Xenon linear strip lighting produces an ivory-tinted white light that often creates a slightly golden aura around certain colors and substances. Although it can be very bright, this light tends to be gentler on the eyes than the more glaring, pure white light of halogen lighting. As such, it makes for both a better direct lighting source (light that travels in a straight line from fixture to subject) and indirect cove lighting source (light reflected off a wall or glare shield onto the subject.) Sophisticated combinations of both direct and indirect lighting can be achieved if you select a xenon linear lighting strip that has superior festoon lamp design and multiple glare shields in place to provide optimal lighting control.



The most popular application for xenon linear lighting is under cabinet lighting. This is due to xenon's ability to render both cool and warm colors with equal depth and distinction. Incandescent lighting also has a high CRI (color rendering index) when it comes to lighting cool colors such as white or off white counter tops. However, for the deep blues and reds commonly seen in today's marble and granite countertops, a more robust source of lighting like that produced with xenon festoons is preferable. Both granite and marble are hard composite stones with multiple layers of vibrantly colored minerals embedded in their substance. Xenon linear under cabinet lights produce enough light to clearly illuminate the many complex colors and patterns in the stone while at the same time adding something of a three-dimensional look to the countertop. By extending the ?depth? of the surface, reflective glare is minimized, making for a more sheik and refined appearance appropriate to today's larger, more elaborate custom kitchen and bathroom d'cor.

It is important to keep certain considerations in mind when choosing xenon linear light fixtures. For one, find a fixture that offers not only advanced metal glare shielding, but also operates on low voltage with user-friendly dimmer controls. Especially in an under cabinet lighting situation, dimmers are essential to adjusting the lighting levels in congruent balance with overhead kitchen cabinet lighting. Different occasions may call for different levels of light, and it will be necessary to turn the lights up and down to set the mood for different events to maintain symmetry and a sense of balanced aesthetic in the room.

While a substantial majority of xenon linear light manufacturers design their strip lights specifically for in cabinet and under cabinet lighting, xenon linear strip lights by Phantom are design for a multiplicity of applications and are capable of producing equally superior results in both commercial and residential applications. Phantom low voltage festoon lamps feature a special, patented design that conserves wattage and maximizes lumens output. This means they produce more light and consume less power, making them particularly cost effective for any commercial client on a budget. The golden, ambient quality of the light works well to accentuate the rich colors of specialty fabric, fine jewelry, and even antique artifacts and rare documents.

On the home front, xenon strips are a favorite among antique collectors with custom curio cabinets and ornate wooden display cases. They also make excellent bookshelf lighting for the collector of special edition hardbacks and out of print books.