How To Use Modern LED Track Lighting Effectively

LED track lighting is one of the many kinds of modern lighting you can take advantage of. Like most other lighting types, it has its own purposes and uses that are specific to just it. In the article below, we’ll discuss track lighting for retail stores, hospitality properties and at home use.

 

What Are LED Track Lights and How Do They Work? 

Modern track lights are lights that are installed on a ceiling mounted track that is most commonly made of metal. This mounted track can accommodate multiple fittings depending on its length. Oftentimes, these lights can be moved along the track and positioned to shine on different areas. They are commonly used as accent lighting in both homes and commercial spaces.

The LED track lights get their power from the voltage input within the track. On both sides of the track is conductive metal. Strips manufactured of either copper or iron run through the track, with rotatable conductive copper sitting at the joints of the track as well. All of this works together to provide power to the light heads it supports.

 

Why Use LED Track Lighting? 

Modern track light systems have many benefits in the home and retail spaces.

 

• Contemporary track lighting comes in a variety of styles and materials, so you can easily find lights that appeal to the look of your space. They are especially well suited in minimalistic spaces.

• SAVES SPACE. Ceiling track lights keep lights off of the floors and walls, shining lights where you need them without taking up precious real estate. This also makes track lighting retail fittings an ideal choice for smaller shops.

• The biggest reason for choosing a commercial track lighting system is how versatile they are. The lights allow you to choose how much illumination you’d like to shine at any given time, while also providing you the ability to point them in any direction you choose and highlight different aspects of the space on any given day.

• GREAT FOR SMALL SPACES. Ceiling track lighting such as pendant track lighting or hanging track lights will provide you with the illumination you need mounted precisely where you want it. This will eliminate the need for multiple floor lamps while also ensuring your space is well lit from above.

• PERFECT FOR HIGHLIGHTING. Alongside their uses as commercial track lighting, you can also use track lights to highlight various aspects of your home. Most commonly, they are used to showcase paintings, sculptures, pictures and other such home decor.

• OFFERS GENERAL AMBIENCE. When paired with statement fittings and task lighting, track lights play a vital role in layered lighting design and can contribute to the overall mood of the space.

Where Can You Use LED Track Lighting? 

The versatility of track lighting means you can use it in a number of different settings, including:

 

Homes:  

• Highlight various points of interest in a home, such as artwork and other home decor

• Contribute to the accent lighting in a layered light setting

• Create functionality by placing track lights around work spaces

• Transform a hallway into an art gallery

• Make food prep more pleasant with plenty of task lighting in the kitchen

 

Hotels: 

• Place them in hotel reception and foyer areas to create dramatic lighting while also providing usable illumination

• Use the light to highlight artwork and other points of interest

• Lighted signage in the hallways for easier visibility

 

Retail:  

• Place lights over displays and mannequins to ensure that they are eye-catching and easily visible

• Draw attention to merchandise racks and make the details of the products clear and easy to see using retail track lighting

• Provide ample lighting in dressing rooms that still is flattering to customers trying on clothing

• Use retail store track lighting as task lighting over a customer service desk

 

Office Reception Areas: 

• Provide gentle overhead lighting with track lights along the edges of walls

• Highlight artwork in the area to make it feel more welcoming

• Provide task lighting at reception desks to make interactions with customers and clients more comfortable

 

Museums: 

• Showcase your paintings, photos and exhibits clearly and beautifully with well-placed track lighting

• Avoid shadows using lights pointed precisely where you need them instead of relying on ambient lighting

• Make it easier for guests to read plaques and signs with task lighting over them

What Does CCT Mean When Buying Modern Track Lighting?

 

CCT, or correlated colour temperature, indicates the warmth and coolness of a light. Another way to refer to this spectrum is calling it the light’s colour temperature.

 

The temperature of the lighting is measured in Kelvin, which indicates the colour it outputs. The lower the Kelvin rating, the warmer and more yellow the light will appear. The higher the Kelvin rating, the cooler the light will be.

 

Warm and cool lights have different applications. At home, choosing warm lighting can make the space feel cozier and more comfortable. In retail and commercial environments, having cool lights can allow for crisper visibility and put items on display in a more obvious manner.

 

How Far Apart Should Track Light Fittings Be? 

When it comes to track lighting, there is no particular rule that says you have to place them so far apart. It essentially comes down to your unique space and its lighting needs. Larger spaces may require more track lights, while smaller spaces may need fewer. Their spacing will depend on the different needs you intend for these lights to serve.

 

There are some general rules of thumb to follow:

• Highlight art on a wall with fittings aimed at it using a 30-degree angle beam to avoid glare.

• Place the lighting about 18 to 26 inches from displays you want to highlight.

• Install track lighting in kitchens in a central location.

 

How To Highlight Artwork with Modern LED Track Lights

 

When using track lights to highlight artwork, there are a few things to keep in mind:

 

• Choose accent lighting that is around three times as bright as the ambient lights in the room.

• Place the light at a 30-degree angle to the artwork.

• Choose LED lights with the proper colour temperature for the type of art you intend to showcase.

• Opt for subtle fittings, such as black modern track lighting, so it doesn’t distract from the art you are displaying.

• Choose track lights that have movable fittings, so you can perfectly adjust the angle of the bulbs. This will come in handy as you rotate exhibits and need to meet their various lighting needs.

 

Ideas for Modern Track Lighting

 

1. LSP226 5 Watt GU10 Hexagonal LED Track Light

If you want modern track lights that are as gorgeous as whatever piece you are highlighting, this light is a fine choice. Each features a contemporary hexagonal shape in your choice of a black, white or silver finish on the exterior. Inside is a metallic finish that helps reflect the light.

The light outputs 400 lumens of either warm or cool light, depending on your preference. It is fashioned out of durable aluminium.

 

2. LSP194 9 Watt Black and Gold LED Track Light

The LSP194 9 Watt Black and Gold LED Track Light is simpler and less noticeable, making it ideal for dark art galleries. Each of the solid aluminium fittings is finished in black with a golden tip that gives it a regal appearance. The cylindrical light plays host to an LED bulb that outputs your choice of either cool or warm light. The 20-degree beam angle is especially beneficial for highlighting home decor.

 

3. LSP228 16 Watt Slim Style LED Track Light

Another subtle way to add track lighting, the LSP228 16 Watt Slim Style LED Track Light features a small and unobtrusive light head in a compact disc shape. The light can swivel and turn on the track, so you can adjust it to the perfect angle for your needs. Overall, it outputs a total of 1280 lumens in either cool or warm light and comes finished in your choice of black or white.

 

4. LSP195 16 Watt Black and Gold LED Track Light

The LSP195 16 Watt Black and Gold LED Track Light has a shorter, stockier cylindrical shape accented by a regal combination of black and gold. The track light outputs 1400 lumens of LED light, available in either cool or warm. The 20-degree beam angle shines through a honeycomb filter in order to reduce glare.

 

5. LSP190 20 Watt LED Track Light Fitting

Enhance the look of a modern office or museum or any room in the house with the LSP190 20 Watt LED Track Light Fitting. The artistic eye-catching fitting has a slatted design that adds texture to the light. Available in black, white or silver finishes as well as cool or warm light colours, you can customize its appearance easily. It outputs 1600 lumens of light, providing ample illumination.