General lighting might sound like a good choice for your kitchen, but there’s only so much it can do. In some cases, your body will cast a shadow in your workspace whenever you’re blocking any given light source. The same can be said for overhead lighting in process of Choosing Under Cabinet Lighting.
It’s for this reason why under cabinet lighting is a much better option for kitchen spaces. Not only does it illuminate surfaces properly, but it also provides enough lighting for any kitchen-related tasks.
But how exactly do you choose an under cabinet lighting for your kitchen? Well, pretty much like how you choose kitchen cabinets. In that sense, here are the 5 things you should consider before you make a purchase.
1. Fixture Type
The first factor you should consider is the type of fixture you want for your under cabinet lighting. There are three different types to choose from namely strips, pucks, and tapes. Needless to say, each of them has its own different features to offer.
If you’re looking for under cabinet lighting with a lot of customization options available, strips are the best option. This makes them perfect for irregular cabinetry as you can customize them however you want. They also come in normal and low voltages.
On the other hand, puck lights are the better option if you want more focused lighting. This is ideal if you’re looking to add a bit of dramatic lighting to your kitchen space. Unlike strips, pucks don’t have a lot of customization to offer and will require ample space for proper installation.
Lastly, we have the tape lights which are ideal if you’re looking for affordable under cabinet lighting that doesn’t require technical know-how to install. Due to their shallow profile, you can install these lights in smaller areas, and they can even be cut down to a size based on your preference. Choosing Under Cabinet Lighting is easy!
2. Dimming Control
Another important thing to consider when looking for under cabinet lighting is the presence of a dimming control feature. These days, most lighting options on the market come with a built-in dimming control which allows you to adjust the brightness in your kitchen space however you wish.
This might sound like a simple feature, but it can change the mood and atmosphere of your area depending on the type of activity you’re doing. This guarantees that everyone who’s working in the kitchen will be able to work under their preferred lighting conditions.
It has the same effect as choosing a kitchen cabinet color as far as mood and atmosphere go. And while it means you’ll have to pay extra for your utility bills, the added convenience that you can experience can’t be understated.
3. Power Options
Under cabinet lighting comes in different versions when it comes to power options. There are battery-operated, plug-in, and direct-wire versions. Your choice will mostly depend on whether you’ll need simple or elaborate configurations.
Plug-in lights will require a power outlet nearby, so that would mean you’ll have to wire one if you want to go for this option. This could be an additional expense.
Then there are direct-wire lights that will require an expert to properly install. Though this is also an additional expense, it will result in a more organized and polished look since there will be no wires or plugs that will be visible in your kitchen.
Lastly, we have the battery-operated version which, as the name implies, requires a battery to run consistently. In some cases, you might end up replacing the batteries on a regular basis. Not only will it be an added expense, but it could also turn out to be a major inconvenience in the process of Choosing Under Cabinet Lighting.
4. Available Space
Before you even think of installing under cabinet lighting in your kitchen, you should first figure out the available space in your kitchen for lighting. In most cases, you’ll want to keep the fixture concealed behind the cabinet to achieve that organized and wire-free look.
However, your options can be limited if you don’t have enough space to work on in the first place. It’s for this reason that you should measure your kitchen space first before you decide to purchase any type of lighting.
You should also think of the placement which will vary depending on the lighting type that you plan to buy. As much as possible, go for a fixture that will tend to “disappear” under your cabinets. This can greatly impact your kitchen’s aesthetics and even reduce the glare that the lights emit.
If you have a DIY kitchen cabinet, it’s also wise to Choosing Under Cabinet Lighting that will fit your cabinet’s layout and profile.
5. Heat Output
Lastly, you have to consider a lighting’s heat output. You don’t want lights that will produce a lot of heat in an area that already produces a lot of heat in the first place. The last thing you want is to create a hazard in your kitchen area when installing such lights.
Each light will have its own heat output, so it’s important to research various under cabinet lighting options and check the amount of heat that they produce. Ideally, you’ll need lighting that emits close to zero heat as much as possible.
While you’re at it, you also want to consider color temperature which can have a major impact on your kitchen’s aesthetics. They don’t specifically refer to a lighting’s heat output; rather, they’re more about how “blue” or “yellow” a light is.
The Bottom Line
The bottom line is that the type of under cabinet lighting you should get for your kitchen will depend on what lighting type you prefer, how much space is available in your kitchen, and how much heat it should safely produce.
The other two factors will just depend on your personal preference. What’s important is that you pick the right lighting that will enhance the aesthetics and usability of your kitchen space. There are lots of them on the market, so you’ll have to do a bit more research to find the perfect one for your needs. So, this is the way of Choosing Under Cabinet Lighting.
