Does Under cabinet lighting add value?

What Is Under Cabinet Lighting?

Under cabinet lighting is exactly what it sounds like - A type of light fixture that is installed directly underneath your cabinets. This means that if you have this type of lighting you won’t have to worry about blocking the lights when you’re using perimeter countertops. Under-cabinet lighting not only adds efficiency to your kitchen tasks, but also adds depth to your kitchen. Under-cabinet lighting is a useful addition to any kitchen, and luckily there are many options to choose from.

Types of Under Cabinet Lighting

As you consider installing under cabinet lights, you should look at the varieties that are out there. There is a wide variety of electrical choices, formats and types of light on the market, which makes customization easy and fun.

Electrical Choices:

There are a couple of different options for you to choose from when deciding on your under-cabinet lighting. You can choose to install hard-wired, plug-in, or battery-operated under-cabinet lighting.

• Hard-Wired - You can turn the lights on by a pre-existing switch, but they are also the most expensive option.
• Plug-in - You will have a switch on the light bar or pucks themselves, which ends up being a modest cost.
• Battery-Operated - These will have to be turned on individually, and you will need to replace the batteries occasionally.

Formats:

The next thing that you need to decide before committing to this project is which format of lighting would benefit you the most. The two most common formats to choose from are bar or puck.

• Light bars are rectangular and shed light over larger areas.
• Pucks are small, round and concentrate light into a smaller area.

Types of Light:

You also have to choose between what type of light you want to use. The choices include LED, incandescent light and halogen bulbs. All three types of bulbs have their own set of advantages. However, there's little dispute that LED offers the most benefits. Regardless, it's up to you to decide what will work best for your kitchen.

Because there are a few different options, you get to choose the style of under counter light that is right for your room and budget. The style of under cabinet lighting you choose will have its own benefits, but there are some benefits that surpass the style of light.

6 Benefits of Under Cabinet Lighting

If you are still on the fence about whether to invest the time and money into this type of home lighting, here are a few reasons why you should consider it.

Lower Your Energy Bill:

Under cabinet lighting can actually save you money on your energy bill, and this is especially true if you opt for an led light fixture. It has the potential to save money because you don’t have to illuminate the whole room just to get a little bit of light on the countertops below.

Easy to Install:

Another undeniable benefit of under cabinet lights are the fact that they are quite easy to configure and install. Even if you’re not in the middle of a kitchen renovation, installing this type of lighting isn't an overly difficult task to complete. Unlike pendant or recessed lighting that may require professional installation, some under cabinet options only require you to screw or nail a strip of light underneath your cabinets and plug them in.

Less Shadows:

Because you are not standing between the light and the counter, there are very few shadows that you will have to deal with. Shadows may impede your ability to cook and prep meals, so having adequate lighting can be very helpful.

Adds Unique Style:

Under cabinet lighting is also able to add a unique style to your kitchen due to the layered aspect of the lights. Having a unique and modern style in your kitchen can add value to your home.

Easy on the Budget:

Under cabinet light fixtures can also be easy on your budget because you can install them yourself, and there are so many different varieties to choose from. Typically, the most affordable option are the battery-powered fixtures.

Enhance Interior Value:

Under cabinet lighting can enhance the way a room looks. This means, if they are installed correctly, this type of lighting can make a room shine.This is one of easiest DIY projects that real estate agents suggest as a way to instantly improve the value of your home.

Consult With A Lighting Professional

If you are still not convinced that the benefits of under cabinet lighting are worthwhile and something that would improve your home decor, you can talk to a professional about how they can install them in your home. Whether you simply go to your local home improvement store, talk to a contractor, or call up your favorite online experts on lighting.

No matter how you go about deciding if this is upgrade is right for you, it's recommended that you look at all the variables. First, think about why are you considering under cabinet lighting for your kitchen? Do you want to add another lighting element to help you eliminate shadows and make your kitchen more efficient? If this is the case, under cabinet lighting may be best choice for you.

Are you considering installing extra lighting to make your kitchen safer?

If so, installing lights directly under your cabinets will indeed provide you with a clear view of the countertops below. This makes you less likely to accidentally nick your finger as you cut your veggies and prep for meals. They can also light up the floor, which can help you stay on your feet at night. A professional can also help you pick out the best bulb for your needs. If you are concerned that a certain type of bulb or “color temperature” will hurt your sensitive eyes, a professional can make sure that safety is kept in mind and help you pick out a bulb that is best for you.

Are you considering installing under cabinet lights for the style of it?

This is a perfectly good reason to install this type of lighting, as it is extremely popular and will likely add some value to your home when it comes to selling. In fact, this style of illumination is known to add a unique lighting dimension and character to your kitchen. It can make the kitchen look larger because it adds light to areas that may not have received it previously.

No matter your reason for wanting to install under cabinet lighting, they may be just the solution you are looking for. Remember, this type of lighting comes with a fairly easy installation process that you can do on your own. For many homeowners, you will likely be able to install on your own, but if you have questions there is someone out there who can help you through the entire process.

Don’t wait around until your energy bill is too high or you have to go to the emergency room because of a kitchen-related accident. Start considering the benefits of under cabinet lighting today, and then start looking at all your options. You'll be surprised at how many options are available, you should have very little problem finding on that is right for your style, your budget and your unique needs.