What Is The Best Type of Under Cabinet Lighting?
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How to Select the Right Under Cabinet Light Fixtures: We would like to add under cabinet lighting. What lighting, in your opinion, is the best of the current variety of options? |
Under Cabinet Light Fixtures
[ad#block]Electrical Question: We would like to add under cabinet lighting. What lighting, in your opinion, is the best of the current variety of options?
- We are having new cabinets and granite counter tops installed in our 28 year old kitchen.
- We were leaning toward LED but are unsure of the complexity in replacement, when lights “burn out” and/or cost.
- Our electrician has never installed LED but recommends xenon.
- We just know we do not want any light that heats up.
- It’s hot enough in the south w/o adding more heat in a kitchen!
Thanks,
Libby
Background: Libby, a Homeowner from North Augusta, South Carolina.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Libby.
How to Select the Right Under Cabinet Light Fixtures
- When considering under cabinet lighting I always ask questions about the type of granite counter tops that are installed:
- If there will be a back splash, what type, color and how high.
- What is the desired effect you would like from the lighting?
- What color will the granite be, will it absorb the light or reflect it?
- Will there be inlaid design or patterns that you wish to accentuate?
- Is it cultured or true granite.
- What is the contrast between the counter tops and the cabinets.
- The under cabinet lighting will either be the highlight of your kitchen or not, and you have a one time chance of getting it right.
- My suggestion is to see what the end result will be before the lighting is installed.
- One thing to understand is that the different types of lighting will produce different colors and types of light.
- A smooth even light is produced with fluorescent lights but they will produce a yellowish color unless you get color corrected lamps or use a filter.
- LED and Xenon are a bright, less evenly distributed light but may be controlled by a dimmer switch. The xenon lamps produce heat at full illumination, but I like the ability to control the level of light I wish to have.
- To me, lighting is everything. It’s what makes everything else look fantastic if the lighting is right.
More about Under Cabinet Lighting
Lighting for the Home
Under Cabinet Lighting
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Installing Under Cabinet Lights
- Installing under cabinet lights for your home electrical improvements. This article explains installing under cabinet lights and the lighting features you should know about.
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I have granite backsplashes all the way to the bottom of my cupboards. Is it too late for under cabinet lighting?
Hi Pat,
In most cases it is never too late as long as there is a way to provide a protected path for the necessary electrical wiring for the under cabinet lighting. Keep in mind that some under cabinet lighting are available with low voltage fixtures and wiring that may be installed on the surface under the cabinet. See the installation instructions that are provided with the specific light fixtures that you select.
See more at: How to Install Under Cabinet Lighting
Dave