Before I bought this lamp, my kitchen was dark. I installed a couple of under cabinet lights that worked but were cumbersome to use. I only have room for one lightbulb in my kitchen so I figured I was doomed to bad overhead lighting forever. I bought this light hoping to improve my situation. I looked up and turned it on. Bad idea! It's bright! So bright that I actually started returning it while waiting for the new, less bright lights. In the meantime I have decided on this lamp. When my new lamps arrived I installed them and they were fine. But I've gotten used to this super bright light. Not only that, I was starting to love it! I see everything in my kitchen. No more squinting when looking into cupboards or cutting vegetables. I ended up reinstalling it. This light is fantastic and I highly recommend it. Just be careful not to look directly at it or you'll see a few stars momentarily.