Under Cabinet Lighting to Spotlight Your Craftsman Kitchen

The warm, inviting style of a Craftsman kitchen deserves lighting solutions that accentuate its rustic character. Under cabinet lighting is an excellent option that not only adds practical illumination but helps achieve that signature cozy Craftsman ambiance.

With strategically placed lighting to spotlight countertops and surfaces, under cabinet fixtures create a warm glow in key areas. Their focused beams highlight the natural materials and textures that define Craftsman decor. Read on to discover how under cabinet lighting can elevate your kitchen's style and function.

Achieve the Craftsman Charm with Under Cabinet Lighting

Under cabinet lighting refers to long, narrow fixtures mounted underneath wall cabinets. Unlike an overhead fixture splashing light around a whole room, under cabinet lights zero in on particular work areas.

Linear LED strips are the most popular choice, providing an energy-efficient wash of light. But puck lights and fluorescent tubes can also be effective. With illumination directed right where it's needed most, under cabinet lighting is ideal for food prep tasks, highlighting backsplashes, and adding ambiance.

Accentuate Counters and Surfaces

One major benefit of under cabinet lighting in a Craftsman kitchen is accentuating beautiful countertops and backsplashes. Materials like granite, marble, and tile gain elegance under a soft glowing light. The rich textures and natural veining become prominent.

Focused lighting also draws attention to handcrafted or distressed cabinets. It can spotlight reclaimed wood accents along the bottom edge of wall cabinets for a rustic touch. With dimming capabilities, the lights create a cozy mood in the evenings.

Task Lighting for Kitchen Work Areas

While accent lighting sets the ambiance, under cabinet lighting also provides practical illumination for food preparation and cleanup. The work areas around sinks, stovetops, islands and peninsulas tend to be kitchen hot spots.

Bright under cabinet lighting ensures excellent visibility chopping, cooking, washing dishes, and other tasks. Opt for daylight or cool white hues for the crispest, most energizing task lighting. Proper illumination reduces eye strain and mistakes.

Choosing Under Cabinet Lighting Styles for Craftsman Kitchens

Luckily several under cabinet lighting options nicely complement a Craftsman decor. Here are some top choices to consider:

Flexible LED Light Strips

For under cabinet applications, LED light strips offer sleek, unobtrusive illumination. The slim profile mounts easily and tucks up discreetly under cabinets. LEDs also give off very little heat, making them safe around surfaces.

Full light strips provide continuous glow while shorter segments can be spaced strategically. LEDs now come in both cool white and warm white hues. Diffuser lenses soften and blend the light.

Focused Puck Lights

If concentrated task lighting is the priority, puck lights or circular panel lights are an excellent choice. Their compact shape allows directing illumination precisely where needed. They can spotlight just the stove or sink area.

Puck lights often have a dimmable feature, letting you control the brightness. Use them alone or pair with light strips for balanced under cabinet lighting. The puck lights provide accents amid the overall illumination.

Cost-Effective Fluorescent Fixtures

While less sleek looking than LED strips, fluorescent under cabinet lighting remains a budget-friendly option. The cool gleam nicely contrasts warm wood cabinetry. Fluorescent fixtures come in a range of sizes from short segments to full lengths.

Fluorescent lighting does have some hum or buzz. But the affordability makes it a viable under cabinet solution. Just take care that the tubes don't stick out too far and impede kitchen work.

Strategic Under Cabinet Lighting Placement

Proper placement is key to maximize the benefits of under cabinet lighting. Focus on the most used areas or those needing ambiance. Here are prime spots to install fixtures in a Craftsman kitchen:

Kitchen Island Accent Lighting

Lighting under an island counter or peninsula provides both task illumination and ambiance. Island pendant lights hang too high for food prep visibility. Under cabinet lighting adds that practical element while accenting the island architecture.

Island lighting also brightens an adjacent dining area. For a quick breakfast bar or casual dining, under cabinet fixtures ensure visibility for meals.

Task Lighting Around the Stove and Sink

The cooktop or stove area and the main kitchen sink are two prime under cabinet lighting zones. These tend to be the busiest workstations for chopping, meal cleanup and more. Installing quality task lighting reduces mistakes and eye strain during extended food prep.

Under cabinet lighting around sinks highlights the lovely tile backsplash as well. It creates a focal point when illuminated.

While concentrating fixtures over key workstations, also consider perimeter under cabinet lighting. Light strips lining the underside of wall cabinets provide ambient illumination. This eliminates shadows and fills the room with an airy glow.

For a cohesive look, install matching light strips around the entire room. Or vary the color temperature to contrast different areas. Perimeter lighting brings life and dimension.