Modernize Your Kitchen with Track Lighting
Is your kitchen casting shadows in all the wrong places? Are you constantly squinting to see if your counters are clean or struggling to make out recipe instructions? It may be time to ditch the aging overhead fixture for a flexible track lighting system designed to spotlight all your kitchen tasks.
Track lights provide unmatched directional lighting that allows you to highlight work zones, illuminate prep areas, and create a modern look. Read on to discover the benefits of track lighting and how to design the ideal setup for your kitchen.
The Many Advantages of Track Lighting
There are several excellent reasons to choose track lighting over generic ceiling fixtures in the kitchen:
- Adjustable and Versatile Placement: With track lighting, you can angle spotlights exactly where you need them. Easily highlight countertops, sinks, stovetops, and more.
- Task Lighting: Brightly illuminate the key work zones like food prep surfaces and cooking areas.
- Cost-Effective: Track lighting is an affordable option compared to many other kitchen lighting fixtures.
- Sleek, Modern Style: Linear tracks and adjustable spotlights lend a contemporary designer look.
- Flexible Layouts: Tracks can be mounted on ceilings or walls and reconfigured as needed.
- Energy Efficient: Many track heads now use LED or xenon bulbs that conserve energy.
- Dimmable: Most systems allow you to control light levels via wall dimmers.
The simplicity of running wiring through track rails allows for placement flexibility not possible with junction boxes and wiring for individual pendants or ceiling fixtures. Track lighting solves the issues of glare and shadows by directing light precisely where you aim it.
Highlighting Specific Tasks
One of the biggest advantages of track lighting is the ability to spotlight specific tasks and work zones. For example, you can use narrow beam track heads to brightly light the stovetop for safe cooking. Wider beam floodlights can provide overall illumination over the countertops for food prep and clean-up. Still other heads can focus light over the kitchen sink.
Creating Mood and Ambiance
While task lighting remains the primary goal, track lighting also allows you to layer in accent lighting for ambiance. Using tracks gives you the flexibility to add different scenes for various moods. Warm-hued floodlights over an eating nook can make it feel cozy and inviting. Wall-wash lighting behind the range creates a focal glow during evening dinners.
Key Design Considerations
To make the most of track lighting in your kitchen, keep these design tips in mind:
Map Layout to Kitchen Work Zones
Look at the main task areas of your kitchen. Typical work zones include food prep surfaces, stovetops, sinks, and islands. Measure and map out track placement based on spotlighting these key work areas most efficiently.
Mounting Placement
Determining ceiling versus wall-mounted tracks depends on your goals. Ceiling tracks are best for overall ambient lighting. Wall-mounted tracks integrate well with cabinetry and are ideal for targeting countertop task lighting. Factor in your ceiling height as well.
Beam Angles and Light Spread
Spotlights range from narrow spot beams of 20 degrees to wide flood beams up to 50 degrees. Narrow beams are more dramatic and focused. Flooding beams spread illumination over a larger area. You likely want a combination of both focused task lighting and ambient flood lighting.
Lumens and Brightness
Consider the size of your kitchen and how much light you need. Bigger kitchens need more lumens. However, multiple tracks with lower-lumen spotlights often provide better coverage than a single high-lumen track.
Light Color Temperature
Light color ranges from warm (2700-3000K) to bright cool daylight (5000-6500K). Cooler hues enhance visibility for tasks, while warm tones create ambiance. Blend fixture color temperatures to balance functionality with atmosphere.
Placement.
Angled spotlights on tracks allow you to focus light where you need it most. Typical placement includes above sinks, ranges, islands, and other work zones. Consider lighting above cabinets, corners, and accent walls as well. Proper placement minimizes shadows.
Smart Technology and Controls
Today's track heads offer more options for dimming and controls. Look for systems compatible with smart switches, WiFi-enabled control, and voice activation. These let you pre-program lighting scenes for convenience.
Choosing the Right Fixtures
With today's myriad track lighting options, it helps to know a few basics that distinguish one system from another:
Monorail vs. Cable Tracks
Monorail tracks mount to the ceiling or wall to provide a straight run for attaching multiple spotlights. The tracks come in varied lengths up to 12 feet. Cable track uses thin wires with light heads that clip anywhere along the length. Cable tracks are more subtle but limit layouts.
Individual Spots vs. Multi-Head Fixtures
Individual adjustable spotlights allow the ultimate flexibility in directing light. Multi-head fixtures are designed for general ambient lighting in one fixed area. Opt for individual spotlights for maximum control.
Materials: Metal, Glass, Acrylic
Look for fixtures made of quality materials like metal and glass for durability and aesthetic appeal. Hand-blown glass or acrylic lenses help soften and diffuse the light. Stick to name brands for better construction.
Bulb Types
Today's track heads use energy-saving LED, xenon, or halogen bulbs. LED is the most energy efficient with the longest life, up to 50,000 hours. Xenon approaches the light quality of halogen with good energy savings.
Light Output - Lumens
Check the lumen output of track heads to gauge brightness. Under-cabinet fixtures need only 450-1000 lumens. Island pendant lights call for 1800-4000 lumens. High-ceiling kitchens demand upwards of 6000 lumens for ample lighting.
Some recommended brands include WAC Lighting, Kuzco Lighting, Tech Lighting, Brilliant, and Hudson Valley. Browse their collections to find options matching your kitchen's style.
Installation Tips
Proper installation ensures your track lighting provides optimal function and style in your kitchen:
- Hire an Electrician: Unless you have electrical expertise, have a professional install new tracks and wiring.
- Plan Layout: Map electrical layouts accounting for ceiling joists and supporting structures.
- Mount Tracks Securely: Mount tracks into wood blocking or anchors in drywall or masonry.
- Adjust Angles: Tweak spotlights angles so they fully illuminate task areas.
- Group Fixtures: Start with key task lighting then fill in with flood lighting.
- Add Dimmers: Control light levels with dimmer switches or smart home technology.
With planning and quality fixtures, track lighting can transform your kitchen from dated and dim to stylishly spotlit. Create the perfect lighting layout for how you cook, eat and live in your kitchen.
Maintenance Tips
Like any lighting, track fixtures benefit from occasional maintenance. Use microfiber cloths to gently clean accumulated dust and dirt from spotlight heads. Replace bulbs as soon as they burn out to avoid damage. Periodically check that no wires have come loose.
Safety Notes
Improper installation of track lighting poses risks. Support wiring properly to avoid shorts and fires. Only use recommended wattage bulbs and compatible dimmers. Mount tracks securely so vibration does not loosen fixtures. Locate tracks at least 12 inches from cabinets for clearance.
As LED technology advances, expect track lighting to become even more energy efficient and long-lasting. Smart functionality will also increase through wireless controls, sensors, and integration with home automation systems.