If you’re in the market for new ceiling light fixtures, consider track lighting. Track lighting is perfect for areas with specific tasks or for highlighting artwork or unique architectural elements in your home. We’re here to walk you through the different types of track lighting so that you can choose the best track lighting for your home.

Types of Track Lighting

Track lighting fixtures allow you to position up to 10 individual lights along a track or rail, so you can customize your room’s lighting to your preferences. The positioning of the lights isn’t the only thing you can customize – there are several types of lighting tracks and head styles to choose from as well. Read on for an overview of all the types of track lighting.

Track Lighting Kits

Hassle-free track lighting kits come with all the necessary parts and accessories included.

Fixed Track: The light bulb heads on fixed track lighting can’t be moved along the track, but they can still be angled to direct light where you want it. The light track or bar hangs from a ceiling standoff and is available straight or curved.

Swing Arm Track: Swing arm track lighting fixtures are equipped with one or more fixed track lighting 'arms' that swivel on a joint. Like fixed track lighting fixtures, the lights cannot be moved along the track, but with their swinging arms and angling capabilities, they have a full range of motion.

Standard Track: Also called linear tracks, standard track lighting fixtures include a straight strip of track and a set of lights that can slide along the track as desired. They mount directly on the ceiling and are one of the easiest track lighting fixtures to install.

Monorail Track: The signature feature of a monorail track lighting fixture is the flexibility of its track. Not only do its light bulb heads slide along a track, but the track itself can also be curved and shaped to look however you want. Monorail tracks, like fixed and swing arm tracks, hang from a single ceiling mount.

Tip: To maximise the lighting capabilities of your track lighting fixture, make sure to space the lights at least 1’ apart.

Track Lighting Head Types

If you’ve got the perfect track in mind and are looking to equip it with some lights, look no further.

Heads: Heads are the most common type of track lighting. Track lighting heads resemble spotlights and can be angled to highlight specific areas. Because of the way they focus light, track lighting heads are optimal for illuminating wall art or personal workstations. They are best for living room track lighting fixtures because they can be focused on seating arrangements, which creates an ambient conversation space. Track lighting heads come in a wide variety of materials, colors, and styles, so you’re sure to find a set that will match your track and your room design.

Pendants: Elegant and stylish, pendant lights hang down from a cord to illuminate the area below them. Though pendant lights can’t be positioned like heads, their bulbs are typically surrounded by a glass or metal shade that can add a decorative element to your space. They are one of the best track lighting options for a kitchen island or kitchen table.

Track Lighting Features

Low Voltage System: Low voltage systems include a small transformer that connects to the home electricity and the track lighting fixture and downgrades the voltage reaching the track lighting fixture from 120V to 12V. The lower voltage means that the light bulbs can be smaller and more focused.

Dimmable: Dimmable track lighting fixtures allow the brightness to be adjusted to accommodate all ambiences.

Two Circuit: Standard track lighting fixtures operate on a single circuit system, which means that every light is controlled by the same switch. Two-circuit systems can be set up so that some lights correspond to one switch and others correspond to a different switch, so you can control different sections of your track lights separately.

Tracks, Rails &Accessories: For more customisation options, you can buy all the parts of a track lighting fixture separately. By doing so, you can design the shape and functionality of your light fixture with little to no limitations. Tracks, rails, mounts, supports, track caps and power connectors are all available in multiple colours and styles.

Tip: Was this article helpful? Then discover more lighting tips with:

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• Ask the Experts: Modern Bedroom Lighting