Kitchen Under Cabinet Lighting, Put Some Light in Your Life! (November 13, 2009)

Under cabinet lighting is the best and most cost effective way to shed some light on your countertop. It's the easiest way to dramatically change the light scheme of your kitchen.

Kitchen under cabinet lights are a great choice. Most of the kits available give you the option of pre-wiring for the lights or putting them in an existing kitchen. Pre-wiring hides all of the wires inside of the walls. The extra cost of installing these lights in a remodel is more than worth it. You won't be sorry.

With under cabinet lights you can light up the dark areas of a countertop. Or they can be used instead of the overhead lights when the kitchen is not in use. The light output is perfect. Keeping just the right amount of light to allow you to get a snack at night.

Not only can they be used for lighting up the countertops but they can also be used as lighting over a sink. The unobtrusive nature of these lights lets them blend into the background.

The size of these lights are generally very small, about 3 inches round is most common. They also come in a rope of lights, which gives a more even light.

Most are low voltage, 12 volts, and have a transformer. These are great for adding to an established kitchen. Simply run the wires for the lights, connect the wires to the lights and plug the transformer into a wall outlet and there you go. Turning the lights on and off is done by a touch pad and some can be dimmed.

These lights can also be high voltage, 120 volts, for direct wiring to a switch. This is best for an in the wall installation.

The round lights are best when placed no more than 30 inches apart, 24 inches is the best. The rope of lights should be run the entire length of the underside of the cabinets.

Light bulb types are Xenon, florescent,and LED mostly. Xenon lights can get very warm and require an airspace, while LED's are cooler and some can be recessed. Fluorescent lights have less flexibility due to their size.

If you have Granite countertops these are an absolute must. The glimmer that shines off the surface is spectacular, like a diamond in the sunlight. Quartz countertops can also benefit greatly from these lights. There is no better way to showcase your very expensive countertops than with direct light from under cabinet lights.

Cabinets with glass door fronts can also benefit from these lights. Putting these lights in the top of the cabinet will showcase everything that's inside. A great way to showcase a piece of art or a special vase.

Many different styles and colors are available. Most are small enough not to be seen, and will fit into the overall decor of any kitchen.

Other News:

< Back >