Basics: Kitchen Light Fixtures

Under-Cabinet Fixtures

These thin, narrow task lights fit below upper wall cabinets and shine down on countertops, eliminating shadows and giving off a soft glow in an otherwise unlit kitchen -- especially pleasant when you entertain. Fluorescents are popular here, satisfying local codes requiring that the first switch you come to in the kitchen turns on this type of light. Incandescent, halogen, and xenon strips can also be used under cabinets.

From Sunset Books' Ideas for Great Kitchens