Track Lighting – How It Works and What to Look For
Track lighting is a great way to add drama and light to any space. However, it can also be tricky to get right.
The first step is to choose the type of lighting system you want. There are line and low voltage options, many finishes, dimming capabilities, and more.
Tracks
Track lighting is a great way to add modern flair to any room. It can be used to highlight a piece of artwork, stake out a reading area or create a cozy gathering space.
It is also a good choice for illuminating kitchen islands or breakfast areas, where you need light to perform tasks at the counter. You can choose white, black, or copper tracks to blend with your kitchen’s interior design.
Unlike a traditional bulb, track lighting doesn’t use much energy. It uses LED bulbs, saving you money and not heating up as much.
Some systems accept pendants and bullet heads, akin to mini-spotlights, for general illumination and focused spotlights or radiant spotlights that provide more detailed lighting. Choose a system that supports your preferred head style for the best possible results.
Fixtures
A track lighting St Petersburg is a common fixture in residential and commercial spaces. It is easy to install and offers powerful lighting options, allowing you to flood a space with light depending on your needs easily.
It also allows you to set the room’s ambiance using warm or cool light temperature bulbs. This is important as warm lighting can make the room feel more relaxed, while cool lighting can give a sense of energy and alertness.
The fixtures used in a track lighting system are movable units called heads that can be adjusted to the desired height or angle. These include round back, gimbal, step, pinhole, and pendant track heads.
The fixtures can be bought as a complete kit, or if you prefer more freedom in the design, they can be assembled from separate pieces. They also come in different colors and styles, so you can choose the one that best fits your space and decor.
Wiring
Track lighting is a versatile system used to highlight artwork or sculptural pieces or for the task and ambient lighting. It also makes it easy to move lights around based on room setup, furniture changes, or other design whimsies.
To get the most out of your track lighting, select a system designed to accommodate the fixtures you need to achieve your desired look. This includes the correct number of track sections based on your planned layout and whether you need a single or dual circuit.
The wiring for track lighting is typically concealed within a plastic or aluminum track and wired to individual light heads. The wires are fed through the heads and plugged into a wall or ceiling switch.
Installation
Track lighting is a great way to illuminate spaces, highlight features and improve overall ambiance. Whether you need task lighting for your kitchen or accent lighting to accentuate artwork, track fixtures are an excellent option.
They are a space saver and can easily be moved to suit your needs. They also allow you to change the direction of illumination as needed.
As a result, they are ideal for spaces with installation challenges, including rooms with sloped ceilings or new construction. They are also good for ceiling heights up to 10 feet high.
Installation works by mounting the track to a ceiling using toggle bolts or plastic anchors, depending on the type of ceiling finish. Once the track is in place, you can install the light heads. Most kits will include instructions on how to do this.