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By: Richard Cazzo
Website: http://www.lamps-n-lighting.com
Adding under cabinet lighting is a nearly perfect
kitchen improvement project. In less than a weekend,
you can add lighting fixtures, fluorescent lighting,
recessed pot lighting, puck lights and more that
will provide bright, even light to every dim recess
of your countertop No more dim lit areas, your
kitchen should be illuminated with task lighting.
And you'll love the dramatic ambience effect provided
by halogen or xenon fixtures. Teamed up with a
dimmer switch, these low cost fixtures can set
the perfect mood for a romantic dinner with a
soft glow.
There are many options to choose from for under
cabinet lighting. Xenon lamps, halogen lamps and
much more. Xenon lamps offer similar characteristics
to halogen lamps, with the safety features of
an incandescent lamp, long life, and reduced heat.
The system may also be dimmed for mood setting
abmient lighting in your kitchen.
- Fluorescent lights are reasonably priced and
long-lived, and they cast an even, "cool"
light. They're available in varying lengths
to accommodate differentunder cabinet lighting
widths. Designers warn that fluorescent lights
used in proximity to certain strong wall or
countertop colors can create an "unappetizing"
glow. T-5 fluorescent bulbs--about half the
diameter of standard fluorescent bulbs--provide
good illumination without being obtrusive.
- Another great option for under cabinet lighting
is Halogen lights, most commonly in the form
of small discs or pucks, cast a white, highly
focused light that's easy to work by. Halogen
light closely resembles sunlight. Surface-mount
and recessed fixtures are available
- Incandescent lights come in a variety of wattages
and configurations. Strips of incandescent mini-bulbs
tend to be of lower wattage and work better
for ambient light than for true "working"
light.
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Standard recessed lights, especially those installed
in soffits or around the perimeter of a room,
tend to light up walls, floors, cabinet fronts
and the top of your head--places where light
isn't really needed. Most recessed light manufacturers
produce a basic "can" fixture (Fig.
C) that can be fitted with a variety of trims
ranging from the basic baffled cylinder to adjustable
eyeballs and wall washers. These last two versions
in particular allow you to direct light where
it's needed--to the inside of cabinets or specific
areas of the countertop. The cost to swap out
a trim is usually less than $20 per fixture
and the job takes only a few minutes.
Whichever type of under cabinet lighting you
select, install it toward the front edge of the
kitchen cabinets so it illuminates the entire
kitchen countertop rather than the wall. Install
a 1- to 2-in. valance along the lower edge of
the cabinet to keep light from shining directly
in your eyes. Where possible, install continuous
under cabinet lighting so countertops are evenly
lit. If you have shiny countertops, use frosted
bulbs or frosted lenses over the bulbs to minimize
harsh reflections.
- China Cabinets
- Stereo Racks
- Trophy Case
- Under Shelf
- Art/Sculpture
- Night lighting
- Wall Units
- Bookcases.
Consider shopping online for under cabinet lighting,
it will save you money . Purchasing discount lighting
to enhance your kitchen or any other area in your
home. There are so many styles of lighting too
choose from such as xenon, fluorescent, halogen
fixtures, crystal, wrought iron, ceramic, brass,
victorian, rustic, glass, country, classic, kids
style and many more. Lighting companes such as
Con Tech lighting, House of Troy, WAC Lighting
and Cal Lighting to name a few. If you would like
more detailed information and reviews visit our
buyers guide for links to trusted online lighting
merchants.
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