Dining Room Lighting

The dining room can be one of the most important spaces in the home, where friends and family come together to enjoy good food and company. Choosing the right lighting for your dining room is crucial for creating the perfect atmosphere, whether you’re hosting a formal dinner party or having a relaxed family meal. There are many different options to choose from when we’re looking at dining room lighting, from pendant lights to chandeliers, wall sconces to floor lamps and more. In this post, we’ll explore the various types of dining room lighting and provide some tips for creating a warm and inviting ambiance in your dining room.

What type of lighting is best for a dining room?

There isn’t a single correct answer to this question, as it depends on the size and shape of the room, and the sort of décor style you’re working with. However, here are some different styles of lighting that can work well in a dining room:

• Pendant lights are a popular option for dining rooms, as they are perfect over dining room tables, and they’re also perfect for drawing the eye. Pendant lights encompass a variety of styles, from sleek and modern to ornate and traditional, so it’s easy to find a style that suits the décor of the room.
• Chandeliers are a classic lighting choice for dining rooms, as they add a sense of elegance and grandeur to the space. There are many different styles and sizes of chandelier available, so you can choose a style that’s the right size for your room, and above your dining table.
• Wall sconces provide a gentle, diffused light that can help a dining room feel cosy. They can be installed in different positions around the room to create a layered lighting effect, and can be used as an alternative to ceiling lights, or as an extra way to provide ambient light on occasions when overhead lights feel too bright.
• Recessed lighting is a good option for dining rooms with low ceilings, as it has the overhead brightness you need, without taking up too much space.
• Floor lamps such as arc lamps can be a brilliant addition to dining rooms that need additional lighting. There are many styles of floor lamps that can work in dining spaces, from traditional standard lamps to contemporary styles with LEDs, which are perfect for adding extra layers of lighting. 

You’ll need to choose lighting to suit the size and style of your dining room, and make sure you have enough brightness for the space. Look at the different styles of lighting, and see what might work in your space. 

How many lights should I have in my dining room? Can I mix different types of lighting in my dining room?

The number of lights you need in your dining room will depend on the size of the room and the brightness you want to create – there isn’t a perfect number. You just need enough brightness to see by, and to create the right sort of atmosphere. 

You can definitely mix different types of lighting in your dining room – and it can be a good idea to do so! A mix of pendant lights, wall lights, floor lamps, table lamps, and LED strips are all good options that can be used together to create a layered and dynamic atmosphere in the room. Make sure you consider the overall design and style of the room, so that you can balance the lighting levels appropriately.  

What is the best way to light a dining room without a ceiling fixture?

If your dining room does not have a ceiling fixture, there are several alternative lighting options that can provide the brightness you need – although you may want to consider using a combination of these. 

• Floor lamps are a good option for dining rooms without ceiling fixtures, as they can provide both ambient and task lighting. An arc floor lamp with a dimmer switch can be placed over the table and then adjusted to create the desired level of brightness.
• Placing table lamps on a sideboard or console table can create a warm and inviting ambiance in a dining room. Table lamps with shades diffuse light for a soft and gentle glow.
• Wall sconces can be a good alternative to ceiling fixtures, as they can provide indirect and ambient lighting. They can be installed on the wall above eye level to give the right brightness.
• Track lighting: Track lighting can be a good option for dining rooms without ceiling fixtures, as it can provide adjustable and directional lighting. Track lighting can be installed on the ceiling or mounted on the wall, depending on the layout of the room.

Should the lighting in my dining room match the style of the furniture?

Ideally, the lighting in your dining room should complement the style of your furniture, rather than it needing to match exactly. A cohesive design scheme that balances different elements in the room will feel more harmonious and visually pleasing. However, this does not mean that you need to have a perfect match between the lighting fixtures and the furniture. Sometimes, contrasting styles can create an interesting and unique design – it is up to you!

For example, if you have a modern dining room, you could pair it with a sleek pendant light that has clean lines and LEDs for a contemporary feel. On the other hand, if your dining table has a more traditional style, a classic chandelier or wall sconces with a warm, ambient light can be a good choice. Ultimately, the lighting should serve the practical needs of the room while also contributing to its overall aesthetic appeal.

Are there dining room pendant lights by well-known design brands?

Yes, there are many well-known design brands that offer dining room pendant lights. Here are some examples of brands that we have in our range:

• Iluzzia: This is a Spanish lighting brand that offers a range of modern and innovative pendant lights for dining rooms. You’ll find sleek designs and high quality materials such as crystal, glass, and metal in the Iluzzia range.
• Edit: This is a UK-based lighting brand that specialises in contemporary lighting designs. Edit pendant lights are available in a range of styles, from minimalist to industrial, and feature on trend finishes such as black, copper, and brass.
• Lucide: This is a Belgian lighting brand that offers a range of stylish pendant lights for dining rooms. Lucide pendants feature a mix of traditional and modern designs, with high-quality materials such as glass and metal.
• Nordlux: A popular Danish lighting brand, Nordlux offers a range of designer pendant lights. Their products feature minimalist designs, neutral colours, and high-quality materials such as wood and metal.
• Eglo: The Austrian lighting brand has a range of pendant lights for dining rooms. Their products feature a variety of styles, from traditional to contemporary, and are made from high-quality materials such as glass and metal.

