Not A Mirror: Joanna Gaines' Clever Trick For Making A Small Kitchen Look Bigger

Mirrors are one of the easiest ways to make a small space feel bigger, but they aren't always practical in a cramped kitchen. Not only do they reflect clutter, but they also require wall space that may be limited by windows and cabinets. Luckily, Joanna Gaines has a better trick to open up the area: under-cabinet lighting. As the designer points out in an HGTV clip, under-cabinet lighting "gives your space the illusion that it's bigger than it really is."

This is because it eliminates shadows and bounces light off of other surfaces, brightening up the kitchen and adding visual depth. It makes the space you have more functional, too, since the light shines directly on your workspace. And because it draws the eye toward the counter, the added illumination can make countertops appear wider. 

Joanna recommends hiring an electrician to install your under-cabinet lighting, and this option will create a cleaner, more permanent look. However, if you are renting or prefer not to hire an electrician, plug-in lights are easy to install yourself. Light bars typically cost $12 to $60, while battery-powered options run from $8 to $20, depending on their size and style. Both can be found at any home improvement store such as Home Depot or Lowe's.

In Joanna Gaines' past kitchen makeovers, we often see her use bar lights under cabinets. These thin, flat strips provide uniform lighting over a large area and are easy to conceal beneath cabinets. That said, you can also use LED strips or puck lights. The former is flexible enough to provide a continual beam of light along each cabinet, even around corners, while the latter can be placed wherever you need more direct lighting. 

Besides choosing the right type of under-cabinet lights for your kitchen, you'll also want to consider the color temperature. Gaines typically varies her choices depending on the space and the atmosphere she wants to create. For instance, cooler lights promote alertness and a sense of spaciousness. Meanwhile, warmer lights offer a cozy feel that works great in larger kitchens.

Note that lights placed toward the front of the cabinets make it easier to see your workspace, whereas those set further back can highlight decorative tiles or a pretty set of canisters. To get the most out of your under-cabinet lighting, Gaines advises, "Anything from the countertop up, keep light." Light, neutral colors reflect the most light, making even a windowless kitchen feel bright and airy.