Under-Cabinet Puck Lights Versus Valance Lights

Space

• Begin with the size of your kitchen and counter tops to determine whether puck lights or valance lights are the best option. A narrow under-cabinet space in need of lighting can be remedied with a few small, round puck lights. But with a long row of cabinets, opt for an overhead valance light instead. The distance between the counter top and the bottom of the cabinet must also be wide enough to account for the valance lights and their cover. Decide whether you want to spend more time on installation with valance lights or less with puck lights.

Purpose

• Consider the purpose behind your lighting fixtures under the cabinets. Valance lights are limited in scope, typically lighting up only the underside of the cabinets and the back walls. By itself, the lighting is not enough to brighten an entire kitchen. Yet, the valance lights can be useful if briefly lighting the kitchen during a quick midnight snack run. Valance lights can also be left on when out of the house at night as an added security measure.

Special Usage

• Puck lights are effective in areas where special tasks are to be carried out, such as food prep on the counter tops and over the sink and stove. With a few under-cabinet puck lights in these areas, you might be able to avoid adding a general light fixture. Make sure to install the puck lights at least 12 inches away from the back wall, spaced evenly 12 to 24 inches apart over the counter area. Puck lights must be installed far enough away from the wall in order to direct the light to the center of your workstation.

Decoration

• Valance lights and puck lights can be decorative when used in conjunction with a general light fixture. Use puck lights to give emphasis to a particular corner underneath your cabinets, such as where you might place display plates or set a fruit bowl. Enhance the richness of your granite counter tops or unique wall tiling with valance lights. Seagull tracks with small festoon lights are a form of valance lighting often used to accomplish this effect.