If you have an older kitchen, it is likely your only source of light is a single overhead fixture.  If you need more light, then an under cabinet light is the answer.   There are actually a couple of varieties of cabinet under lighting that you can choose from.  These include:

• Fluorescent or halogen strips
• Individual puck style halogen fixtures

Be sure to see other cabinet related articles:

• How to paint kitchen cabinets
• Refacing kitchen cabinets
• How to paint cabinet hardware
• How to stain cabinets

Both are very simple to install.  Fluorescent fixtures are not as expensive as halogen; however, the halogen provides light that more closely resembles sunlight.  Both can be plugged into a receptacle or wired to a wall switch.  Also, the halogen lights are ideal for places that a strip will either not fit.  The pucks are available in two packs or more.

Halogen Under Cabinet Lighting Steps

1. Mount in the exact spots that you need them. 
2. Wire together with the snap-together fittings that are provided in the kit. 
3. The last puck is connected to a low voltage transformer that is plugged into the receptacle.  You cannot just plug right into the receptacle.

Florescent Under Cabinet Lighting Stepsv

1. If upper cabinet is wide and your base cabinets are narrow, plug in and turn on the light strip.  Then move it under the cabinet to find the best location.  Those companies that manufacture under light cabinets will generally recommend installing the strip as close to the front of the cabinet as possible.  This will provide the most optimal coverage of the area below.
2. Once you determine the best place, follow manufacturer’s instructions for marking the holes for the mounting hardware.  If there is a template, use it.  If there is not a template, just hold the strip in place and mark through the mounting holes onto the underside of the cabinet.
3. Once you have made these marks, drill pilot holes for the under cabinet light and drive screws into the bottom of the cabinet.  If the cabinet is thin, you may need to add washers to prevent the screw from sticking out, or you could use shorter screws.
4. Install the strip and plug it in.
5. Check to see if the light is visible at eye level. 

If you can see it at eye level, you can make a valance out of a ½ inch wood strip at one to two inches wide and the length of the strip.  Finish it to match the cabinetry.  Glue, nail, or screw the valance at the bottom front edge of the cabinet.  This will also prevent any glare.

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