August 2008
Lighting types
Match the fixture to your needs and bulb preference
Illustrations by Harry Campbell
Best for providing even, diffused light. Their long, rectangular housings are typically 12 or 24 inches wide (other sizes are available). Strips are the most common type of task lighting,and you can find them with any type of bulb.
But the housings are sometimes bulky, especially if they have a built-in transformer.
Best for casting pools of light onto the counter, which some people find more aesthetically pleasing. The round fixtures, also called disc lights, are available with halogen, LED, and xenon bulbs.
But they are the least effective form of task lighting. A battery-powered LED model we tested was dim and delivered poor light quality.
Best for versatility because the flexible cable can follow cabinet curves and turns, and its miniature bulbs can be positioned anywhere along the cable. Linear lights come with halogen, LED, and xenon bulbs.
But they are only sold at lighting stores or online and tend to be more expensive than the other types.
