Recessed Vs. Track Lighting

Recessed Lighting

• Recessed lighting is named so because the lighting fixture is recessed into the ceiling. The subtle, low-profile structural qualities of recessed lighting coordinate well in homes that have a contemporary style and decor. Recessed lights are used to provide overall lighting for a room or to highlight decorative items such as pieces of artwork. The electric components are referred to as "housing" and come in two basic types: new construction and remodel. New construction housing is installed as the house is being built and the electrician easily can access the ceiling area. Remodel housing is used for existing homes.

Track Lighting

• Track lighting units attach to the ceiling and have multiple lamp units. Track lighting units use small transformers to power the lamps. The transformers can be connected to the track itself, or remotely placed so the transformer is not visible. The lamp units are suspended from a cord attached to the track. The lamps typically are spaced at least one foot apart, and frequently more than that. The track can be attached to the ceiling or suspended so the track appears as if it's floating and the lamp units are gliding along a monorail. Track lights come in a wide range of styles, colors and decorative finishes. The track itself may be decorative instead of just functional, and have an oval, circle, rectangular, square or swerve shape.

Similarities

• Recessed and track lighting work best for those who desire modern lighting fixtures. Both accommodate dimmer switches so the level of the light can be adjusted to create the right ambiance. Each fixture has models that can be operated with incandescent or halogen lightbulbs. You also may select models within both types to accommodate directional lighting capabilities.

Differences

• The primary difference between track lighting and recessed lighting is structural. With recessed lights, you don't see cords or switches, and there are no lampshades. All that's visible is the trim surrounding the bulb. Track lighting is purposefully designed to be visible and to serve as a piece of decor, whereas recessed lighting is designed to be more obscure and subtle. This core difference results in more design choices for track lighting. You also can use a wider variety of bulbs with track lights, including mini-lights, low-voltage xenon and LED strips of light.