In our homes, it’s often the kitchens and bathrooms that we dream of being the most glamorous. Unfortunately, they’re also the two that receive the brunt of the work. So how do you marry the two? What is the best way to keep things functional while also maintaining your aesthetics? Professional Electric is here to help with these under the cupboard lighting solutions for kitchens and bathrooms.
The Type of Lighting
Rope Lighting
Don’t let the idea of Y2K décor detract you from this great option. The rope fits perfectly into the molding crook under cabinets. This can work well below upper cabinets to provide a soft uniform illumination across counters. It’s an even better option as a late night solution. Whenever you stumble to the bathroom in the middle of the night or go searching for a midnight snack, don’t worry about bumping into things thanks to the addition of rope lighting. It will fit under the footboard of cabinets and vanities to provide just enough brightness for your eyes to adjust.
Puck Lighting
This type of fixture is more suited to the kitchen than the bathroom. The name is indicative of the shape, which resembles a hockey puck. It’s best for areas where you will prefer concentrated lighting. This means areas of the countertop where you might stand to read a recipe or over a spice rack. It is important to remember that you want to create a cohesive look. So, if you choose to install both pucks and rope, they should be separated or installed in a pattern.
Lighting Bars
The most uniform choice will be lighting bars. They shed an equal amount of light across a surface area and can be extremely vivid or more of an accent depending on the brightness level you choose (see more information below). Because of the different directions this option can go, they’re great for everything from the entire area under cupboard to accents above a coffee or wet bar.
The Logistics
Plug In
Perhaps the easiest and quickest option for your fixture is plugin. This means you can simply plug the fixture in to your nearest outlet. This is no fuss, no mess. However, it will generally require being turned on by a switch, as opposed to the following choices.
Wired
You could wire the lighting directly into your electrical system, especially if there’s no easily accessible outlet. By wiring straight into your home, you won’t have to replace batteries or deal with wires hanging out of the wall. This can also be connected in such a way that anytime you turn on your kitchen lights, the under cabinet fixtures will come on as well.
Battery
Keep things simple by choosing a cordless battery option. You will have to replace them at times but the installation will be modest. It will also make things easier if you decide to remove the fixtures at a later time.
Motion
No matter which of the previous options you decide on, ones that operate off of a motion detector can be great for those times you run into the bathroom or kitchen for a quick minute. This is also perfect for those late night lighting solutions. If you don’t want to risk it flickering off during those times, you are going to be still for a while, then keep the more prominent lights on a manual switch while making the nightlights motion detectable.
Brightness Level
Fluorescent
If you’re looking to light an industrial kitchen or a high traffic bathroom, then fluorescents are a very viable option. The brightness level is high and the low heat efficiency makes it safer for long periods of time and around produce.
Soft White
For those night fixtures and accent areas, choose a soft white level. It casts a lax glow that keeps the room warm while still providing ample illumination.
LED
The best long-term choice is also the most efficient. LED gives off great radiance for cooking or over beauty prep tools. The dimmer option will also allow you to set the mood you’d like in each room.
These under-the-cupboard lighting solutions for kitchen and bathrooms from Professional Electric can help turn these two working rooms into pleasant spaces. If you are in need of any residential or commercial electrical services in Baldwin County or Mobile, Alabama look no further than Professional Electric! Visit us online at www.ProfessionalElectric.bizand connect with us on Facebook and Twitter! We are available 24/7 for emergency services! Mobile: (251) 473-5788 Baldwin County: (251) 929-8957 Remember, when it comes to your electrical needs, Keep It Professional!
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