Dining room lighting is one of the most important focal points of the room. The dining room is therefore a wonderful place to showcase your particular tastes and personal style with beautiful lighting.
However, dining room lighting types and designs vary, and it can be difficult to decide which option to choose. We hope to make your job easier by laying out some basics about which lighting fixtures and types work well in a dining room setting.
We’ll also show you an inspirational dining room that helps you understand different types of lighting and refine your style.
dining room lighting requirements
It’s important to layer different types of room lights in every room of your home. Each type of light has different advantages. Therefore, all levels of dining room lighting provide the room with a depth and complex look.
For example, the chandelier above the dining table is used when sitting down to eat, but is turned off throughout the day. Instead, keep the lamp in the dining console on most of the day, providing soft mood lighting for the room. In short, different light sources give you the versatility you need to successfully use this room.
Types of lighting in the dining room
Our dining room is more than just a place to eat. Rather, we use the dining room as a place for children to do their homework, as a makeshift office space, for family meals and formal dinner parties.
Types of lighting in the dining room
- chandelier – The chandelier in the dining room is one of the most important items that set the tone for this room. These chandeliers are mounted above the dining room table and should reflect the overall style of the room.
- ceiling light fixture – This is a light source with less ambient light than the dining room chandelier lighting. Most dining room lighting fixtures are placed in the center of the room. They are either flush mounted or semi-flush mounted. These also come in the form of ceiling fans with a central lighting fixture.
- embedded lighting – Recessed lighting is ideal for providing overall ambient and task lighting where you need it. This kind of light is not meant to be obvious. Rather, it is meant to give a warm glow to the lighting throughout the room.
- wall sconce – This kind of dining room light fixture provides light to a specific area like along a wall. However, it helps set the mood.
- pendant light – The pendant lights in the dining room hang from the ceiling on one bulb in one fixture. You can use these alone or in groups on your dining room table.
- table lamp – Dining room lamps are often overlooked dining room lighting. However, they are ideal for creating a classic look on your dining room console or buffet.
dining room lighting ideas
Dining room lighting fixtures come in many different stylistic directions. We’ve assembled a diverse group of photos to inspire you to think beyond your usual ideas when it comes to making dining room lighting something special.
layered luxury
This is an example of multiple light sources creating a depth and intriguing look in this dining room. Notice the Sputnik-style chandelier above the dining area. This is the direct focal point of the room and creates a dramatic look.
Other lighting fixtures are more subtle. A console table lamp adds a soft glow.
Recessed lighting adds ambient light that allows the chandelier to maintain a dim glow without having to be at full intensity.
dining room mood lighting
This dining room uses layered light in a more subtle way. The individual pieces of dining room pendant lighting are beautiful, but together they create a stunning effect.
coastal dining room pendants
Bell 95 I created these textured pendants for the dining table lighting in this design. These are large dining room light fixtures, but they don’t overwhelm the area like metal or glass glassware. Rather, they blend into the overall calm and textured dining room. Rattan and other woven pendants are a perfect match for coastal, bohemian, and traditional designs.
rustic pendant lights
With the rise of farmhouse design, rustic dining room lighting is now in the spotlight. A dining space with a neutral color scheme, but with a variety of textures to add warmth to the overall design.
A white enamel pendant light complements the style of the room. Also, the metal cover of a pendant light does not allow light to travel throughout the room, so this kind of lighting fixture is not suitable for the ambient lighting needs of the dining room.
contemporary dining room chandelier
Clean lines and geometric forms are the hallmarks of a contemporary and modern dining room luminaire.This chrome chandelier from infinite lights Features a shape that works in conjunction with an opaque light bulb. This is an exceptional style for contemporary spaces that want to make a standout yet subtle statement.
small dining room lighting ideas
For many people, the dining room is the breakfast nook in the corner of the kitchen. Rather than relying on small flush mounts to save space, one of the best style ideas for a small dining room is to use an oversized pendant he light. Because the pendants are large, this space doesn’t look small, but it does help define the area greatly.
