Copper Track Lighting

While pendants come in a large variety of designs, track heads can be divided into four main categories:

• Step Head: this is the most common type; thanks to its simple design, it works well with the majority of tracks and décor styles;
• Round Back Head: its rounded back is the only aspect that differentiates it from the previous type, making it fit even better with modern rooms;
• Pinhole Head: with its partially exposed back, it can add to the unfinished raw charm of industrial décors; it's also ideal in functional scenarios like art studios;
• Gimbal Head: similar to the iconic camera lights seen in movies, these heads can swivel 180 degrees and are perfect for modern, contemporary and industrial settings, rooms that value functionality, or areas that require a higher degree of adjustability.

Pendants, on the other hand, come in a much larger variety of designs. A simple way to categorize them is to look at the material, as some work better with certain types of décor. The most popular options are:

• Metal: ideal for task lighting, metal pendants with shiny finishes (such as polished chrome or brushed nickel) can help you achieve a modern, industrial, Scandinavian or, when entirely monochrome, minimalist feel;
• Plastic: while they can achieve a similar effect as their metal cousins, plastic pendants can discolor over time if used very often, so we only recommend them if price is your main concern. Has your room got a bright accent color that you wish to keep consistent? The wide available range of plastic pendants will make it easier to match it;
• Clear glass: as glass helps diffuse the light more effectively in all directions, they work particularly well in kitchens or rooms that follow a traditional décor relying on a feeling of coziness and warmth; if the glass is ornate and meticulously decorated, they can also complement Victorian, Tiffany or retro styles;
• Fabric: usually drum-shaped and similar to bigger overhead lighting, fabric pendants are a great fit for mid-Century modern rooms; however, because they come in several colors and designs, they can also match different types of décor styles and palettes.

Can you imagine ornate glass pendants in a minimalist, modern bedroom? The mere thought makes us want to switch them off immediately! While functionality should also be one of your main concerns when picking your new track lighting heads or pendants, here's what we recommend in order to match the existing décor of your room:

• Most track heads can complement any modern or contemporary setting, but round back and pinhole heads would be the best choice;
• Monochrome white or black track heads are perfect for minimalist décors;
• If you're striving for an industrial look, choose pinhole heads or, even better, the new hipster classic: exposed light bulbs;

When it comes to track lighting heads & pendants, there are three different types of lighting that they can be useful for:

• Ambient lighting: track heads can be enough to illuminate a small room, but, if they're going to be your main source of light in a larger space, you should consider choosing pendants insteador including additional lamps;
• Wall washing or accent lighting: track heads are perfect to highlight specific features in your room, such as shelves or pieces of art;
• Task lighting: for the functional goal of needing increased lighting for a specific task (for example, if you're hanging them above your writing desk), longer pendants or adjustable track heads will be preferable.

Most track light systems are between 4 and 8 feet long and include from three to six lights. However, make sure you check your existing rail before purchasing your new track lighting heads & pendants to avoid disappointment.

• You should place a track or pendant every 12 to 24 inches;
• If you need the track lighting heads to be closer together in order to achieve a particular type of accent lighting or to illuminate a work area, try and keep them at least 4 inches apart.
• With pendants, it's important to consider their diameter, too; our top tip is to maintain their width as the space in between pendants (e.g.: leave a space of 16 inches between pendants if they're 16 inches wide);
• As for their length, you can be pretty flexible when it comes to ambient lighting; however, if you need your pendants to illuminate a designated surface, we recommend leaving a 30-36-inch gap;
• Another tip is to use an odd number of pendants to illuminate a surface: this allows you to create a central focal point and an even balance on both sides.

Different spaces require custom lighting. Everything from one fixture to a row of several heads is possible, depending on the area to be serviced.

• Linear - Suited for commercial or residential settings, linear track lighting has 4 to 8 foot sections for mounting multiple track heads and lights.
• Rail - Rail lighting is bendable for maneuvering around a room instead of having a straight line. These rails work well in kitchens where cabinets and appliances are not evenly set.
• Heads - A variety of heads give you a standard plain look with a step head, a head with rounded backing, or smaller pinhole heads that have an open back. Pinhole heads are used primarily in industrial decors. Flexible heads allow you to turn the light to different angles.
• Fixed/Plug-In - Fixed track lighting is used when the area has been hard-wired for placement. Plug-in kits give you the ability to plug into an outlet without additional wiring.
• Pendants - Track or rail lighting can hold multiple pendants over a kitchen island or workspace. This is a good way to add pleasing light to an otherwise dark area.

Almost any style is accepting to track lighting. Rustic styles may place linear bars in wooden ceiling beams while a contemporary bedroom may highlight an entire wall of paintings. Copper track lighting is popular in industrial style kitchens or modern minimal living spaces. Brass or bronze coatings on metal can offer a copper-type presence. These are popular in a wide assortment of decors.

Track lighting comes with 3 to 6 heads per track rail. Additional rails can be added to extend the number of heads. One foot per fixture is a common rule to use when spacing heads. How many heads depends on the area that needs direct lighting. For example, when hanging above a bathroom vanity, copper track lighting with 3 lights is usually sufficient for highlighting the immediate area. If you have double sinks or a long counter, consider adding more heads.

Too much to take in all at once? Don't worry: it's just because we had to cover lots of scenarios. Once you've identified your needs and décor, it'll be much easier to find some track lighting heads & pendants that match them! Remember these points:

• Always check your type of track rail (HT, JT or LT) before buying lights for it!
• You can choose among step, round back, pinhole and gimbal heads or different types of pendants
• It's vital to consider what type of lighting you want to achieve: ambient (track heads will do for smaller rooms, but pendants are better for larger ones), accent (any track head) or task lighting (go for longer pendants or adjustable heads)
• Consider the existing color palette and décor of your room: while most track heads fit modern and contemporary houses, pendants are better suited for traditional, stylish and sophisticated looks.