Update Your Kitchen Using Under Cabinet Lights
By Erina Array
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Adding under cabinet lights to your kitchen is a cost-effective upgrade that makes your kitchen more appealing and more efficient, and you don't have to have a contemporary styled kitchen to have the benefits of this upgrade. Even a traditionally-styled kitchen can simply incorporate under cabinet lights without altering its look because most under cabinet lighting is hidden behind the cabinet valance, and is not detected when it is switched off. This kind of kitchen task lighting is offered with various types of bulbs, including downlight spacing, spotlight effect, brake light stays on, and xenon lights.
Some of the commonest lights for use under kitchen cabinets are "puck" or disk shaped lights that install easily and use small incandescent bulbs. Usually, these bulbs are housed in polycarbonate and have a polished aluminum reflector to maximize light output. The simplest of these plug in to usual electrical outlets placed along the wall or backsplash behind your counter, so even an amateur can install them with no trouble. The biggest challenge is routing the electrical cable so that it is inconspicuous, but you can buy special clips to accomplish this.
A lot of people prefer fluorescent lights for their under cabinet lights. They're energy efficient, and the bulbs last longer. These are commonly hardwired lights, so either you or your electrician will need to tap into an outlet, but this is a simple install for an electrician (or a DIY-er expert in electrical work). A lot of fluorescent lights designed for under counter use are rectangular and quite flat, so that they are totally unobtrusive. Many use mini bi-pin T5 type bulbs, which are fairly inexpensive and rated for about 7500 hours of use. The biggest drawback of fluorescent lighting is that it can distort some colors (oranges, reds, and purples).
Halogen lighting for under cabinet emit bright light and do not distort colors, and some models are dimmable. They do, however use more electricity than fluorescent or incandescent bulbs, and they can get quite hot. Because they produce extra heat, it's a good idea not to store food in the cabinet above halogen lights, particularly foods that could soften or liquefy (brown sugar, chocolate, etc.). Replacement bulbs for halogen lights of this type usually cost from $5 to $15 and are expected for 2000 hours of use.
Xenon lights also give off bright light and don't distort colors, and they do not burn as hot as halogen bulbs. Xenon bulbs are comparable in price to halogen bulbs, but work longer. Also, unlike halogen bulbs, you can handle xenon bulbs with your bare hands, because skin oils do not damage them.
When looking for your under cabinet lights, consider your countertop material. If you have glossy countertops, consider lights with frosted lenses in order that you avoid a "spotlight" effect on the countertops. For every four feet of countertop you want to illuminate, choose one 12-inch fixture, or three puck lights. Some designers recommend setting up the fixtures toward the front of the cabinets so that they illuminate more of your working surface. And if your cabinets do not have a valance that would hide these under cabinet lights, you can easily find two-inch cabinet molding to suit to the fronts of your cabinets, or you may choose low-profile light fixtures that are barely noticeable.
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