into your home. Compact, energy-efficient, and surprisingly versatile, these little lights punch well above their weight when it comes to transforming spaces. In this post, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about LED puck lights—from how to use them, to how they can work for your South African home. Spoiler alert: I recently installed them inside my kitchen cabinets, and I couldn’t be happier with the results!
Key Takeaways
- LED puck lights offer discreet, focused lighting for shelves, cabinets, counters, and more
- They’re energy efficient, long-lasting, and available in battery-powered and wired options
- Installation can be done in minutes with minimal tools
- Perfect for adding accent or task lighting in kitchens, closets, and workspaces
- Often dimmable or motion-activated for added convenience
What Are LED Puck Lights?
Named for their shape (they resemble a hockey puck), LED puck lights are small, round fixtures often mounted under cabinets or inside cupboards. They're typically between 5–10 cm in diameter and can be surface-mounted or recessed, depending on the style and application. These lights are a low-profile solution for providing either ambient lighting or sharper task lighting for focused work areas.
If you’re looking to upgrade your kitchen lighting but want to avoid a major install, puck lights are a dream. Slip them under an overhead shelf or inside cabinets to bring clarity and style—no electrician required.
Top Uses for LED Puck Lights in a South African Home
Some lighting options can feel limited in where they fit, but LED puck lights are one of the few styles that slot seamlessly into different rooms and nooks. Let’s walk through a few clever ways you can use them:
1. Kitchen Cabinet and Countertop Lighting
If there’s one room where task lighting matters, it’s the kitchen. Installing LED puck lights under your top cupboards instantly transforms your countertop into a brighter, more usable prep zone. The soft downward beam helps reduce shadows and eye strain. Try the Battery Operated Motion Sensor Portable Magnetic LED Light for easy installation inside dark pantry cupboards or shelves.
2. In Closets and Walk-In Cupboards
South African homes often struggle with dim built-in cupboards. LED puck lights are a simple solution here. Install them along the cupboard ceiling or inner walls to save fumbling around in poor light. Plus, battery-operated versions mean you won’t have to run wiring.
3. Creating Mood Lighting in Living Areas
Puck lights aren’t reserved only for function—they’re also brilliant for atmosphere. I installed a few under the TV unit to highlight decorative pieces and give the lounge a calming evening glow. For accent uplighting that blends beautifully into your décor, consider browsing our under-counter lights collection for more inspiration.
Layering your lighting isn’t just for kitchens—try combining puck lights with staircase lighting for a luxurious, hotel-style ambience that’s both safe and stylish.
4. Display Lighting for Shelves and Artwork
Want to highlight your favourite photos, wine collection or trophies? Puck lights, with their focused beam, act like mini spotlights. You can angle some types to direct the beam just where you need it. Pro tip? Warm white tones tend to bring out the richness in wood and art pieces.
Wired vs. Wireless: Which One Should You Choose?
Choosing between battery-powered and wired puck lights depends largely on where you want to install them and how frequently they’ll be used. Here's a quick comparison:
| Feature | Battery-Powered | Wired |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Easy; no wiring needed | May require an electrician |
| Best For | Occasional-use areas like shelves or cupboards | Frequent-use areas like kitchens or workspaces |
| Runtime | Depends on battery type/use | Continuous |
| Dimming Options | Limited | Often dimmable |
Design Tips for Making the Most of Puck Lights
Spacing and placement can make a huge difference in how effective and aesthetic your lighting becomes. Here are a few things I learned when installing my lights:
- For under-cabinet use, space lights roughly 20–25 cm apart
- Use a warm light (2700K–3000K) for cosy atmospheres, and neutral/cool white (4000K–6000K) for task lighting
- If recessed, make sure depth clearance is at least 2 cm
- Always clean surfaces before installing adhesive-backed pucks to ensure they stick securely
Visualising the result? Here’s an example of beautifully installed puck lights in a modern kitchen setting:
Conclusion
LED puck lights are one of those low-effort, big-reward upgrades that can seriously elevate any space. From kitchens to cupboards, bookshelves to bathrooms—they bring functional elegance exactly where it's needed. Affordable, flexible, and easy to install, they’re a favourite among DIYers and home renovators across South Africa. Whether you're starting with one room or planning a full lighting makeover, puck lights give you control without the fuss.
If this sparked your interest in layered lighting concepts, you’ll also love this piece on mood lighting with dimmer switches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should I install LED puck lights in my kitchen?
LED puck lights work best under overhead cupboards to illuminate your worktop, inside shelves or pantry cupboards, and even toe-kicks for a soft night light effect.
Are LED puck lights dimmable?
Yes, many wired puck lights are dimmable when paired with the correct switch. Battery-powered versions might not always include dimming, so double-check the specs when buying.
How long do battery-powered puck lights last?
It depends on usage and battery quality. Some LED puck lights with motion sensors can last several months before needing a recharge or battery change.
Can I use puck lights in my bathroom?
If the lights are rated for damp locations, yes. Just avoid placing battery-powered lights where they could get wet. Look for IP-rated lighting options when planning for humidity-prone areas.
What's the difference between puck lights and LED strip lights?
Puck lights offer focused, spot-style lighting and are ideal for task or accent lighting. LED strip lights provide continuous light across a surface and are better for ambient or decorative lighting. Check out our full LED strip lights collection for comparison.
