Tips for Selecting the Perfect Lighting for your Dining Room

Traditional with a twist

Before diving into lighting options, consider the primary purpose of your dining room. Is it primarily used for formal dining occasions, casual family meals, or multi-functional gatherings? Understanding the room's function will guide your lighting choices.

1. Size Matters:

The size of your dining room plays a significant role in determining the scale of your lighting fixtures. A large dining room may accommodate a statement chandelier or multiple pendant lights, while a smaller space may require more modest fixtures to avoid overwhelming the room. So many times I see light fixtures far too small for the space, especially in Dining Rooms. When selecting a chandelier or pendant lights for your dining room table, consider the scale of the fixture in relation to the table below. A general rule of thumb is to choose a fixture that is approximately one-third the width of the table for optimal visual balance.

2. Consider the Ceiling Height:

The height of your dining room ceiling can influence the type of lighting fixtures that work best. For rooms with low ceilings, flush mount or semi-flush mount fixtures provide ample illumination without encroaching on head space. Conversely, high ceilings offer an opportunity to showcase grand chandeliers or pendant lights that draw the eye upward.

3. Match the Style:

Your lighting fixtures should complement the overall style and aesthetic of your dining room. Whether your decor is traditional, contemporary, or somewhere in between, choose lighting fixtures that harmonize with existing furnishings and design elements for a cohesive look.

4. Control the Mood:

We love a dimmer switch! Installing dimmer switches gives you the flexibility to adjust the intensity of your dining room lighting to suit different occasions and moods. Dimming the lights creates a warm and inviting atmosphere for intimate dinners, while brighter settings are ideal for lively gatherings or focused tasks.

5. Balance Functionality and Style:

While aesthetics are important, prioritize functionality when selecting lighting for your dining room. Ensure that your chosen fixtures provide adequate illumination for dining activities while still enhancing the room's visual appeal.

6. Seek Inspiration:

Finally, gather inspiration from design magazines, Pinterest, Instagram or blog pages you love to follow. Pay attention to how different lighting styles and fixtures are used to create inviting dining environments, and adapt those ideas to suit your own space. We love offering renderings to our clients so they can truly see what their space COULD look like.

Still need help? We’d love to assist you with a lighting upgrade for your home.