Explore Exciting New Long Tube Lighting for Kitchens
Kitchen lighting has come a long way from the simple ceiling fixture many of us grew up with. Today there are numerous options for long linear bulbs that provide both beauty and function for kitchen spaces large and small.
Read on as we overview fluorescence, LEDs, and other long tube lighting that will not only illuminate your countertops, but can also create a spectacular visual impact in your cooking space.
Fluorescent Tube Lighting
Fluorescent lighting has been a kitchen staple for decades, but the technology keeps improving. Tubes range from efficient T8s to next-gen T5s with impressive brightness and light quality.
T8 Fluorescent Tubes
T8 fluorescent tubes measure one inch in diameter and come in lengths ranging from two feet up to eight feet. They put out strong, uniform light across their entire span, making them an excellent choice to brightly illuminate sinks, islands, and other kitchen zones.
T8 tubes last up to 20,000 hours with proper ballasts, so you won't be replacing them constantly. They also use 25-35% less energy than older T12 tubes while providing more light output per watt.
On the downside, all fluorescents contain mercury and require special disposal. Some find the bright, cool light less inviting as well. But paired with other bulb types and ample dimming controls, T8s bring exceptional function.
T5 Fluorescent Tubes
T5 fluorescent tubes shrink tube diameter down to 5/8ths of an inch. This allows lighting engineers to optimize phosphor coatings and gas fill levels Compared to T8 and earlier variants, T5 tubes deliver:
- Up to 20% more light per watt
- Faster run-up to full brightness
- Light weights for flexible installation
While not as common for residential settings, T5 fluorescents work nicely in large kitchens. Their slim size makes them easier to install in spaces with plumbing or ductwork. We especially like T5s for indirectly lighting opaque cabinet interiors that house glassware and dishes.
Dimming and Control Options
Fluorescent tubes pair well with today's smart kitchens. Look for digitally addressable fixtures that network with LEDs and other lighting. Then control the entire space via smartphone, voice assistant, and automation:
- Set custom scenes for meal prepping, entertaining, cleaning up
- Schedule tubes to gradually brighten in the morning
- Occupancy sensors turn off lights when no motion is detected
Even without fancy controls, simple dimmers work with newer T8/T5 installations to adjust brightness as needed.
LED Tube Lights
Over the past decade LED lighting has boomed. Prices keep dropping while technology and design continues improving. Read on for how LED tube lights open new possibilities for your kitchen.
Uniform LED Tubes
LEDs are now manufactured in straight tubes as direct replacements for fluorescents. Yet they offer compelling advantages:
- Use up to 40% less power than even efficient T8/T5 tubes
- Last up to 50,000 hours with no decline in light quality
- Run cooler with no fragile filaments or mercury
With a slim, unobtrusive profile, uniform LED tubesinstall just about anywhere. Use them under upper cabinets for task lighting or overhead for general ambient fills. Some models now even emulate the soft white glow of incandescents.
Flexible LED Tubes
Imagine lighting that bends and contours along any path or structure. That's what flexible LED tube lights enable. Made from ultra-thin circuit boards with surface-mount diodes, these tubes curve around corners and into unusual spaces.
We adore flexible LED tubes for installing inside glass-front cabinets and open shelving. Their diffuse glow highlights display wares like fine china and collectible glasses. Around mirrors and artwork, flexible tubes add a hidden luminous accent.
Smart LED Light Tubes
Some cutting-edge LED replacements for fluorescents offer color tuning and controls. Using onboard circuits or companion boxes, homeowners can customize scene lighting.
Imagine selecting from presets like:
- Crisp White Productivity for intense food prep
- Warm Sunset Kitchen for a cozier family dinner
- Vibrant Cocktail Party to liven up entertaining
Smart LED tubes tune through color temperatures and dimness levels to create the perfect lighting environment. Controls operate from smartphones, voice assistants, and wall panels.
Getting the Lighting Design Right
With so many options for long linear lighting, how do you select the right tubes and placements? It starts with smart design...
Layering Light
Rather than choosing one dominant bulb style, we recommend mixing multiple types for dimension. Accent warmer 2700K incandescents or MiniLEDs around lighter 5000K hued LED tubes. Place bright task lighting by sinks, then diffuse with lower wattage ambient tubes elsewhere.
Varying the color temperature, size, and brightness of long tube lights avoids monotony and harsh glare. It's easier on eyes while allowing you to highlight architectural or decorative features.
Professional Installation
Taking on kitchen lighting as a DIY project risks safety hazards and code violations. Any time you work with household voltage and wiring, we strongly advise hiring a qualified local electrician. They will:
- Evaluate your breaker box and circuits
- Ensure watertight housing around sinks
- Meet regional building codes for kitchen lighting
A seasoned electrician also has the experience to recommend perfect placements and angles to avoid shadows while illuminating key zones.
The days of boring overhead can lights are long gone. From flexible LED strips to color-changing smart tubes, linear lighting adds function and flair to modern kitchens.
Beyond the energy savings and technology benefits, creative long tube bulbs design impact. They can accentuate features, balance spaces, and transform the room's entire aesthetic.
We hope this overview gets you excited to explore fluorescent, LED, and other options to take your kitchen lighting to the next level. Just be sure to leverage electrical pros to handle tricky installation details. In no time, your cooking space can shine like never before through the magic of long elegant tubular lighting.