This is Not Your Mother’s Track Lighting
A modern kitchen with a track that features pendents and accent lighting.
What are the words that come to mind when I say the word track lighting? (clunky, 70′s, albatross on the ceiling) What about the word monorail? (sleek, fast, futuristic)
Well, in the last 10 years, while most people were not looking, tracking light grew up and the awkward teenager became sexy and sophisticated. Track lighting was a big innovation in the 60′s and it changed the face of stores, museums and art galleries. No longer limited to the fluorescent lighting, track lighting could now be installed and not only spotlight the product or artwork but then be redirected when the items were moved. This was HUGE! In the 70′s, it was widely used in homes and unfortunately many people never bothered to replace the fixtures when new designs came along.
This would be a good kit to use in a more traditional home so that you get the light you need but without drawing much attention to the fixture.
The designs available now are sleek, sophisticated and can be integrated into any design or style. Two of the newer styles of track lighting are monorail and cable. Monorail is flexible and can be installed in a variety of shapes. The rail can actually be bent to the shape you need. Cable lighting is very light and takes it a step further requiring less vertical support and it can bend around corners, beams and duct work.
It’s time to consider a track/monorail lighting system when you:
- Have a dark hallway with several pieces of artwork that that are lost in the shadows.
- Have high ceilings that are lacking recessed lights.
- Need task lighting for hobbies or reading.
- Have an unusually shaped kitchen island that needs lighting.
- Have a walk in closet and clothes that disappear for months at a time.
This monorail fixture is warm with a modern edge in satin nickel with amber pendants.
There are lots of choices when it comes to the track and the light fixtures and they are available in many finishes and styles. Most systems can easily be installed in place of an existing light fixture or you can have your electrician wire a new location.
Some tips and points to consider:
- Buy all components from one manufacturer for ease of installation and to retain the warranty.
- Halogen bulbs can be used for general lighting. But for accent lighting, you will need MR-16 bulbs which require a transformer on the fixture or in the wall.
- If your design is more traditional, purchase white lights and simple fixtures to blend in with your ceiling.
- If your design is more modern, choose an accent finish and designer fixtures.
- In some cases, you can mix pendent lighting and heads on one track which gives you maximum flexibility.
This cable kit with 8 compass heads and 30 feet of cable gives you lots of options.
Lighting is the crowning touch in a well-designed home, so assess your current lighting design and see if a monorail or cable system is in your future. With design flexibility and a wide selection, there’s surely a style out there to suit your needs.
Search for Track Lighting in My Secret Database!
Click to Win Great Prizes!
Ask A Free Design Question!
Tags: lighting
