What are track lights and how should I use them?

Track lighting, when done well, can achieve a contemporary, modern and sophisticated look to a room in an effortless way. Visit any of your favourite galleries, art studios or fashion shops and you’re bound to come across some stylish uses of track lighting.

If you’re unfamiliar with this type of lighting, track lights are ceiling lights that can independently swivel and pivot to highlight different focal points. They are customisable, versatile and extremely flexible once in place. Their design also blends both an industrial and elegant aesthetic, a modern trend that many love.

Track lights can be used to highlight important features in a home. They’re perfect for lighting artwork, photos, or unique architectural elements that you might have. You can also position them to illuminate dark corners of rooms that ambient or natural light isn’t able to reach.

There’s an almost endless number of ways to customise and use track lighting to transform a space which is what makes it so exciting. Your imagination is just about your only limit.

Track lights are ceiling lights that are attached to a track of electrical conductors with the ability to swivel and pivot in different directions. First developed in the 1960s, they’re great for a variety of areas, particularly narrow spaces. Their tracks can be straight or curved, the former being the easier of the two types to install.

The flexible track light however does offer a truly unique lighting experience. It has greater flexibility and can illuminate a larger area which is why some choose to go with this particular type.

Some track lights can also be wall-mounted. Homeowners with very high ceilings often prefer the wall option as they can place their lights lower to the floor.

Track light fixtures come in a range of types and styles from decorative to industrial designs. The four main types of lighting heads include:

• Gimbal head: This has the appearance of a camera light and is functional, sleek and can swivel 180 degrees
• Pinhole head: This has an industrial appearance with an exposed back, making it ideal for art galleries and exhibitions
• Round back head: This has a rounded back and works great with modern interior designs
• Step head: A simple and common design that works with most tracks and designs

Not all track lighting fixtures and tracks are compatible with one another. There are three main types of track rails - Halo (HT), Lightolier (LT), and Juno (JT). It is very important to make sure you check the acronyms on both the rail and the light fixture to ensure they’re compatible before making your purchases.

Lighting kits are a great, convenient option for those who are new to track lighting or want a ready-to-install option with compatible components. They come with all the pieces you need including railing, track heads and adjustable or fixed swing arms. You can find these kits in a variety of styles, finishes and colours to fit both your functional needs and your home decor.

Related article: 13 types of ceiling lights

Like with other ceiling lights, there are many materials, colours, styles, and finishes of track lighting for you to choose from. You can find track railings and fixtures designed to match one another. Common materials include:

• Clear glass
• Frosted glass
• Fabric
• Metal
• Plastic

Popular track fixture and railing finishes include:

• Black powder-coated
• Brass
• Brushed nickel
• Oil-rubbed bronze
• Polished chrome
• White powder-coated

Bespoke options and custom styles are also available. For the best results, try to choose track lighting fixtures and rails that complement your home’s current finishes. This will ensure the theme throughout your home is kept consistent.

Other ideas include using white as an option that blends seamlessly into the ceiling. Black, on the other hand, offers a modern, unassuming look that matches contemporary interior design styles.

Most homeowners who choose track lighting become lifelong advocates of it. This is because it has many functional and stylistic features that add value to a room and home.

1. Aesthetically pleasing

Track lighting is a great way to add unique and functional accent lighting to any room. Industrial light designs work great with minimalistic and contemporary interior design styles. Elegant track lighting also pairs well with lighter interior design styles.

2. Easy to install

Track lighting is easy to install, saving you money on installation costs and can even be done DIY. You can install them just about anywhere, as long as there’s an outlet or wiring available.

3. Incredibly versatile

Track lighting gives you the flexibility to move and attach your track lighting anywhere in your home. You can adjust the light fixtures to focus light on different spots in a room, all from the same track. You can also tailor and adjust your lighting needs according to the season or day and the different lighting conditions that arise.

Track lighting works well in almost any room. You can place kitchen track lighting above the breakfast bar or kitchen island for task lighting, near your desk in the office or on the ceiling in your home gym.

4. Space-saving

Adding moveable lights to your ceiling or walls can also negate the need for lamps or other lighting options in your home. This decluttering can help make a room feel more spacious and open.

Track lighting is also a great lighting option for small and narrow rooms which can’t fit traditional sized pendant lights. This also makes them great for hallways.

5. Subtle and powerful lighting options

Whether you prefer subtle lighting or a strong lighting source, you’ll be happy to learn there are plenty of options available. You can add additional fixtures to the track to fill a space with bright light. Many of these use LED bulbs which won’t blow out your energy costs. You can also use warmer or cooler light temperature bulbs to relax the ambience in a space.

Related article: LED Lights - The Definitive Guide

Track lights have every possibility of being the perfect lighting solution for your home. With great flexibility and the ability to illuminate any feature in your space, you’ll find that anything is possible and enjoy making them work for you.