track lighting basics
Track lighting has advantages and versatility, but it isn't an all-purpose type of lighting.
Track lighting Uses
Track lighting is very directional, and can be used to light a small kitchen and other small rooms, entryways or basements, but rarely large rooms.
Track lighting is mainly used to highlight architectural features and artistic elements (accent lighting), for wall washing effects (indirect lighting) or to assist us in performing works such as reading or cooking (task lighting).
See: Track lighting uses and placement
Flexibility and Variety
Track rails and track heads come in very different types and styles, responding to different needs.
You can choose a very decorative track system, or just a simple one to illuminate a working surface; you can use either a discrete or a sophisticated head to highlight your artwork; you can bet on traditional or on contemporary track lighting pendants... and so on.
Track Components
Track lighting involves different components: the tracks, the heads and lamps, and also accessories, some of them for specific features.
See, for details: Track lighting components
Track options and choosing
Since track heads are basically light bulb holders, you may begin by choosing the lamps according to the type of lighting you want to install. There are many types of track heads, and personal taste prevails when choosing.
See: Track Lighting: choosing and options
Track Lamps and energy-efficiency
PAR (halogen) and low voltage halogen (MR16) lamps are traditional choices for track lighting. But there are now fluorescent and LED alternatives, excellent for uses involving more than two hours of operation per day.
See: Track lights