Dining Room Lighting Ideas

Some dining room lighting can include chandeliers, large or mini pendant style hanging light fixtures, hanging island lighting, ceiling fans, wall scones, floor lamps, buffet lamps, drum pendants, cove lighting, multi-light pendants, and track or recessed lighting. Some of the lighting options are easy to install; others need a slight overhaul of the ceiling fixture to include lighting such as the recessed lighting. Many professionals can take care of this type of lighting fixture installation. A common approach to dining room lighting is turning the light source into an art and main focal point, such as using a Japanese cherry wood or Chinese rice paper lantern to add Asian flair to a room.

When choosing lighting, it is important to consider the size of the table and even positioning in the dining room. It would be unsightly to permanently affix a lighting to the wall or ceiling only to have it look off center if the table is changed or moved. It is also important to decide what direction the light should go. Should light be directed upward in a dramatic movement, or downward with a comfortable glow?

Chandeliers are an excellent option for dining room lighting because depending on the style, they can create a romantic to formal ambience. Chandeliers serve as not only the light source, but as a decoration. Chandeliers should be hung 30 inches above the dining table. Combining wall lights and candle scones with dimmer lights will allow you to create soft table lighting for romantic dinners. Drum pendants are a modern answer to dining room lighting. Instead of chandeliers, drum pendants offer a sleek design and promise to be more informal and casual than fancy chandeliers. There are even hybrid designs that combine the elegance of a chandelier with the modern lines of a drum pendant.

An important consideration to keep in mind when deciding light fixtures for the home is the finish. Metallic finishes can offer a modern touch, while rustic, rough textures can give way to a look that is more Renaissance in nature.

If a direct approach to dining room lighting is not desired, ambient lighting may be preferred. Ambien lightning comes in the form of wall torches, sconces, and cove lights. These lights are dimmer and set a mood. An idea is to install lights in the ceiling corners and have low voltage recessed lights installed in cabinetry that is designed to showcase special objects, such as fine china.

The mood and lighting of a room can reflect your personality through style, color, and even intensity of light. The right lighting in a dining room may provide accent, ambient, decorative and targeted lighting.