Dining Room Lighting Ideas

Dining rooms are basic, compared to many other rooms where there are a lot of things going on. It has fewer furnishings – often just a dining table and chairs. So, the right lighting becomes an absolutely critical need for the dining area aesthetically, since it can serve as a central feature and a mood-setter, and functionally since you need to see what’s for dinner. The right lighting fixture for a dining room can sometimes be hard to choose – you have to pick what suits your dining room size and setting, and not all can highlight or complement your dining room. Check out this lit of light fixtures that can help you decide for the most suitable lighting option for your space.

1. Chandeliers

Having a chandelier installed over a table is a classic, simple and effective way to light a dining area. Chandeliers bring a sophisticated feel to the dining area while serving as an instant focal point. Back then, chandeliers are typically used for traditional and formal dining rooms since they are often made of multiple dangling crystals that look elegant and opulent. But nowadays, a lot of minimalist, contemporary and eclectic chandelier designs have emerged, making it suitable for any interior design style. Contemporary chandeliers bring a touch of modern elegance. If your dining room is huge and you have two table arrangements, you may install two chandeliers that will also double-duty as art for the room.

2. Pendant lights

2. Pendant lights

Pendant lights are another common lighting option for the dining room simply because it is versatile and you can easily find one that will complement your interior décor. These fixtures hang from a single chain and emit light that gives a certain ambiance to a dining area. Pendant lights are available in a lot of different styles, materials, sizes, shapes, and colors. For a traditional look, choose a globe pendant or chandelier pendant for soft and subtle illumination. For a modern and contemporary vibe, choose a pendant light in drum shape or inverted pot shape with a bright solid color to attract attention. If you have some metallic accents present like if your chairs have a metallic leg, choose pendant lights in copper or gold to complement your design elements.

3. Track lighting

Track lighting is an intelligent choice if you want to highlight specific parts of the dining area, like a beautiful artwork hanging on the wall. It’s a fixture that is made of a track that is either straight or curved, long or short, and holds a set of pendant lights, spotlights, small lanterns, spheres, and many other light choices. The track is typically made of metal, making it a perfect fit for contemporary, modern and industrial interiors. Each individual light can be adjusted, so you can easily change where the light focuses. It is a great option for creating the perfect ambiance for your dining. When you install track lighting above a dining table, it’s best to use two sets of tracks for either side of the ceiling to make sure the light is balanced and evenly distributed.

4. Flush mount lighting

If you are a bit short on space, has a low ceiling but still want to make a statement, flush mount lighting is your way to go. This type of fixture touches the surface of the ceiling and allows light to filter out through glass or any diffuser parts. Since it is attached very closely to the ceiling, you don’t have to worry about the space. Plus, it comes in many different designs and styles that can suit almost any interior design style. There are flush mount chandeliers that feature the same beautiful and elegant crystals of the traditional chandeliers, but only in a more compact presentation.

5. Recessed lighting

Since recessed lighting is installed above the ceiling line, this type of fixture is a space-saver. These are unobtrusive and discreet ambient lighting that provides just the right brightness or dimness of light as you wanted. It is often used in groups, like in a linear manner, and gives plenty of lighting in a huge dining area. It is typically paired with a chandelier or a pendant light in the center, which serves as the main overhead lighting fixture.

6. Wall sconces

Wall sconces are lighting fixtures mounted directly on the wall to serve as both general and accent lighting. If you have a large dining space, use wall sconces on each wall as additional to an overhead light to ensure ample light. If you need to set the mood for an intimate dinner or wine night with friends, wall sconces paired with candles would be enough.

Now you know the common lighting fixtures that suit a dining room, make sure you follow these tips to have a flattering dining area that will make mealtime an enjoyable experience:

  1. Base the fixture on the size and shape of your dining table.

There is no rule as to what lighting fixture you must get if you have a round, rectangular or square table. The number one consideration is that the whole dining area must be equally lit, so the size and orientation of your fixture could really affect. For rectangular tables, a single, huge overhead lighting would be enough. But to make it more proportionate, it’s best to use linear fixtures for a rectangular table, especially if the table is long. Linear lighting fixtures, like a group of pendant lights, must be at least 1/3 of the length of the table.

If you have a small, round table, choose a round chandelier or pendant, or any globe-shaped lighting. But if it’s a big round table, choose a bigger-sized fixture, or pick a cluster of individual pendant lights. In the same way, a square table would be best partnered with a square-shaped pendant or flush mount light.

  1. Hang the fixture at a correct height.

When hanging a chandelier or a pendant light, make sure there is just enough space between the bottom of the fixture and the top of the table. Hanging it too high makes it look stuck to the ceiling, while hanging it too low can get in the way of dining, like when passing on a dish to the other side of the table. Pendant lights and chandeliers must be suspended around 36 inches above the dining table. In a larger dining area, a 40-inch space from the tabletop to the bottom of the fixture is okay.

  1. Add a dimmer switch.

Call your electrician and have a dimmer switch attached to your dining room lighting. This allows you to control the brightness of your bulbs. When you’re eating with your little kids, or if your dining table is also where your kids do their homework, you need a bright light. But when you have invited friends over for dinner or drinks, you might want a warm, dim glow to create an intimate atmosphere. Plus, warm light is very flattering – it makes everyone look prettier. You can create different moods using the same lighting with a dimmer switch.

  1. Install multiple pendants in odd numbers.

If your table is very long, consider getting pendant lights in groups of odd numbers to evenly distribute light. Odd numbers always work better than a group of lights of an even number. And if you want to hang a group of pendant lights, hang them in different heights to create an interesting contrast. Just make sure that the lowest pendant still provides enough space underneath.

  1. Layer light with table and wall-mounted fixtures.

Sometimes, a single light source can be too intimate or too stark. Sometimes, your overhead lighting feels glaring. To solve these problems, layer your lighting by providing multiple light sources placed on other areas of the dining room. As stated earlier, wall sconces are a popular ambient lighting fixture for a dining room. You can also use table lamps placed on a sideboard or a buffet table. You may also use floor lamps to match your pendant lighting.