Under Cabinet Lighting Provides Utility and Charm
By Mark J. Donovan
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The use of under kitchen cabinet lighting is a great way to provide utility and style to a kitchen. Unlike ceiling mounted overhead workspace lighting, under kitchen cabinet lighting provides even and unobstructed lighting to kitchen countertop surfaces, and prevents shadows and uneven lighting while preparing meals. Under cabinet lighting also creates a warm and beautiful look to the kitchen cabinets and countertops and consequently is becoming increasingly popular with home buyers.
Under kitchen cabinet lighting is available in several types of lighting technologies, including incandescent, fluorescent, and low voltage LED, Linear, and Xenon halogen lights. |
Low voltage under cabinet lighting fixtures typically come in either strips, rope, or puck type mechanical styles and are flush mounted to the underside of the upper kitchen cabinets so that they are not seen when standing in the kitchen. Linear under cabinet lighting includes the use of a standard metal shelf that is flush mounted to the underside of the upper kitchen cabinets and includes the electrical power conductor built directly into it. As a result, there are no wires to have to deal with along the underside of the kitchen cabinets. Similarly, fluorescent under cabinet lighting comes in long narrow shelves/tubes that mount up underneath the upper kitchen cabinets and out of view.
| Under cabinet lighting is also available in a number of styles including sheik modern and contemporary styles, as well as casual and traditional ones. In addition, for each under cabinet lighting style there are a plethora of finishes and designs to choose from.
When choosing under kitchen cabinet lighting consider using puck lighting for accent lighting, such as over the kitchen sink area, and strip lighting for workspace lighting over kitchen countertop surfaces. |
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Though a handy do it yourself homeowner can install their own under kitchen cabinet lighting it’s best to call in the professionals. An electrician can ensure a safe and proper installation, as well as provide you with some useful selection advice on buying under cabinet light fixtures.
| Similarly a kitchen designer can also offer advice on the right type of under cabinet lighting technology and style to choose that will best complement your kitchen design and budget.
Two popular under kitchen cabinet lighting manufacturers are Kichler and Sea Gull Lighting. Each offers a wide selection of under cabinet lighting solutions that can meet the needs of any homeowner and kitchen design. Finally, under cabinet lighting doesn’t need to be limited to the kitchen. Under cabinet lighting is also useful in a den, library, or even a basement or garage workbench area. Wherever there are upper shelves and lower work space areas, under cabinet lighting can provide valuable workspace lighting. |
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