The new bulbs do come in some better shapes now. I have some other than the spiral, not pretty but good enough for the price. There are even more choices now. My bathroom sconce lights are the candle type. I think if it was a choice of up light or down light, I'd do the down.

My kitchen work area is roughly 12x12. I have a three light ceiling and a two light wall over sink fixture in the working area and this one at the end where no kitchen work takes place. I have 4 under cab strip lights and two stove hood lights. It's plenty. The first time I had them all on I thought I had overdone it but it's really nice in the dark winter to have so much light. I don't have to have them ALL on at once!

Here is a link that might be useful: kitchen lights

Thanks Pinch me. I was actually wondering about overhead lights without covers so I am glad you posted. I have seen similar reproduction type lights but worried the occasional looking up or across may blind me with the glare of no shade? I say that only because a friend has track lighting in her kitchen and I seem to constantly get disorientated in the glare.

Yes, those fluorescents are SO much better looking! Phew!