Types of Track Lighting
The type of track lighting you choose depends on the location and what you want the light to accent. Track lights have two main parts: the rail (or bar) and the track head. Track heads fit into the rail. Rotating the track light heads to different areas of the room gives ambient lighting for hallways and entry areas, toward collectibles for accent lighting or over a work surface or kitchen countertop for task lighting. Use LED track lighting in the kitchen, living room or an office. For more information on lighting your home, check out Home Lighting Tips.
Track lighting will need an electrical box nearby for installation.
Track Light Bar Styles
There are three standard styles of track light bars: Halo or H-style, Juno or J-style, and Lightolier or L-style. There are many types of heads that are available for each style, however they are not interchangeable between systems. Track light bars are found in two, four, six and eight-feet lengths. Sections can be added or cut as needed. For example, a two-foot and an eight-foot section can make a 10-foot track, or a six-foot bar can be trimmed to make a five-foot section. Track lighting connectors and components can make adjusting and customizing your lighting easy.
Linear Track Lights
First, determine the length of the track light rail you’ll need. Next, you can figure out the number of lights for the amount of light you want. Track light systems can range from two lights to six or more lights. A good rule is to have at least 1-foot of space between each light head.
Linear track lights are used in residential or commercial settings to provide accent or task lighting. Components such as T-connectors allow you to have a second line of track divert from the main line. This type of configuration is useful in galleries.
Once you decide on the track, select the track head.
For convenience, think about a fixed track lighting kit. Fixed track lighting kits have everything you need to assemble a track light. Most track heads are still adjustable so you can direct light where you need it. Plug-in track lights are available too if you don’t want to deal with hard wiring a light fixture.
Step Head
Step head track lights are the standard style and work with any décor type.
Round Back Head
Round back head track lights have a sleeker, more modern design.
Pinhole Head
Pinhole head track lights have a partially exposed back, giving them an industrial look.
Gimbal Head
Gimbal head track lights swivel 180 degrees and have a flat light surface that mimics movie camera lights.
Flexible Track Lights
Flexible track lighting kits provide options for accent or task lighting too. The flexible track can be curved and cut to the size that works for you. Curving the track can also create a customized look and permits you to move the track closer to highlight specific areas or work around the contours of your room. Flexible track lights work well in kitchen track lighting, enabling you to illuminate several work areas with one light bar.
Once you decide on the flexible track, select the track head, usually a flexible track head to direct light to a certain area, or a mini pendant for localized lighting.
Mix mini pendants in with track light heads to create a customized look and to have a mixture of task, accent and ambient lighting.
Track Lighting Styles and Finishes
Styles: Track lighting is a popular lighting option thanks to its versatile and adaptable lighting head choices. Changing out the heads for a new style or finish is almost as easy as changing a light bulb. Popular light track styles include:
- Swing arm
- Pendant
- Modern
- Traditional
- Industrial
Finishes: Take a cue from the existing finishes in your home. If the door handles and cabinet hardware are all in brushed nickel, choose a trim in a complementary finish. White is your best option if you want the track light to blend in with the ceiling. Popular track light finishes include:
- White
- Black
- Oil-rubbed bronze
- Brushed nickel
- Polished chrome
Shades: Many track heads, such as linear track heads, are metal and designed to match the track rail. Flexible and fixed track lights are more decorative and are available in glass shades. Popular track light shades include:
- Frosted glass
- Amber glass
- Tiffany-style glass
- Champagne glass
- Colored glass
- White
- Black
- Brushed nickel
Installing Track Lights
Refer to the manufacturer’s instruction manual for step-by-step instructions, safety, warning and caution information. If in doubt, consult a qualified electrician.
Mount track lights approximately 18 inches to 26 inches from the wall you want to light. For task lights, such as those over a desk or kitchen counter, center the track above your work space. Keep curtains and other potentially flammable materials at least 6 inches away. For more information see our DIY guides on Installing Track Lighting and the Interior Lighting Installation.
Light Bulbs
Don’t forget light bulbs. Things like color temperature, lumens and wattage all play a factor in your room’s quality of light. Halogen and light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs are the most common bulbs for track lights. LED track lights save on energy costs, are cool to the touch and the light is less damaging to artwork. In general, look for a warm white color temperature for living rooms and bedrooms, a bright white color temperature for kitchens and workspaces and a daylight color temperature for reading nooks and studies. For more information on light bulbs, check out the Light Bulb Buying Guide.
Don’t have time to do this project yourself? Check out our professional interior lighting installation.