Life-long memories are made when you gather with your loved ones at the dining table. Good conversations, incessant laughter over a mouth-watering dish or a glass of beer. This is what the dining room is for. However, to ensure the space remains functional and visually appealing, you need to invest in good dining room lighting. Unfortunately, most homeowners feel overwhelmed when trying to make a selection.
This article highlights basic factors that can help you choose the best dining room lighting for your home.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Dining Room Lighting
The lighting you choose for your dining room can instantly elevate the atmosphere of your home. However, there are several factors you should consider for optimal illumination in the space.
Choose Your Style
Before you decide on which light size you need for the space, you need to select the style of your dining room lighting fixtures. It should match your home’s interior design theme for a balanced look and feel. If there are textured materials used on the light fitting, ensure it complements other décor pieces in the room especially, the dining room table.
Shape and Design of the Light Fixture
Home design experts recommend that you choose a light fixture that matches your dining table’s silhouette. Picking a linear light for a round table will make it look odd and out of place. This will affect the ambiance of the space.
Check the Size of the Light Fixture
The size of your dining room light can affect how much light is distributed across the room. Ideally, the light fitting you select should be at least one-third the size of your dining table. Going any smaller than this can make the room feel cramped and underwhelming. It should also be at least 6 inches’ way from the edge of the table. However, it should also not be larger than the table.
Alternatively, you can add up the length and width of the room. The value obtained in inches dictates how wide your dining room lighting fixture should be.
Color Temperature
Harsh light can cause glare making the food appear washed out. A bulb with about 2700K is ideal for the dining room setting. It gives off a warm yellow hue that’s perfect for creating a warm and intimate atmosphere. The choice of color temperature is especially essential when hosting special events.
Lumen Capacity
Your dining room lighting fixture lumen capacity determines how bright the room will be. And, you should take into account the size of the room when making this decision. Go for dimmable lights as they allow you to control the light intensity which is perfect for mood setting. Whether you want to set up a romantic date night or wish to create a lively atmosphere when hosting guests, dimmers offer the perfect lighting solution.
For insights on choosing the right bulbs to enhance your settings, check out our guide on different light bulb types and their uses, where we discuss options for efficiency and ambiance.
Wattage
To ensure that you choose the right wattage, you should consider the room’s ceiling height and size. Ideally, a standard-size room that’s approximately 200 square feet and 8 feet high should have a light fixture with bulb wattage of between 200 and 400 Watts. The golden rule is that you should add at least 25 Watts to every additional foot of the ceiling.
How to Hang Your Dining Room Lighting Fixtures
Learning how to use hanging lights in your dining room is essential. It’s recommended that you center your light above the dining table because it’s the focal point of your home.
Homeowners who prefer modern dining room lighting can opt for a chandelier or pendant light installation. These suspended lights should hang between 30 to 36 inches above the table’s surface. This is ideal for optimum illumination while ensuring that there is no obstruction when you or your guests are standing up to leave the table.
Tips to Help You Get Your Dining Room Lighting Right
Most homeowners looking to install dining room lighting fixtures view it as a statement décor piece in the space. For many, it’s the perfect conversation starter when hosting. For this reason, you should ensure that the dining room lighting effect is both practical and aesthetic.
Embrace Layered Lighting
Don’t stick to ceiling-mounted lights alone. You can add wall lights and table lamps in the space to help enhance the depth and dimension of the space. Layering your dining room lighting ensures optimum and even illumination. Just ensure that the light fixture designs you pick complement other décor elements in the room for uniformity.
Assess the Amount of Natural Light reaching Your Dining Room
If you have ample natural light reaching your dining room, you can choose to focus more on form than practicality when selecting a light fixture. You can also reduce the number of light sources in the space to avoid glare in these circumstances.
Choose Linear Light Fixtures for Longer Tables
To ensure even light distribution on your dining room table, it’s best to opt for linear lighting fixtures. The design typically features multiple light sources for adequate brightness.
Apply the Rule of Three
Expert home interior designers recommend pairing lights in groups of three for enhanced visual appeal. In houses where the dining space is integrated into the kitchen, this golden rule helps to clearly define each space. Hanging a trio of lights above your dining table is the perfect way to add a flair of elegance and style to the room.
Amplify the Focus
You can play around with colors, height levels, and shapes when setting up your dining room lighting. It adds a flair of drama to the room making your dining table a key focal point. Apart from accentuating its beauty, the dramatic effects help to create a striking and beautiful ambiance.
When in Doubt, Go for Candles
Nothing speaks intimacy better than candelabra lighting designs. The warm glow of these dining room lighting fixtures not only makes them ideal for mood setting but also provides sufficient illumination. If you opt for traditional candles, then go for scented ones. Your olfactory system will thank you.
Create the Dining Room of Your Dreams
Lighting is an essential aspect of your dining room design. Your choice should offer the perfect blend of practicality and aesthetics. Nothing is written in stone when designing your dining room lighting. However, the need for proper lighting in this space shouldn’t be underestimated. Browse our selection of stunning dining room lighting for a flawless and timeless home refresh. Happy dining!