The Advantages & Disadvantages of Fluorescent Under the Cabinet Lights

Function

• The purpose of under-cabinet lights is to provide light directly over the countertop where you are likely to do a lot of work. Because they are under the cabinet, these fixtures provide light directly over your kitchen workspace without creating a glare or casting shadows. Under-cabinet fluorescent lights are available in strips or round pucks and provide daylight, cool or warm color options. Fixtures are also available for LED, xenon and halogen bulbs.

Advantages

• The advantages of fluorescent under-cabinet lights are numerous. Under-cabinet lights provide light directly over your work area and eliminate shadows cast by cabinets and appliances under ceiling light fixtures. They can be used as a nightlight or to create ambiance when overhead lights are turned off. Under-cabinet lights can be installed under existing cabinets with few to no modifications.

  In comparison to other types of bulbs, fluorescent fixtures last longer, are more energy efficient and will not heat up your work area. They are cheaper to purchase and install than other types of under-cabinet lighting.

Disadvantages

• There are a couple of disadvantages to consider before installing under-cabinet lighting. First, if your cabinets do not have a valence to hide the fixtures, you should install one. Otherwise, those seated in your kitchen may end up looking into a glaring light.

  Second, fluorescent under-cabinet fixtures do not come in a dimmable option. If you want the ability to lower the level of light over your countertops, you should purchase LED or halogen fixtures.

Considerations

• “Consumer Reports” recommends installing one 12-inch strip or three pucks for every 4 feet of countertop.

  Consider the size of the workspace and the finish of your countertops -- matte or glossy -- in order to select the under-cabinet lights that provide the best level of light. Also, select fixtures that will create uniform light instead of a spotlight effect.

  Look for fixtures that include a built-in transformer. Otherwise, you must install the transformer inside of a cabinet, which will be visible and take up storage space.