Hollywood Glam Dining Room Chandelier
If you have a dark and moody space, consider a charming crystal chandelier. Designers used layers of crystal to create a luxurious look with this rectilinear chandelier. This kind of dining room lighting fixture works well in transitional rooms, but also looks great in modern and luxurious spaces.
minimalist pendant lighting
If luxury isn’t the look you’re looking for, consider the other side of the design scale. These gray minimalist pendant lights complement the neutral tones of this dining space’s minimalist decor.
traditional brass light fixtures
If you’re not sure which direction to go, you can’t go wrong with traditional lighting fixtures in your dining room space. Consider this brass candelabra-style fixture. It has a traditional look overall, but can be dressed up or down depending on the room’s other décor. Plus, brass always provides a bright focal point and can be used to accent other decor or leave it alone.
modern black pendant light
If you don’t like the look of traditional light fixtures but are still perplexed when it comes to overhead lighting, you can’t go wrong with black pendants.The black dining room light fixture is striking in its sheer simplicity.This simple fixture was designed by Luna Rossa.
Modern farmhouse dining area
The juxtaposition of this modern bubble chandelier with a chic farmhouse room is beautiful. Together, they create a fun look that doesn’t lend itself to caricature. Rather, this look is subtle and sophisticated.
midcentury modern dining room lighting
The mid-century style remains popular today, not to mention mid-century lighting fixtures such as opaque spheres and angled metal forms. If you’re looking for sleek, modern dining room lighting, mid-century is the way to go.
nordic pendant light
This copper frame and the outer layer of banana fiber cloth are Soren It offers the perfect texture and organic appeal that is so popular in Scandinavian design. A pendant light that looks solid until it shines. When lit, the wireframe gives the light a chic industrial style.
classic vintage chandelier
The formal look of this vintage chandelier may not be for everyone, but it’s more versatile than you might think. Pair this chandelier with a rustic farmhouse style dining room for a rustic glam, or pair it with modern furniture for a modern and traditional look. It can be layered with other lighting sources to complete the look.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ
What is the best lighting for the dining room?
There is no perfect light source for the dining room, but layered lighting is the preferred choice. If I had to choose one, though, it would be the light source above the dining table. This gives you the most opportunities to express your style and taste.
What is the best color lighting for the dining room?
Warm light is better than cool light to create a cozy and inviting indoor space, rather than cold and sterile.
How bright should the dining room lighting be?
There’s a simple formula to help you calculate how many watts you need to have in your dining room to create enough light for the space.
For example, if the room is 12 feet by 15 feet, the formula is 12 x 15 x 1.5 = 270 watts. So you will need about seven 40 watt bulbs.
How do you light your dining room table?
The best way to light your dining room table is with a focused lighting fixture such as a chandelier or pendant light. Depending on the size and shape of the table, multiple focused light sources can be used, such as groups, multiple pendants, or just one.
Is the shape of the table important when considering furnishings?
Once you know the shape of your dining table, it’s time to choose your lighting fixtures. Some light fixtures work well on different tables. Others are not as versatile. For example, for a round table, a round chandelier is the best option. If you have a rectangular table, both a linear chandelier or a line of pendant lights will work.
How low should the dining room lights hang?
Dining room light fixtures should hang 30 to 36 inches above the dining table. Measurements assume a ceiling height of 8 feet. However, if you have high ceilings, raise the chandelier 3 inches for every foot over 8 feet.
Should the dining room ceiling light hang above the table?
Dining room chandeliers and pendants look best when placed near the dining table. However, you can use multiple light sources that don’t need to be centered on the table, such as table lamps or recessed lighting.
Should the dining room ceiling light be centrally located?
A chandelier or pendant light should be centered above the table, not in the center of the dining area.
Dining room lighting: conclusion
Lighting is one of the best ways to bring texture and depth to your dining room, and there are many great ways to achieve this.
From ambient light sources to decorative lighting, they play a role in layering light so that your dining room works at its best. It might be tempting to go with the tried and true, but if you want to be bold, the dining room is the perfect place to try something new.
Ultimately, there’s no shortage of great options in any direction.
