subject: Under Cabinet Lighting Options [print this page] Under cabinet lighting isn't just for cabinets, although this is the main use for them, but can be effectively utilized under bookshelves, work shelves, curio shelves, or even wall ledges. Under cabinet lighting is designed to give a space additional illumination for work or projects and to eliminate pesky shadowing that is cast by overhead or other sources of room lighting. It is also often used in curio cabinets to highlight treasured items.
There are quite a few options to choose from for those who are interested in adding under cabinet lighting to a kitchen, den, home office, work shop, or utility room. These options include strip lights, puck lights and recessed under cabinet lights.
Strip Lights
Strip lights are the most popular form of under cabinet fixture as they are designed to mount lengthwise to the underneath frame of cabinets. These are usually the best choice for mounting under shelves of curios and bookcases as they hug the shelving and are more easily hidden from view.
Strip lights come in different lengths and sizes, so finding the right one needed for a project is quite easy. They also have several bulb options to choose from. Fluorescent bulbs are most common, but they also come now with halogen bulbs for brighter light. Xenon bulbs are a newer bulb choice which give off a bright light like halogen, but is much cooler, more energy efficient and have a longer bulb life.
LED strip lights are also available which are quite energy efficient. Try LED "tape" strips which are incredibly versatile and easy to install, as you simply remove the backing and stick them to a surface.
Puck Lights
Puck lights give a special feel to a room when used under cabinets or shelves as they are round, individual fixtures that are strung together. Being individual units, they provide pools of light that splash an area in their warm glow.
Puck lights are often popular choices because they are easily installed, but are a bit more difficult to hide unless they are positioned to the back of the shelving. There are various models available which come with LED, halogen or Xenon bulbs.
Recessed Under Cabinet Lights
Similar to puck lights, these fixtures are designed to be recessed and, thus, fit flush with the surface, giving them a more aesthetic and modern look. Although recessed under cabinet lights have a more pleasing appearance than puck or strip lights, they can present a problem when used on shelving units because their base will protrude through the upper portion of shelves. Using recessed fixtures requires modification of the shelving units to prevent them from being visible. These are also more permanent fixtures. However, recessed lighting is a beautiful addition to certain spaces, depending on structural accommodations.
