What is a good substitute for ugly florescent lighting in a kitchen?

Question

I don't want those little pendant lights b/c I don't think they give off enough light, and I can't afford to put in recess lights. I need to be able to switch it out myself. Suggestions?

Answer 1

There are several things to be considered here. You say "ugly lighting." Does this mean you are all out against any type of florescent lighting, or just the ugly kind?

Consider, that the cost of operating a florescent fixture is far less than an incandescent fixture. Also consider that florescent lamps life is 20,000 hours compared the the 2,000 hour life of an incandescent bulb.

Every fixture does the same thing. They provide lighting. The beauty or ugliness of them depends on the outer casing. Many florescent fixtures come in attractive casings. Perhaps you need to look in that direction.

As far as alternative lighting, track lighting is the best bet for proving lighting to specific areas. You can spotlight where you want lighting. This will not usually provide whole room lighting.

To provide whole room lighting will require a central fixture with sufficient wattage to light the area.

You choices are: florescent, incandescent, or track lighting, or a combination of several.

Answer 2

You can switch out any light fixture. It's as simple as disconnecting the old fixture and re-connecting the new one. There should only be 3 wires, and they are color coded.

Important note: Turn the breaker off before doing any electrical work.

You might consider adding some task lighting under the cabinets above the counters as well. That will add to the depth of the room, and can be very helpful when you're cooking. This is also a very a simple operation, and will make your kitchen more appealing whether you change the overhead light fixture or not.

-SD-

Answer 3

You can buy florescent lights in a box like case, it has a wooden frame and a frosted panel for the light to shine through, a lot of the display homes have them; Look at Lowes or Home Depot

Answer 4

Then hang a chandelier or buy the new "track" lighting look. They have four or five track looking lights on one rod that connects to a single fixture connection. Looks great and gives off considerable light. They are showing these at most of the larger Loews stores but are available in lighting stores as well.

Answer 5

You could put in recessed lighting yourself... It's not hard at all. But as the first answer suggests, be certain to cut off all circuits to that point. Here's a search page I did for you; look through and see which one is right for you: http://web.diynet.com/diy/web/searchResults?searchString=recessed+lighting&submit=Search

Answer 6

you in all probability ought to swap the ballast. i'm guessing you have fluorescent tubes. eliminate the conceal. eliminate the lighting fixtures interior the middle is a conceal that hides the ballast below With the potential off to the sunshine, you may clip the wires close the lamp holders and disconnect the black and white wires. you will get a alternative ballast at your interior reach homestead progression keep. confirm it is going to easy the main appropriate bulbs, it is on the label. i.e. (a million)F30T12 or (2)F40T8 etc replace the ballast and reinstall. you additionally can examine in case you have a loose twine on considered one of your lampholders. this would additionally reason the sunshine to flicker

Answer 7

I used the round globe type enclosed fixtures. I put those curley Q florescent bulbs in them. They look good. And they are easy to install yourself.

Answer 8

Track lighting is a other type of lighting and not to hard to install. Most hardware stores have them.

Answer 9

We just have standard 60watt bulbs. It works OK though some do not like yellow light. I do not like it either but, it is cheap.