Kitchen Track Lighting – Choosing the Best Option for You
Kitchen lighting is a specific sort of lighting and design project to tackle because it must be practical (as it illuminates the space where you cook and entertain) and also adhere to the aesthetic of the room as a whole. Juggling these two must-haves can be tough, but that’s why kitchen track lighting is a great option for a lot of homeowners and designers.
Finding a Practical Piece
With that in mind, how do you choose the right one for your space, budget, taste, etc., and what should you know before making a decision?
Track lighting in a kitchen is a great option because it really utilizes each bulb. Because you can move the individual lights on the track to spotlight different areas, it can influence the ambiance or simply help illuminate those darker corners. You’re also dealing with a single source, which means you’re not having to go through the hassle of installing multiple fixtures.
When lighting your kitchen, it’s not just whether or not you want to install track lighting, but also which kind you want. There are three main types to choose from: standard, monorail, and cable.
Standard track lighting is the simpler option, and it’s often what individuals choose if they’re up against a number of limitations. Let’s say your ceiling is wood or you have limited sources of power in the area; standard track lighting is your best bet with its linear and rigid track that attaches straight to the ceiling. This option tends to be more DIY-friendly as well because of its line-voltage system.
Monorail track lighting is a more decorative option, and it’s a little more involved than your standard track lighting. In contrast to the standard fixture, a monorail track can be curved or bent where it attaches to the ceiling. This doesn’t necessarily make it exponentially harder to install, but it does get a little more complicated given that it operates on a low-voltage system, which requires just a few more parts and electrical knowledge.
Lastly, cable track lighting works by suspending the fixture heads on thin wires. People often choose this type if they’re working within more difficult parameters such as high ceilings or interestingly-shaped spaces, but it is certainly still within an experienced individual’s skill set to install. That being said, it doesn’t hurt to get the advice of any expert!
Aligning Your Fixture With the Aesthetic of the Room
Each type of track lighting comes with its own particular aesthetic, but the bottom line here is to blend the practical while also paying attention to the shapes and feeling of the space. If your room plays on more neutral, whimsical vibes, then a monorail track light fixture in all its twisty, bendy glory might be just what you want! If you don’t want the fixture to be the main event, a standard track light fixture capitalizes on that simplicity and allows other elements in the kitchen to shine.
No matter what you choose, you can rest easy knowing that you’ll have a well-lit kitchen in which people can really see and celebrate the overall aesthetic of that special room.
Staying Inside Your Budget
As you’ve likely guessed, standard track lighting is going to be the least expensive because it’s the least involved of all three. However, you can find affordable monorail and cable options if you enlist the help of one of our specialists at The Light Center by booking a consultation. One thing to keep in mind as well is that, generally, quality light systems will be more expensive, but if you’re looking at designing a space you hope to be in for a very long time, maybe that’s the route you want to go.
We’re Here to Help
Whichever road you want to take, just remember that there are so many unique options out there at varying price points. Take your time deciding, hire someone to help you install it if you’re in need of a hand, and utilize the resources at The Light Center! Book an in-house consultation, browse our catalog, take a peek at the blog, and reach out if there’s anything else we can help with.
