Lighting is one of the most important aspects of any kitchen design, which is why our REALTORS® are always quick to recommend good under cabinet lighting. Installing under cabinet lighting fixtures are a great way to add a touch of elegance to your kitchen. Not only does it make for a great decorative element, but it also helps to make food prep safer and more efficient. Best of all, it's affordable and easy to install. 

Different types of lighting provide various degrees of aesthetics and energy efficiency, so it's important to learn about the different varieties available on the market before choosing the option best for your home. These are the four most popular types of under cabinet lighting:

• LED Lighting
  LED lighting is the most popular form of under cabinet lighting, but it's also the most expensive. On the plus side, it's also the most energy-efficient, produces less heat, and lasts two to three times longer than other lighting options. LED bulbs produce millions of colors, which creates a pleasing ambiance. They also have dimming capabilities that provide homeowners control over the appropriate level of brightness. We love how some of these Beavercreek homes for sale have incorporated dimmable LED lighting underneath the kitchen cabinets.
  
  
• Fluorescent Lighting
  Before LED lighting became more affordable, fluorescent lighting was the most commonly used under cabinet lighting fixture. While fluorescent lighting is energy efficient and less expensive upfront, it does have its downsides. For one, fluorescent lighting can create a harsh brightness that cannot be dimmed. It can also create a displeasing buzzing sound.
   
• Xenon Lighting
  When it comes to brightness and lifespan, Xenon lighting is generally the second-best option for under cabinet lighting. It's less expensive than LED lighting (but more expensive than other options). Xenon lighting combines electricity with xenon gas contained inside of the bulb to produce light. While there are definitely cheaper options, Xenon is a quality choice.
  
  
• Halogen Lighting
  If you're looking for decent lighting at a moderate cost, Halogen lighting can be a good choice. Halogen lighting is similar to xenon lighting in the sense that it uses a gas compound that contains halogen vapor. This vapor responds to electricity by creating a white light within the bulb. Halogen lights are more efficient than fluorescent bulbs but less efficient than LED lighting. They can also get very hot, so be careful not to touch them.
  
  Once you have selected the type of light you'd like to use, it's time to select your style. There are three main types of under cabinet lighting: bars, pucks, and strips

• Bar Lighting
  Bar lighting is the most common style of cabinet lighting. They come with an aluminum casing and are anywhere from 6 inches to four feet long. Bar lights are ideal because they create an even distribution of light across a defined area.
  
  
• Puck Lighting
  Puck lights are better designed to illuminate a specific area, which makes them ideal for accent lighting. A series of pucks are typically wired together and controlled by a dimmable light switch.
  
  
• Strip Lighting
  Strip lights are generally more decorative. They don't offer the same degree of illumination as bar lighting, but they are flexible in that you can install them in whatever pattern you'd like. 

Optimizing your kitchen lighting is an easy and affordable way to improve your home's aesthetics. For more tips on best practices for installing cabinet lighting, contact us today.