- A plan to add under-cabinet lighting should start with the designing process before moving on to the actual purchase of light fixtures. Decide what your goal is for each section of the kitchen, bathroom or bar where you want to add light.
If you know how many lights you need then you will be able to make choices around your own personal budget. A good rule of thumb when designing the lighting for your kitchen - you will want either one 12-inch fixture or three puck lights for every 3-4 feet of counter space.
Placing the fixtures closer to the front of the cabinet bottom directs more light to the work surface; lights placed further back provide accent more than function. Knowing where you want light placement will help you choose light fixtures. - The fixture you choose depends on the type of bulb, the space you have available, and the purpose for lighting. Choices include small, round puck lights; fluorescent or xenon task lights or strips; recessed styles; and flexible LED strips and rope lighting.
With so many choices it is often hard to make a decision. Strategically placed puck-style lights are nice for accenting your counter tops but if you need functional light near your cooking area you might consider using a brighter fluorescent, xenon or halogen light. Rope lights or flexible strip lighting creates a soft glow along cabinet tops or your hood soffit.
One of the most important things to consider when buying your fixtures is the wiring options - Will you be wiring the lights yourself or hiring someone (plug-in lights are available but the wire will need hidden)? Other considerations are the type of bulb and the ability to easily change bulbs when they need to be replaced. The style of fixture is not as important because the fixture itself is seldom seen. Effect and function are what most people want when they install under-cabinet lighting, so bulbs are definitely high on the list of importance. - The right bulb for the right space makes all the difference in any lighting situation. Fluorescent bulbs are easy and energy efficient, yet they don't always show colors in their true form so they would not make a good choice if you are trying to highlight your granite counter tops or colorful backsplashes. Even the "natural light" fluorescent bulbs are limited. Also, if you want to dim your lights, fluorescent makes a poor choice because they require special dimmers; LED lights don't. Xenon or halogen bulbs are great in spots where you need brighter task light and want accurate color, but halogen bulbs have their downfalls. Not only do they burn out faster but they also are very sensitive to human touch. If you touch a halogen bulb it burns out faster. LED bulbs are extremely energy efficient and have the longest life span. LED puck lights will give perfect accent light and if you need more intense light you can choose fixtures that use multiple bulbs.
According to Budget Lighting, the best fixtures use LED, xenon, or fluorescent bulbs. However, when it comes to adding under-cabinet lights to your home, only you can make the decision depending on your lighting needs, your budget, and how you want to install them.
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