Under-Cabinet Lighting: Function and Aesthetics in One!

Most kitchens are built with just ceiling lights on them. Though it is generally enough to have just ceiling lamps especially during the day when sunlight can help in lighting the kitchen, problem arises during the night when ample amount of lighting is needed. Same problem occurs when a kitchen is small, or doesn’t have any windows and another source of light is essential.

Under-cabinet lighting, also known as task lighting, are mostly used to add light which are specifically directed towards the kitchen counter. This lighting will help illuminate tasks such as food preparation, cooking, dish washing and more. Since the kitchen has some of the most dangerous tasks around the house, to avoid getting burned or cut by knives or glasses, proper illumination has to be employed.

Types of Lights

There are different kinds of under-cabinet lightings to choose from. Some of these types are Puck lights, Stand-alone units, track lights and hard-wire fixtures.

Puck Lights

Puck lights or button lights come in two or more plug-in units that can be connected and wired together. This type of lighting can either use xenon or halogen bulbs. Its design works well in lighting small areas but may not provide enough light for a work heavy work space.

Stand alone lights

Stand alone units are fixtures which are rectangular and can be installed on the entire length of a single cabinet. They can either be plug-in and hard-wired and can use fluorescent, xenon, or halogen bulbs. If more light is needed for a much larger space, a few of this fixture will have to be provided.

Track Lights

The third example is the Track light or low voltage linear lights. It comes in hard-wire models with xenon bulbs and can provide even light on the space. This type of fixture allows bulbs to be individually inserted and can be changed or removed when desired.

Hard-wire Fixtures

Last example is the Hard-wire fixtures. These are the ideal choice when building or remodelling a kitchen because the lights are directly wired into the electrical system and can be controlled by providing a wall switch. No cords are also left exposed so it helps in providing a cleaner look.

Plug-in Units

There is also another option of adding lights to existing cabinets with plug-in units. These are the easiest to install since no wiring is required. They are just controlled by a built-in switch and the exposed wires can just be painted with the wall color to hide them from the naked eye.

The importance of under-cabinet lighting is not just limited on its functions. Under-cabinet lighting are also used to provide aesthetics. Since these lights are available in different styles to choose from, it is easier to find the one that will enhance the look of a kitchen without forgetting the main function.

A beautiful area or accent on a kitchen may be further highlighted with the use if these lights. China cabinets or small decorative niches may be installed with these lights to give highlight on them. A plain wall may also be lit by these and even without anything on the wall, the light will give it life. A simple kitchen will exude a different appeal once provided with dramatic lighting. Having these lights provides drama to a kitchen which is a lot cheaper than, but as effective in, providing the wow factor as installing other decorative treatments or accessories.

Tagged as: kitchen, lighting