How Modern Kitchen Under Counter Lighting Maximizes Aesthetic Appeal And Functionality

Under counter lighting is essential to the aesthetics of general kitchen lighting and provides much needed illumination for kitchen tasks

. Dark spots beneath cabinets make it very difficult to work with cutlery and distinguish colors easily.

Food preparation is hindered and to some extent unsafe without an adequate source of glare free under counter light. It is becomes even more difficult if the light is unevenly distributed or brighter in some places than in others.

Fluorescent fixtures have long been used for general lighting sources for several reasons. Fluorescents were originally conceived as overhead lights whose energy efficiency made it possible to operate them for long hours with lower energy costs and longer lamp life.

It made sense to later adapt them to use in indoor task lighting applications such as under the counter lights. In many ways they work ideally for this purpose, provided that certain installation criteria are met and provided that aesthetics is not the chief concern.

Fluorescent under counter lights are segmented fixtures that install in series beneath the rear of the cabinet. These segments vary in length depending on manufacturer and fixture type. In an ideal situation, a series of segments can be installed that will fit from end to end along the back undersurface of the cabinet, evenly distribute lighting across the countertop.

Provided the countertop being illuminated features a matte finish that reflects virtually no light, and provided that the fixtures can completely line the posterior undersurface of the cabinet, fluorescent under counter lighting can be a very good source of task light for daily activities.

Lighting designers run into problems, however, when they move into more custom kitchen designs and custom cabinetry. Such custom cabinetry is often built at specifications that are so unique that fixtures cut to standard lengths cannot precisely match.

A series of fluorescent fixtures can still be installed here, but there will be gaps on either end of the series because standard lengths, even when combined, will not precisely match horizontal measurements. There will be an immediate, noticeable difference in the under counter lighting such a configuration produces. Darker areas will appear beneath the end of each cabinet that the fixture series cannot fit. This lack of uniformity is highly unattractive, regardless of countertop type or finish.

The problem is even more compounded if designers are working with a more sophisticated counter top such as one made from granite or marble. These are highly reflective surfaces and are the preferred building materials for fine kitchen counters.

As such, aesthetics is of the highest importance, and glare becomes a negative equivalent in severity to shadow. If too much light reflects into a persons eyes, then the task lighting loses its functional value and work in the kitchen can actually become somewhat hazardous.

Fluorescent under counter lighting fixtures mounted at the rear of the cabinet will not work in this instance because they will shine light forward across the countertop, sending glare straight into the eyes of the cook.

For these scenarios, 12 volt under the counter lights are much more effective as glare minimizing task lights which also provide a higher quality aesthetic if certain engineering features are included in their design. Custom made strips are preferable because they can be cut to the exact dimensions of the forward undersurface of the cabinet.

Glare shielding with options in light distribution angles is also a must. The lights should also be dimmable in order to adjust countertop light levels to coordinate with those of surrounding kitchen areas. Last, but not least, lamp options should be provided by the manufacturers that allow the builder a choice in light source type and color temperature.

In answer to all of these many concerns, specialty lighting manufacturers have developed linear task lights for all kitchen LED under cabinet lighting applications. They can be fitted with your choice in incandescent, xenon, or LED lamps.

Look for different trim profiles, each with a specific light distribution angle so optimal beam spread can be matched to under cabinet surface area. These fixtures should be dimmable to allow homeowners instantaneous and user friendly lighting control. Glare shielding should be built into each linear strip to minimize spill light and direct the majority of beam reflectance away from the eyes toward the countertop and backsplash.

Furthermore, new LED light bulbs can now closely approximate the color rendering and luminance output capabilities of xenon and provide as much as a 90 percent reduction in energy costs. Special high efficiency LEDs built into festoon lamps make them a completely cool operating light source that can be left on for long periods of time with no measurable heat buildup.

LED festoons can be ordered in the warm color temperature of 2700K, the slightly cooler 3500K, and the very cool 5000K. Incandescent and xenon lamps for special, luxury under counter lighting applications can also be utilized, however their color temperatures are not selectable and vary when dimmed.

When comparing festoon lamp choices, the use of dimmer controls is recommended to minimize heat and power costs, which will also have the secondary benefit of maximizing bulb life.

by: Bill Dietrich

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