Flex track lighting is best used for task centers in the home, highlighting artwork, plants, and other home décor. This type of lighting is a great alternative to the standard light fixture that is in the middle of the ceilings, and is also used for dramatic effects such as over an entranceway or a dining table.
Flex track basically means that instead of inserting track heads into a metal runner, these runners can be turned in their entirety. They are also very flexible and can accommodate a variety of lighting options. They are also hand bendable and very easy to work with.
Deciding on The Type of Lighting
Give it some thought before you firmly decide that track lighting is what you want. Walk out of the room and assess what you would ideally like to see happen as a result of this lighting system. Are you looking for what is called "down light" which is basically a concentrated focus of light? If you are trying to create the illusion of a bigger room then use wall illumination through track lighting and it will surely make any room look bigger.
What other sources of illumination are in the room - or will this be the only source? Do you want to install a runner for the flex lighting that allows you to use different fixtures? Keep in mind that flex track lighting just by design is very contemporary so keep that in mind as well, especially if you have more of a traditional look going on in your home.
The Power Source
Once you have figured out the above and made your final determination about your flex lighting then it is time to understand what you will be doing and the basics of the power supply. Hardwiring into the area's junction box is usually the way that experts would suggest to begin this type of project.
You should also consider the amount of voltage that you will need to use. Line voltage is the most adaptable because it accommodates both low voltage lighting and line voltage. Low voltage is usually recommended because it provides much more of a white light and is much more cost-efficient.
Burnt-Out Transformers
One of the biggest complaints about flex lighting is that the transformers have a tendency to burn out. Although they are easy enough to replace, it will add cost for maintenance over the years.
Shapes To Choose From
Decide which type of flex track lighting system interests you the most, as you should be able to choose from a straight run (which is exactly that - a straight length of a flex lighting track), an L layout, a cross layout which is usually used to cover a ceiling's entire length, a grid layout, a T layout, or an H shaped layout. Your selection should of course complement the shape of the room where you are going to install the lights.
Keep in mind that flex lighting in your kitchen is really no more than a masked and glorified lamp. Determine your lighting needs first, choose a lamp or voltage, and then base your track head's style around your decision. From there you can just about make any selection of fixtures and heads to insert on your track lighting.
