Classic
My vote is classic! Track lighting came into being in the early ’60s, with its popularity waxing and waning over the years. This lighting really excels in restaurants, galleries, museums and retail stores. Its strengths are functionality - highlighting artwork, other items of interest and creating general ambient lighting. The current streamlined fixtures also work well in modern or industrial settings especially where there is no room in the ceiling for recessed lighting. Done right track lighting can be another great option. Janice Bohn, Anne Marie Design Studio.
Track lighting from my experience remains a classic. Not in all projects of course, but most often in larger spaces where lighting needs to be more focused. The style and size of the track lighting needs to be geared to the overall style and vision of the room. Diane Rosen, Diane Rosen Interiors LLC.
Everything in life, and interior design, comes full circle. Track lighting is no exception. It was first used in factories in the 1960s and it is becoming popular once again. Track lighting works well in both commercial and residential interiors. It is adjustable and a great way to control the direction of light, so it is very useful in art galleries, boutiques, restaurants and jewelry stores. Track lighting has sleek lines and blends well, so it is a great lighting solution for modern and industrial spaces. Good lighting is always a good idea. Track lighting is functional, beautiful and a classic design element. Barbara Collins AKBD, Allied ASID, Barbara Collins Interior Design.
Track lighting is a classic. Track lighting has been around for decades, and its highest popularity was around the 1970s and 1980s. As a result, it can be pictured to be a bit dated or out of place in modern homes today. Track lighting can be very direct and focused, which can create harsh shadows and glare. It can be more expensive than other types of lighting, such as recessed lighting or pendant lights, which is something to keep in mind when selecting the light fixture. However, it can be a good choice for highlighting specific features in a room, such as artwork or architectural details. It can also be a good choice for homes with high ceilings, as it can help to distribute light more evenly. Even with the negatives, this use of lighting is not going anywhere. Savannah Sells, Youtopia Designs.
Directional and spot lighting in a form of a track or single fixture will always be useful in our designer tool belt. The style will change with new innovations as we are given the ultimate in flexibility and control by manufacturers. Ketra Lighting has some compelling flush-mounted tracks that makes the track discreet and almost disappear. In some ceilings where there is not the space for a typical remodeling can light, a track can be a practical and elegant solution. What has gone away and never to return, is the large track lights of the 80s that overpowered the space. Sleek and discreet has been the evolution which will continue. Dana King, Dana King Design Build Remodeling.
Both
Track is both a fad and a classic. I first saw tracking lighting in an apartment in the ’70s at the home of a theater designer. As it was a rental, it was impractical to install recessed art lights and track proved to be a dramatic solution for lighting their art collection. However, in the ’90s track truly became a craze, and as a result fell out of favor. Today, there is a resurgence for track lighting and when used in moderation it is a great solution for the right space. Robert Idol, ASID, NCIDQ, Idol Design.
