Dear Joe,
I have a large fluorescent light fixture in my kitchen. I was thinking about replacing it with a track and halogen lights. Is this good lighting for a kitchen and is it very hard to install?
Glenn
Dear Glenn,
I think halogen track lights are great for a kitchen!
This updated version of the track light is a great work light and is very versatile. There are so many styles out there. Some are just the bare bulb, while others have wonderful glass covers that are sculptures within themselves!
Halogen lights are a bit more complicated to install. The track has to have its own transformer, and each transformer can only hold a certain amount of wattage.
It is mandatory that your salesperson at the lighting store have a complete knowledge of halogen lighting. He should also know all of the details on how you are going to use and install the lighting. This is because there are many components needed for a successful installation.
It is my reccomendation that you hire a professional electrician who is experienced at installing halogen lighting. This is not the same proceedure as putting up other light fixtures and requires a lot of precision.
Dear Joe,
I've bought a condo that has track lighting in the living room. It looks so outdated! I want to put in recessed lighting with dimmers. What do I need to know?
Mark
Dear Mark,
The first thing that you need to know is how much space you have above the ceiling to install recessed lights.
The light is housed in a can that mounts above the ceiling. I believe you have to have a clearance of about four and a half inches above the ceiling for this to be done.
There is also a factor of the ceiling material. Many condos have concrete ceilings that make it nearly impossible to add recessed lights after construction.
You also need to know that installing recessed lighting is going to be far more expensive and messy than installing surface-mounted fixtures. Holes have to be cut in the ceiling, wires have to drawn up to each light and the cans have to be anchored onto the joists. There will probably be drywall patching after the installation.
Any or all of these problems could be the reason that the former owners installed track lighting. You can run the track off of a regular junction box and the surface mounting is far easier.
Your best bet is to have an electrician come in to survey the situation and offer recommendations.
Should you find that recessed lights are impossible, you might consider the newer forms of halogen track lighting. The general installation is the same as the old track lights. The track is mounted ( or suspended from ) the ceiling and the fixtures clip onto the track. The lights can be moved around and often angled in different directions. Also, the halogen lights can be put on a dimmer. This newer system is much sleeker lookingand less obtrusive—great for today's interiors.
Please e-mail your questions to jos.riceinteriors@att.net . In the subject box, type in 'WCT Design.'
Joseph Rice is an interior decorator who offers full decorating services. With 23 years of experience, he specializes in hard-to-treat windows. You can contact him through his Web site at josephriceinteriors.com, the above e-mail address, or at 773-271-2361.
