Whether used as task lighting or accent lighting, under-cabinet lighting can add functionality and detail to your kitchen remodel. The two most common styles of under-cabinet lighting are puck and linear. Puck lights are round or oval and are good for cabinet and display lighting. Puck lights can create scallops, spots or pools of lighting instead of even illumination across the counter top. Linear lights can come as a light strip or as a linear fixture or light bar. Linear fixtures resemble small puck lights on one mounting strip.
The way a majority of kitchen cabinets are made makes it very easy to install under-cabinet lights. There is usually a recessed area that is about the depth of most under-cabinet lights, so they do not project beyond the bottom plane of the cabinets.
When it comes to under-cabinet lighting, you can either go with plug-in units or hard-wired. Plug-in units are easier to install. Simply attach the fixture to the underside of the upper cabinet and plug into a nearby outlet. These can be a good choice if you only have a small area to illuminate, as long as you don't have a problem with exposed wires. A hard-wired system is usually more attractive, as there is no exposed wiring, but it is also more difficult to install. If you are doing a complete kitchen remodel, this is a great time to pre-wire for under-cabinet lighting.
Whether it's used to illuminate a work area, provide additional ambient light or is used as accent lighting, under-cabinet lighting adds a nice touch to any kitchen remodel.