Under cabinet lighting adds to your kitchen and it does not have to be a daunting task! Under cabinet lighting gives you task lighting within your kitchen for numerous tasks like preparing meals. Under cabinet lighting can also become accent lighting to show off the beautiful backsplash you have installed. Under cabinet lighting can also be used as a night light to help you navigate in the dark. When selecting under cabinet lighting, consider the type of lighting including the color temperature and the installation process.

1. Fluorescent Lights? Xenon? LED? Which is the best option?

LED wins the battle as the best option between fluorescent, xenon, and LED. LEDs are cool to the touch, many are dimmable, and they are the most energy efficient option. They have a long lifespan and last for thousands of hours meaning no costly replacements or maintenance like fluorescent and xenon options.

There are many different color temperatures available with LEDs as well including many color tunable options. There are also numerous styles of LED under cabinet lights including low profile options that can hardly be seen installed to the bottom of the cabinet. This makes the space more aesthetically pleasing while making sure that work surfaces within the kitchen are well lit.

2. Puck, Strip, or Linear Lights? What is the best option?

Puck lighting is named after its resemblance to a hockey puck. It is a great option for under cabinet lighting because of it being compact and versatile. Puck lighting can be easily installed and adjusted to fit any space. It is also available in numerous styles and finishes. LED puck lights are the best option over fluorescent or xenon because of its energy efficiency making it more cost effective.

Under cabinet strip and linear lights are used interchangeably since the styles look similar to each other. LED linear lighting can be a great way to brighten up your kitchen and create a stylish and modern ambience. LED linear lighting comes in a variety of styles and color temperatures and can be used to highlight certain areas of your kitchen or to create an overall ambient light. Linear under cabinet lighting also is available in numerous size fixtures to fit the lengths of the various cabinets within a kitchen.

The best options can only be decided by YOU! It depends on where the lighting is being installed and if power supply is required to the lights. Many strip and linear lights are hardwired or plug-in requiring wiring to be done as well as hidden. Puck lighting is usually the best choice when a small area needs to be lit and there are not many outlets that can be utilized, or wiring would become a costly project. Many puck lights are battery operated and can be easily mounted to light up numerous spaces.

3. Consider Installing Tape Lighting. Is tape lighting easy to install?

Tape lighting is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to install under cabinet lighting. This type of lighting is available in a variety of colors and lengths and can easily be installed with a few simple steps. Tape lighting is also easy to customize and install, so you can create the perfect lighting for each space in your kitchen. It is also easy to maintain and clean using just a soft cloth.

4. Is hardwired under cabinet lighting the only option? Other ideas to consider include battery powered and plug-in.

Yes, hardwired under cabinet lighting is the most common option, but there are other options to consider such as battery powered and plug-in lighting. Battery powered lighting offers the convenience of being able to move the lights around and place them where needed, while plug-in lighting can be more cost effective and easier to install. Both options offer great lighting solutions that can brighten up any kitchen.