5 Dining Lighting Tips – Creating the Perfect Lighting Scheme for Your Dining Area
Lighting plays a crucial role in creating the desired ambiance within any space of the home. Setting the mood for dining – whether that be within a kitchen area, or a dining room specifically – is equally important. The right lighting set up can enhance the mood, and highlight various aspects of the decor and design of the space.
To create a thoughtful lighting scheme within a dining area does require some planning! In this article, I’m going to be sharing my Top 5 Dining Lighting Tips to help you achieve the perfect lighting scheme for dining.
Tip 1: Ceiling Heights
Your ceiling height matters!
It’s important to understand how high your ceilings are, and plan your lighting accordingly. The bottom of the light fixture should sit roughly 32-40” above the table surface.
Similarly, if you have tall ceilings, look for a fixture where the bulbs point downwards, towards the table. This will help the light get to the surface where you need it and be more efficient.
Tip 2: Adjacent Spaces
Some dining spaces are open-plan with a living space or kitchen – or both! With this, there are some extra areas to be aware of.
For example, with an adjacent living space, you should get a light fixture that diffuses the light. Instead of seeing exposed bulbs, the bulbs should be surrounded by a shade or globe so that glare won’t be hitting eyes in the next room. As an alternative, candelabrabra or Edison bulbs can be used.
It’s important to not rely on the adjacent space for extra light in the dining area. It should be considered as separate. Therefore, general lighting (aside from a chandelier above the main table) should be added, with other soft ambient lighting too. Think picture lights or wall sconces, and table lamps for sitting on a buffet or sideboard.
Bronze Drum Pendant Light
This modern bronze drum style pendant light is ideal for using above the dining table as it focuses light down towards the table’s surface.
Linear Chandelier
We love this linear chandelier because the individual shades add a fun and elegant element to the fixture.
Matte Black Dome Pendant
This matte black dome pendant looks fantastic above any dining table!
Tip 3: Size of the Fixture
Before shopping around for the perfect dining light fixture, work out the maximum size. To do this, measure the size of the dining table and subtract twelve inches. This is the maximum size an overhead chandelier should be.
It’s ok if the fixture is a little small, but it shouldn’t be larger than this calculation or you can bump your head when getting up from the table. For example, a 48”x72” table should have a light that’s a maximum of 36” x 60. A 36” round fixture would work here, or a linear fixture that’s five feet wide or less.
Tip 4: How High?
When installing your light fixture above the dining table, there should be 36”-40” between the bottom of the light fixture and the table. This will allow most people to see each other when seated on opposite sides of the table, but low enough to provide focused light down to the table’s surface.
Tip 5: Always Centralize
Symmetry is key in interior design as it makes a space feel more balanced and considered. For any dining space, the table should be in the center of the room and the main focal point of the space. From there you can add other furniture elements as needed.
Whatever you do – center the light on the dining table. Sometimes people try to make the table off-center, but this makes the room feel awkward. That is because the furniture isn’t placed with symmetry in mind.
Round Crystal Chandelier
This round crystal chandelier is perfect for those who prefer a more luxurious and glam looking home!
3-Light Linear Chandelier
We love this linear 3 light chandelier as it brings a modern twist to a linear light fixture. Perfect for hanging above large rectangle dining tables.
Round Alabaster Chandelier
Another luxurious option is this round alabaster chandelier!
Expert Design Services
If you’re looking for thoughtful interior design within your home, we’re ready to help. You can expect thoughtful design that is custom tailored to your needs. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you are contemplating a project.