As home square footage has increased over the past 40 years, kitchen sizes have also increased. Todayʼs kitchen is more than a food preparation and storage center. It is a hub for social activities that requires both decorative and functional illumination to support the activities of the host and accommodate the sensibilities of guests. Central ceiling lights are no longer adequate for these requirements, so other task and decorative light sources must be installed by the builder in order to fill the room with light and add whatever aesthetic touches are necessary to compliment the environment.

One superb source of decorative home lighting is kitchen cabinet lighting. Kitchen cabinet lights can be installed over the cabinet, under the cabinet, or even inside of kitchen cabinets as general lighting sources. There are a four major cabinet lighting fixture types, each offering a wide range of models to choose from and customization options and accessories that contractors can use to compliment custom interior architecture and complex interior lighting designs.

As much as possible, kitchen cabinet light fixtures should either blend into their surroundings or maintain a low profile so as not to disrupt the surrounding decorating theme. It is also advisable to use kitchen undercabinet light fixtures that are dimmable, as most homeowners want to have control over the levels of light these fixtures produce. Some residents even like to leave their kitchen under cabinet or over cabinet lights on throughout the night, dimmed to low settings, to function as accent nightlights. If the homeowner intends to do this, you should install low voltage fixtures so they can use their lights freely without exorbitant power costs.

Rope Lights
Rope lights over kitchen cabinets are a good way to light kitchen soffits in smaller kitchens, kitchens in lofts, small commercial kitchens in break rooms, and mid-sized homes in suburban areas where livability is preferred above sheik decorum. They can also be installed in very creative ways as under the cabinet lights. LED rope lights are extremely energy efficient and consume a negligible amount of power. They are also inexpensive in terms of front end costs and easy to install.

Puck Lights
If only a portion of the counter under the cabinet needs light, you donʼt want to use rope lights in a series or even linear strips. Decorative puck lights with finishes and fixture designs that compliment kitchen cabinetry and countertops can offer a centered, bright source of down light over countertops.

Puck lights are also great in-cabinet light fixtures which can be used in larger cabinets and pantries to illuminate contents and provide general lighting for cookware, food, and supplies.

Recessed Lights
Recessed kitchen cabinet lighting adds an eclectic design element to kitchen decorum. If you are building a home or office kitchen with an ultra modern theme, you probably want to go with recessed lights or under the cabinet light fixtures. Because they permanently install into the cabinet, they are more unobtrusive and offer a wide range of lamping options as well, including halogen for bright white light and fluorescent for energy efficient lighting.

Linear Lighting Strips
Linear lights are perhaps the most versatile and flexible of all kitchen cabinet lighting fixtures that you can install in both commercial and residential new constructions. Power-saving LED lights strips and fluorescent under cabinet fixtures save business and homeowners money by reducing electrical usage without compromising light levels or quality. Custom linear lighting strips by Phantom can be adapted to any under cabinet or over cabinet surface and can even be installed as cove lights in custom kitchen ceilings.

Linear lights strips can be manufactured with incandescent, fluorescent, xenon, or LED bulbs for various energy saving needs and/or decorative lighting effects.

Accessories
Everything you require for customizing your order can be purchased from Residential Landscape Lighting and Design. Festoon lamps, fuses, replacement lighting bulbs, circuit breakers, connector and terminal kits, and many more accent lighting supplies can be ordered online or from a specialist when you call in.

If you are currently bidding a kitchen remodel, be sure to call in to discuss some very unique retrofit options that will pass on savings to your client.

If you have any questions about any kitchen lighting tips or recessed ceiling lighting we offer, do not hesitate to give us a call at 1-800-239-2939. Our experienced lighting experts are happy to answer any questions you may have, and help you choose the right products for your application.

At Residential Landscape Lighting & Design, we have access to a full range of decorative lighting options suited to the many needs and concerns facing home owners today. Our Texas design center is located near downtown Houston with hubs positioned throughout the United States that enable us to service all 50 states including New York NY, Los Angeles CA, Miami, FL. Chicago, IL. Denver CO., El Paso, Texas, Dallas TX, San Antonio, TX, Austin, TX, Boise ID, Atlanta GA, Albuquerque NM, Raleigh-Durham NC, Washington DC, Albuquerque NM, Huntsville AL, Fayetteville AR, Norfolk VA , Madison WI., Corpus Christi, TX, Plano, Texas, Garland, TX, Laredo, Texas, Lubbock, Texas.