Ceiling Lights

Track lighting can be a wonderful addition to your home. These stylish, functional pieces have limitless uses, including:

• Directional task lighting
• Over-the-table or kitchen island lighting
• Artwork spotlight lighting
• Over-the-mantle lighting
• Eye-catching general lighting

Designers have traditionally used track lighting in narrow hallways or to highlight art on the wall in studies, but because of its incredible flexibility, it is now used more extensively in living rooms, bathrooms and even bedrooms. This adds a contemporary touch to almost any space, making it perfect for a new build home or for renovated spaces in an existing home.

However, because multiple pieces are needed to assemble a functional track lighting system, picking the right one for you can seem daunting. The good news is that simple track lighting systems are made up of three different pieces, and knowing more about them can help you pick the right one. 

1. The Track

First, take a look at the track itself. If you’re buying an all-inclusive fixture, style and size are your primary concerns. Is it large enough for your space? Will it perform its function and add the style you want?

If you’re purchasing components separately to create a custom fixture, keep in mind that different companies use different “styles” of track. Most companies sell tracks in segments ranging from 2’ to 8’, usually in H-style, J-style, and L-style. Any style will work, as long as you make sure ALL the components are the same style.

2. The Power Source

Examine the space where you’ll place the track lighting. The power source can be added in the middle of the track, or on the end, depending on your needs. If your electrical box is between each end of the track, use a floating canopy. If your track system will begin at the electrical box, you will need a live end feed power source. 

3. The Track Heads

These heads will add your personal style to the track, in addition to facilitating the light source. Similarly, select your bulb based on the task and atmosphere it’s meant to serve, whether it’s an integrated LED head or a standard light bulb socket. To attach the track heads, simply insert the connection points inside the track and rotate the connection point until they lock in place. 

4. Custom Built vs. All-Inclusive Tracks

Top-tier track lighting companies, such as Nuvo Lighting, offer countless kits that include all three components. They’re ready for assembly and easily to install, and you know exactly how your track light will turn out.

On the other hand, they also sell the components separately to enable full customization. This way, you can create a track lighting fixture that fits your exact needs and style, even if it requires a bit more work to keep things consistent.

Keep in mind that some types of track lighting require additional parts. For example, a Flexrail system uses mounts with posts that suspend the track from the ceiling, instead of mounting it flush to the drywall. 

Now that you know the basics, you’re ready to tackle your own lighting project! As always, feel free to contact one of our lighting experts with any questions. Here’s to you and keeping your track lighting project on track!

Keeping up with trends, whether commercially or only as an observer, can be a fun hobby! There’s so much variety, beauty, and class in this world. However, trends in fashion, décor, and even lighting, revolve quickly. If you’re thinking of replacing a more permanent part of your home, such as the flooring, plumbing, or lighting, it’s tricky to be trendy and timeless at the same time.

So how do you decide? Should you choose the latest look, with all the “Ooh”s and “Ahhh”s it’ll bring? Or should you be conservative and avoid something you’ll regret in 5 years? After all, tiny details can date a home. You know, wallpaper from the 70’s, pink tile in the 80’s, burgundy and forest green from the 90’s, bronze and faux finishes from the early 2000’s…

There isn’t one right way to go about this, nor is there one easy answer to the “trendy vs. timeless” debate. However, here are a few things to consider.

It’s Not All or Nothing

You may love some of the styles that have withstood the test of time: subway tile, herringbone (fabric and flooring), or wood floors. That’s great! On the other hand, that doesn’t mean that you can’t also incorporate this year’s hot paint colors and some trendy macramé hangings into your décor as well. Don’t try to decide everything at once, and don’t base all your decisions off of one piece of your home.

Consider Your Resale Plans

There are some cases when it’s better to choose trendy décor and finishes, even if the current trend is not your personal favorite. If you’re building a new home, remodeling, or flipping a home with any intention to sell soon, go trendy. Homes that are on trend show well and sell faster.

Avoid Over-Decorating

Though you could argue that “minimalism” is a trend in itself, we’re convinced that good use of space is timeless. Though it can be tempting to fill every shelf or cover every wall with your latest finds, an over-decorated, crowded space diminishes the artistic effect of any style. In addition, it’ll be easier to update your look later if you have few, carefully chosen accent pieces that can rotate with the next trend.

Be Smart About Trendy

If you’re like most people, you probably don’t have unlimited time and funds to remodel the kitchen or buy a new couch every time popular trend takes a new direction. However, there are plenty of simple, cost-effective ways to make your space trendy and new. Here’s a list of our favorite ideas!

1. Change an indoor paint color. Indoor paint runs its course in about 5 years, so it makes sense. You could even start with a small room… less time, big reward!

2. Rotate your rug or change it altogether. Rugs have a natural knap to them depending on how they are woven. A quick rotation may surprise you with a significant difference.

3. Update your throw pillows on the bed and couches. It’s a quick, cost-effective change!

4. Especially during the winter, add a plant or some kind of earthy décor element to bring a natural, refreshing feel to your space.

5. Switch out some art. Frames may be pricey, but prints usually aren’t! Buy a new family photo, modern print, or custom piece of art to freshen up your frames

6. Replace a key lighting fixture. In addition to updating your look, switching to new bulbs will save you money on your utility bill. Check out our catalog for some good recommendations!

7. Buy new dish towels or dinnerware. An extra pop of color can change the atmosphere in the kitchen or add some extra fun at dinner. 

Make Your Home Your Own

Trends will come and go… And traditional styles? Even there, there’s a ton of variation! Contemporary. Transitional. Rustic. Vintage. Urban. Eclectic… no matter the style, take the time to create a home environment that speaks to you. If it suits your needs and appeals to your unique style, it’ll be timeless. Best of luck from Illuminations in your decorating adventures!