The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Dining Room Lighting
There’s more to dining room light fixtures than you might realize. You need to think about what you use the dining room the most for. It’s a spot where you have everyday meals, sure. But beyond that—are you a consummate entertainer? Or is your dining space a makeshift study? Or both? We count on our dining room for so many tasks. In reality, it can only be as versatile as its lighting.
If you’ve been squinting through meals—or worse, eating under a harsh glare that feels quite like an interrogation light—we need to talk. Keep reading for our expert tips on how to choose dining room lighting.
Understanding the Different Types of Lighting
Guilty of putting up a dimmer on an overhead light fixture and calling it a day? Lighting your dining room goes beyond that. And the first step to getting it right is understanding the different types of lighting. (Generally, there are 4 main types, but we’ll talk about the fixtures most relevant to the dining room).
- Chandeliers. These are ornate lighting fixtures suspended from the ceiling—and also the most-used light in the dining room.
- Pendant Lights. These lone fixtures hang from the ceiling using a single cord. Pendant lights are often hung in multiples.
- Sconces. You will find sconces flanking buffets or mirrors in the dining room. These are usually mounted on the wall.
- Recessed Lighting. This is installed inside the ceiling. It serves a supporting role to the main lighting.
How to Choose Dining Room Lighting
Think About the Scene You Want to Create
Shop the Modern Round Ring LED Chandelier
What mood are you looking for in your dining room? The type of light fixture to choose largely depends on the answer to this question. If you love a contemporary haven, a modern ring light chandelier will look amazing. For a boho space, think of plenty of textures. Something like the Retro Hemp Rope Pendant. And if you want to celebrate the beauty in imperfection, consider a Japanese Wabi Sabi style lamp.
Consider Your Existing Space
Shop the Solid Wood Pendant Light
Beyond the aesthetics you wish to create, it is important to consider your existing space. If your dining room has large windows—and beautiful views—you would want a minimal fixture that doesn’t take away from the view. If the room is large with tall ceilings, a grand fixture would help balance things out.
Pay Attention to Your Dining Table
Shop the Solid Wood Pendant Light
We can agree that the dining table is the focal point of the dining room—so taking it into consideration is important before choosing your lighting fixture. Generally, if you have a round table, you want an organically shaped fixture. A linear one may create an odd scale here. For a long, rectangular table, a fixture that mirrors this shape—like the solid wood pendant light featured above—will do good.
Choose the Right-Sized Lighting
Shop the Modern Minimalist Dining Room Chandelier
A good rule is to make sure your fixture is one-third of the length of a rectangular/oval table. Don’t go smaller than that—but going bigger is great if you’re looking to create a statement. In fact, we’d like to go as far as to say, the bigger, the better 😁.
Hang the Fixture Appropriately
Shop the Retro Hemp Rope Pendant
You’ve chosen just the right fixture—great! Hang that beauty low enough to cast a flattering glow, but not so low that it feels like it’s trying to join you for dinner 😄. About 30-36 inches above the table is the sweet spot.
Light Bulbs Matter (More Than You Think)
Shop the Retro Japanese Circle Wall Sconce
The temperature of your lightbulbs—warm, neutral, or cool—can totally change the look of your dining room. Warm light is great for cozy, candlelit-style dinners. On the other hand, cooler light might feel a bit sterile. Well, unless you’re going for a futuristic, clinical vibe?
Layer the Different Lighting Types
Shop the Japanese Wabi Sabi Pendant Lamp
Quick question: what do cutting steak, pouring wine, and setting the table all have in common?
Yep, they’re all tasks. And guess what? You need task lighting for that. In other words, lighting that’s functional—bright but not blinding. On the other hand, for moments when you just want to sit back and relax, you’ll need some soft ambient lighting. As an idea, you can mix wall sconces and floor lamps—and complement them with some strategically placed candles.
Use the Rule of Three
Shop the Vintage Glass Pendant Light
Designers use this rule to group objects together in three’s; this creates a visually appealing finish. The rule of three especially works great if your dining table is placed in an open-floor plan. Such an assortment of lights helps (subtly) delineate the area from the rest of the space—while still keeping the overall ambiance… well, open.
Final Words
At The Lamp Store, we want your dining room to be as stylish as it is functional. And with this guide coming to a wrap, we’re hopeful you can create a space that tends to all your needs—while going big on style.