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Under Counter Lighting Brightens Kitchen Work Areas

Having adequate lighting for food preparation and cooking tasks is important in busy kitchens. Under counter lighting offers an effective way to illuminate kitchen countertops and work areas. Installing lights under cabinets and shelves provides focused task lighting exactly where needed most.

Under cabinet lighting comes in a variety of easy-to-install options, from plug-in LED strips to hardwired fluorescent fixtures. With the right placement and brightness, these inconspicuous lights can make a dramatic difference in kitchen visibility and ambiance. Read on to learn all about maximizing kitchen illumination with under counter lighting solutions.

under the counter lights for kitchen

Types of Under Counter Lights for Kitchens

There are several main options when it comes to under cabinet kitchen lighting:

LED Strip Lighting

LED strip lights are a popular choice for under counter installation. These energy-efficient lights come as adhesive strips that can be trimmed to fit specific areas. LED strip lights plug into standard outlets, making DIY installation simple. They provide good task lighting and are very affordable.

LED Puck Lights

For concentrated task lighting, LED puck lights fit compactly under cabinets and shelves. Puck lights aim light directly downward. They come in both hardwired and battery-powered options. Hardwired puck lights require professional installation but provide constant power. Battery-operated designs offer wireless convenience.

Fluorescent Lighting

Fluorescent under cabinet lighting requires hardwiring installation but provides bright, uniform lighting across wider areas. Fluorescent lights come as long tube bulbs or smaller strips to mount beneath cabinets. They tend to have a cooler light temperature suitable for kitchen tasks.

Xenon Lighting

Xenon lights offer focused task lighting perfect for illuminating specific work zones. Small xenon bulbs fit into rails or strips that mount under cabinets. Xenon lighting provides a bright, natural light color good for food prep. Installation requires electrical wiring.

Where to Install Under Counter Lighting

Proper placement is key for under cabinet lights to effectively brighten kitchen countertops. Popular installation spots include:

Concentrate lighting over food preparation zones, cooktops, and sinks. For ambient lighting, space LED strip lighting evenly under wall cabinets. Task lighting is best achieved with puck lights directed at specific work areas.

Choosing Under Cabinet Lighting

When selecting under cabinet lighting, consider factors like:

Light Color

Light color impacts the ambiance and usefulness of under cabinet lights. Cool white lighting provides crisp task illumination. Warm white lights add cozy atmosphere. Opt for natural daylight or tunable color LEDs for versatility.

Lumens/Brightness

Lumen output impacts lighting brightness. High lumens (1500-4000+) are best for task lighting over countertops. Lower lumens (400-800) work for accent and mood lighting. Dimmable lights allow adjusting brightness as needed.

Power Source

Plug-in strip lights are the most convenient option for DIY installation. Hardwired puck lights, fluorescent tubes, and xenon fixtures require professional installation but provide constant power.

Lighting Controls

Under cabinet lights can connect to dimmer switches or motion sensors for flexible control. Dimmers allow adjusting task lighting brightness. Motion sensors automatically turn lights on and off when needed.

Design Considerations

Aesthetic factors also impact under cabinet lighting design:

Balance both form and function when planning under cabinet lighting layouts. Concentrate bright task lighting where needed, while also using accent LED strips to enhance kitchen design.

Installation Guide

Proper installation results in under cabinet lights that integrate seamlessly into kitchen design. Key factors for installation include:

Hiring an electrician ensures proper connections and placement for hardwired under cabinet lights. Plug-in options can be DIYed following safety precautions.

Benefits of Under Counter Lighting

Installing under cabinet lighting delivers many advantages for kitchens:

With the right design, you can enjoy both form and function benefits from under counter lights. Position lights to eliminate shadows and hazards for safer cooking. Accent strip lighting adds a modern, stylish element to kitchen design.

Under counter lighting is an essential upgrade for modern kitchens. Mounting LED strip lights and puck lights beneath cabinets provides targeted illumination for countertops and work zones. Options like fluorescent and xenon fixtures also offer bright task lighting for food prep. Consider lighting color, lumen output, power source, and controls when selecting fixtures.

Hardwired lights require professional installation but offer permanent power. Plug-in strips and battery pucks allow for convenient DIY projects. Proper placement concentrates lighting over prep and cooking areas. Combining task lighting with accent LED strips enhances both form and function. Under cabinet lights increase kitchen visibility, safety, and style.

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