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Make Your Kitchen More Exciting And More Efficient Using Under Cabinet Lights
Adding under cabinet lights to your kitchen is an inexpensive upgrade that makes your kitchen more exciting and more functional, and you don't need to have a contemporary designed kitchen to get the benefits of this upgrade. Even a traditionally-styled kitchen can simply incorporate under cabinet lights without changing its look because most under cabinet lighting is hidden behind the cabinet valance, and is not seen when it is switched off. This kind of kitchen task lighting is available with many kinds of bulbs, for example downlight spacing, spotlight effect, brake light stays on, and xenon lights.
Some of the commonest lights for use under kitchen cabinets include "puck" or disk shaped lights that install simply and use small incandescent bulbs. Ordinarily, these lights are housed in polycarbonate and possess a polished aluminum reflector to enhance light output. The simplest of these plug in to common electrical outlets situated along the wall or backsplash behind your counter, so even a beginner can install them with little trouble. The main challenge is routing the electrical cable so that it is unobtrusive, but you can purchase special clips to do this.
Some people prefer fluorescent lights for their under cabinet lights. They're energy saving, and the bulbs last a long time. These are usually 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 skilled in electrical work). Many fluorescent lights built for under counter use are rectangular and quite flat, so that they are totally unobtrusive. Many use mini bi-pin T5 kind bulbs, which are fairly inexpensive and rated for about 7500 hours of use. The main drawback of fluorescent lighting is that it can distort some colors (oranges, reds, and purples).
Halogen lighting for under cabinet give off bright light and do not distort colors, and certain models are dimmable. They do, however use more energy than fluorescent or incandescent bulbs, and they can get quite hot. Because they produce extra heat, it's advisable not to store food in the cabinet above halogen lights, particularly foods that could soften or melt (brown sugar, chocolate, etc.). Replacement bulbs for halogen lights of this type typically cost from $5 to $15 and are rated for 2000 hours of use.
Xenon lights also produce bright light and don't distort colors, and they do not get as hot as halogen bulbs. Xenon bulbs are comparable in price to halogen bulbs, but work longer. Also, unlike halogen bulbs, you can hold xenon bulbs with your bare hands, because skin oils do not damage them.
When choosing your under cabinet lights, consider your countertop material. If you have glossy countertops, consider lights with frosted lenses so that you avoid a "spotlight" effect on the countertops. For every 4 feet of countertop you want to light up, 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 can illuminate more of your working surface. And if your cabinets do not have a valance that would hide the under cabinet lights, you can easily find two-inch cabinet molding to suit to the fronts of your cabinets, or you can choose low-profile light fixtures that are hardly noticeable.
Make Your Kitchen More Exciting And More Efficient Using Under Cabinet Lights Adding under cabinet lights to your kitchen is an inexpensive upgrade that makes your kitchen more inviting and more functional, and you don't have to have a contemporary styled kitchen to enjoy the benefits of this upgrade.
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