How do I calculate the right size of a chandelier or pendant for my dining room?

To calculate the right size of a chandelier or pendant for your dining room, you can follow these steps:

• Measure the width and length of your dining room in feet.
• Add the width and length measurements together to get the total distance across the room.
• Convert the total distance to inches.
• This number in inches will give you the approximate diameter of the chandelier or pendant that would suit your dining room.

For example, if your dining room is 12 feet wide and 16 feet long, the total distance would be 28 feet. Converted to inches, this would be 336 inches. So, a chandelier or pendant with a diameter of approximately 30 to 36 inches (75cm – 92cm) would be a suitable size for your dining room.

Keep in mind that these calculations are just guidelines, and you should also consider your personal preferences and the style of your dining room – if larger or smaller lighting works for you, then you should go with it!

How high should pendant lights hang above the dining table?

The height at which pendant lights should hang above the dining table depends on several factors, such as the size of the table, the height of the ceiling, and the style of the pendant lights. However, a general guideline is to hang the pendant lights so that the bottom of the fixture is approximately 30 to 36 inches (over 75cm) above the surface of the table.

This height allows enough clearance for diners to sit comfortably at the table without hitting their heads on the pendant lights or being distracted by the glare. It also creates a visually balanced and proportional look for the room.

If you have a higher ceiling or a larger dining table, adjust the height accordingly. As a rule of thumb, the pendant lights should be around one-third the width of the dining table, and the distance between the lights should be approximately two feet less than the width of the table.

Which bulbs are suitable for dining room pendant lights?

When it comes to choosing bulbs for dining room pendant lights, LED bulbs are the best choice due to their energy efficiency and longevity. They are available in a variety of colour temperatures and shapes, making it easy to find the perfect bulb for your pendant light.

Here are some factors to consider when selecting LED bulbs for your dining room pendant lights:

• The wattage of the LED bulb should be appropriate for the size of your pendant light and the brightness you desire. A general guideline is to use a 60-watt equivalent LED bulb for a pendant light that is around 20 inches in diameter.
• LED bulbs are available in a range of colour temperatures, from warm white (2700K) to cool white (5000K). A warm white colour temperature is typically preferred in dining rooms as it creates a cosy and inviting atmosphere.
• If you have a dimmer switch installed for your pendant lights, ensure that the LED bulbs you choose are dimmable. Not all LED bulbs are compatible with dimmer switches, so check the packaging or consult with the manufacturer before purchasing.
• Some LED bulbs have smart technology built into them, so they are able to connect to, and be controlled by your home smart assistant like Alexa. If you want the convenience that offers, make sure you choose your bulb accordingly. 

Another option is to choose pendant lights with integrated LED bulbs. These fixtures have built in LEDs that are designed to last for many years and can be more energy efficient than using replaceable LED bulbs. They also offer the convenience of not having to replace the bulb when it burns out.

How do I create a dimming effect in my dining room?

Dimming your dining room lighting can be done in two main ways: manual dimmer switches and smart lighting solutions.

Manual dimmer switches are relatively simple and affordable solutions that allow you to adjust the brightness of your dining room lighting. A dimmer switch is typically installed in place of a regular light switch and can be operated manually by turning a knob or sliding a lever. The main advantage of a manual dimmer switch is that they are easy to use and don’t require any special setup or programming, although you may want an electrician to fit your dimmer switch for you 

Smart lighting solutions have more advanced features and can be controlled remotely using a smartphone app or voice assistant such as Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. They can be set to different levels of brightness, colours, and schedules, allowing you to customise your dining room lighting to your preferences.

While manual dimmer switches are a straightforward way to create a dimming effect in your dining room, smart lighting solutions offer more advanced features and can be controlled remotely using a smartphone or voice commands. They are perfect in homes where accessibility is a concern, and where children are.

How can I add accent lighting to my dining room?

There are several ways to add accent lighting to your dining room. Here are some ideas:

• Wall sconces can be mounted on the wall to provide an elegant and subtle way to add accent lighting to your dining room. They can be positioned at different heights and angles to create a unique lighting effect.
• Cove lighting can be installed along the upper edges of walls or ceilings, creating a soft and indirect light that adds depth and dimension to the room. Cove lighting can be achieved using LED strips or rope lights.
• Recessed lighting can be fitted into the ceiling for a clean and streamlined look. Many styles can be angled, and can be used to highlight specific areas of your dining room, such as artwork, a feature wall, or a display cabinet.
• Placing a table lamp on a side table or dresser can create a warm and cosy ambiance in your dining room. Choose a lamp that complements your décor and adds a pop of colour or texture.
• Picture lights are a great choice for highlighting your artwork, and for a gentle glow that shows off the room before you move into the space.

Our final thoughts

Choosing the right lighting for your dining room is essential for creating a comfortable and inviting ambiance for you and your guests. Whether you opt for pendant lights, chandeliers, wall sconces or a mix of lighting options, Lighting Direct has a wide range of high quality products to suit your style and preferences. And with our Change Your Mind Guarantee, you can shop with confidence, knowing that you can request a return or exchange within 30 days of delivery of the item. So why not browse our range of dining room lighting options today and transform your dining room into a warm and welcoming space for all occasions? If you have questions about a particular type of lighting, get in touch – our team of experts will be happy to help you.