Decor Tips
4 Dining Room Lighting Ideas for Ambient Settings
Transform the ambiance of your dining area with these four inspiring lighting ideas. Whether it’s a casual family meal or an elegant dinner party, the right lighting can enhance the mood and complement your decor.
Enhance your dining experiences by choosing the right home lighting to match both the functionality and style of your space. With these decor ideas, you’re equipped to make informed decisions that will light up your dining room in the best way possible.
1. Wall Sconces
LS staff designer Brynna Evans recommends wall sconces to add decorative flair while offering a supplementary light source. Her personal fave? “Art Deco-inspired sconces for a dose of vintage charm that complements both classic and modern dining rooms!”
2. Recessed Dining Room Light Fixtures
Pamela Oleson (our Design Contributor from Arizona) also recommends recessed light bulbs, which add an ambient layer by illuminating the walls and ceiling. "This technique," she tells us, "visually expands the space, making it appear larger and more open while providing a soft backlight to your dining area."
Modern Lighting for Dining Room
3. Chandeliers
For a touch of luxury and opulence, LS staff designer Courtney Marquez recommends a crystal chandelier or any chandelier with glass casing as the perfect choice. "It refracts the light in an enchanting way," she tells us, "creating a warm and inviting atmosphere." We say they're ideal for traditional dining rooms, adding an element of timeless elegance.
4. Linear Pendant Ceiling Lights
For a modern and sleek look, consider a linear pendant light fixture that stretches across the length of your dining table. This lighting option not only provides even lighting for all your guests but also acts as a contemporary centerpiece.
What are the key considerations for dining room lighting?
The key considerations for dining room lighting are height, style and energy efficiency. You'll want to make sure there's enough space over your table, that it fits your mood and that it doesn't waste too much power. Following these simple tips can go a long way in your dining ambience!
What are the different types of dining room lighting fixtures?
A few of the different types of dining room lighting fixtures are pendants, sconces, recessed bulbs and chandeliers. Pendants and chandeleiers are similiar in that they hang from a ceiling. On the other hand, sconces are mounted to a wall and recessed lighting is built into the framework of the ceiling.
The Down-&-Dirty of Dining Room Lighting Ideas
Choose one . . or all three for a layered dining look.
How do I determine the right size of lighting fixture for my dining room?
Take into consideration the room size and fixture width. For a harmonious proportion, an easy method is to add the length and width dimensions of the room in feet, and then convert that number to inches to determine an ideal fixture width. For example, a 10 by 12-foot dining room would call for a 22-inch wide light fixture (10+12=22).
Formal Dining Room Chandeliers
What are the best placement and arrangement strategies for dining room lighting?
Symmetry is key for dining room lighting. Think about a balanced, symmetric effect both for brightness levels and size and shape of the fixtures. For example, two of the same pendants over either side of the table should also feature the same type of bulb and dimness setting.
How can I create a layered lighting scheme in my dining room?
Start with ambient lighting. This is the lighting that sets the main mood of the room (dim, bright, in between). After you've established the main dimness and style focal points, add task lighting in the form of wall pendants that aren't of main use but help to illuminate sides and corners.
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Editorial Disclaimer: Articles featuring tips and advice are intended for educational purposes and only as general recommendations. Always practice personal discretion when using and caring for furniture, decor and related items.
