LIVING SMART: Tracking the pros & cons of track lighting

James Figy/Tribune News Service

When used correctly, track lighting spotlights a room's best features, such as pieces of art or furniture.

With an electrical current flowing through the track, this popular product allows homeowners to change or reposition individual fixtures after installation. But track lighting, which first received a patent more than 50 years ago, is just one option for interior lighting.

Whether you're taking on a complete home remodel or just trying to brighten up a room, consider these pros and cons before choosing track lighting.

PRO: Easy to install

Track lighting is no more difficult to install than regular lighting. It simply requires more attention to placement.

"Homeowners may prefer track lighting if they don't want to cut into the ceiling to run wire and add electrical boxes," said Shelley McNaughton, owner of Shelley McNaughton Design Associates in Fort Lauderdale. "One of the reasons you want to use it is because you want lighting in a certain part of a room but you can't get into the ceiling," she said.

CON: Fixtures may cost more

Compared to other fixtures, which connect directly to an electrical box, track lighting isn't the cheapest option. The type of fixtures and length of track also impact the cost, McNaughton added.

Many tracks with directional fixtures cost between $50 and $100 for an almost 4-foot track. However, longer tracks with more fixtures could cost more than $500, and more for special fixtures. Also, the project will require a few hours of labor, and licensed electricians usually charge $50 to $100 per hour, according to CostHelper.com.

PRO: Highlights features well

"Track lighting would be (useful) when you want to light something specifically," said McNaughton. "Directional fixtures can spotlight artwork on a gallery wall or a piece of furniture, while hanging pendants shine downward onto a kitchen island, table or some other surface."

CON: Poor general lighting

Homeowners should consider the type of light source needed, the type of bulbs they want, what the room is used for and the ambiance they want. Homeowners should choose lighting based on these needs and use track lighting only when appropriate.

If track lighting is the right choice, homeowners should use it to highlight specific features of a room, not the entire room. While it works well in kitchens and living rooms, which often have auxiliary light sources, McNaughton doesn't recommend it for bathrooms and smaller spaces.

PRO: Many different styles

With a plethora of different track and fixture styles, homeowners can easily find something to fit their décor. This rings especially true in contemporary settings.

CON: May look clunky

In some settings, the track and additional hardware may make a ceiling too busy, McNaughton said. She often recommends recessed lighting with directional heads as an alternative. But in many cases, she adds, track lighting proves a good option.

James Figy is a reporter at www.angieslist.com, a trusted provider of local consumer reviews and an online marketplace of services from top-rated providers.