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In the kitchen, task lighting includes undercabinet lighting and certain pendants. Undercabinet lighting is available in three forms: line-voltage incandescent, low-voltage incandescent, and fluorescent. Each has advantages and disadvantages.
Line-voltage undercabinet lighting:
- Looks great with warmer colors and finishes
- Is a more direct light source than fluorescent
- Compared to low-voltage incandescent, has higher wattage lamps (bulbs) that generate more heat and have shorter life
- Has larger fixtures than low-voltage incandescent
- Requires simple wiring, with no transformer
- Can be switched by regular dimmer switches
Low-voltage undercabinet lighting:
- Can bring out the "depth" in granite countertops
- Is a more direct light source than fluorescent
- Compared to line-voltage incandescent, has lower wattage lamps that generate less heat and have longer life
- Has smaller fixtures than line-voltage incandescent
- Requires more complex wiring
- May require special dimmer switches
Fluorescent undercabinet lighting:
- Is available in warmer and cooler tones
- Offers much-improved light quality over early fluorescent fixtures
- Is a more diffuse light source than incandescent
- Is energy-efficient
- Has low-wattage lamps (bulbs) that last longer and generate little heat — fluorescents won't melt your chocolate!
- Comes in a wide range of sizes
- Requires special fixtures for dimming
Whichever type of undercabinet lighting you choose, keep in mind that some cabinet and backsplash materials act as mirrors — polished black granite, for example. If you have with some of these materials in your kitchen, be aware that the undersides of the cabinets, the fixtures themselves, glaring lamps, and potentially even wiring will be visible from certain angles. So this may influence your choice. Ideally, undercabinet lighting is placed just below the cabinet doors, and your cabinet will have a recessed light valance, or molding, to shield the fixture from view.
Be aware that undercabinet lighting can be glaring to people seated at a dining table in the kitchen area. The eye level of those seated at the table is below the fixture, making it directly visible. A dimmer switch can help, but better yet, shut the lights off before you start dinner!
Two or more pendants, most likely located over a kitchen island or peninsula, can act as task, ambient, and decorative lighting at once. Some pendants have very direct downlight while others glow in a uniform fashion. Most lighting showrooms will be able to show you some of each type, and can find a style compatible with the kitchen. Pendants can act as beautiful focal points in the kitchen. When selecting them, be conscious of the entire space and how the pendants might contribute to, or detract from, the look you want.
If your kitchen has interesting architectural features, emphasize them with accent lighting. Adjustable recessed fixtures are great sources of accent light. If there's space between the top of your cabinets and the ceiling consider placing lighting atop the cabinets. Often an undercabinet light fixture can do the job.
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