Cable Lighting Options

Cable lighting offers a variety of options whether your ceilings are high or low and whether you have a lot of natural light or no light at all. This type of system of meant to be noticed.

• A low-voltage lighting system with power cables that run from wall to wall and attached fixtures that move along the cable is a great alternative to recessed or track lighting. You can attach it to very high ceilings, bring the light down to shine on the walls or artwork and go around corners.

Some of the lights themselves are like sculptures with bulbs buried in planes, balloons, a sun, etc. There are also simple pendants with glass shades or beaded shades for extra sparkle.

If a complete cable lighting set up isn't necessary but you like the look of the pendants, get a monopoint--individual lights that can go over a kitchen island or table and they can coordinate with cable systems or stand alone.

• Installing these systems is a bit more technical than just changing a light fixture. You need to have a transformer that converts the 120 volt to a 12 volt and you need an electrician who has done it before so they know what they're doing.

• Once the system is chosen, think about the bulbs (halogen or incandescent). Halogen is pure white light that simulates sunlight and incandescent is a little bit softer and a little more yellow. Halogen bulbs are best for task lighting, which makes them perfect for the kitchen. Incandescent bulbs cast a beautiful glow on a living space.