What Kind of Light is Best for the Dining Room?
The dining room is the heart of every home. This is where the family gathers together to enjoy mealtime together. This is also where people entertain guests and host gatherings.
While the furniture in the dining area, including the tables and chairs is an important element in the setting, lighting is just as important. Without the right lighting, the dining room might not look its best, no matter how expensive your furniture is, or how well you’ve decorated your table for mealtime.
In this article, you’ll learn the different types of dining room light fixtures you can choose. You’ll also learn what the best kind of dining room lighting is. With our helpful guide, you can enhance your dining space, uplifting the mood for mealtimes and get-togethers.
What are the Lighting Elements in the Dining Room?
Lighting does not only serve a functional purpose. It also speaks volumes about your style sense and also contributes to the overall “character” of a room.
So, in the dining area, illumination is one key element that lighting must serve. But, it must also complement the furniture. This is why lighting should create “layers” for a complete look. Here are the layers of lighting in a dining area:
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Task Light: This is the lighting above the dining table that lights up the specific area. So, it can be rightfully called area light as well. Pendant lights and chandeliers are some examples of area lights in the dining area.
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Ambient Light: This is the bright light that illuminates the whole room. The fixtures used for this lighting should spread the light evenly to the entire room. Recessed LED lights and chandeliers are some examples of ambient lighting in the dining room.
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Accent Light: Accent lights are used to highlight specific features of a room. In the dining area, a hanging painting on the wall or architectural details could be highlighted using wall sconces or directional spotlights.
Types of Dining Room Lights
Now that you know about the layers, here is an overview of the types of dining room lights that you can use for these layers:
Chandeliers
Chandeliers are decorative light fixtures that are hung from the ceiling. Since chandeliers come in crystal, orbs, candles, and other designs, they are used for both traditional and modern-style dining rooms.
Pendant lights
These are lone light fixtures that are suspended from the ceiling with a chain, cord, or rod. While chandeliers have a central body with arms that branch out to support multiple lights, pendant lights typically have single or two light bulbs.
Sconces
These are wall-mounted light fixtures that can act as a decorative wall element and a light source to highlight artwork and spotlight on mirrors. Wall sconces are accent lights and come in minimalistic and decorative designs.
Recessed lighting
This is lighting that sits flush to the surface installed. It offers a clean, minimalistic look, perfect for ambient lighting. While pendant lights or chandeliers act as a statement piece, recessed lighting can play a supporting role in illuminating the dining area.
Elegant Look With a Central Dining Room Light Fixture
While lighting is an important addition to a dining room, overdoing it might take away the elegance. For instance, an overly bright dining room will not give it the right look. However, this doesn’t mean that your guests sit in the dark while enjoying a meal.
For the right atmosphere, a central dining room light fixture is a must. This could be a low-hanging pendulum or an elegant modern-style chandelier.
How to Choose the Right Chandelier for a Dining Room?
Yiosi Lamp is known for its range of chandeliers that you can choose for any room. But when you’re choosing a fixture for your dining area from our wide range, here are some key tips to keep in mind:
Sizing
Choose a fixture that complements the size of your table. Ideally, your light should measure one-third and at most two-thirds the length of your table. Larger fixtures are like a statement piece in the room and make sure that every seat is illuminated. Just make sure that the room is large enough for the fixture to look elegant.
Shape
The shape of your dining room fixture should complement your table. If you have a rounded table, a rounded chandelier or pendant light with orbs could work well for you. For a rectangular table, consider lighting that is elongated or rectangular in shape.
Hanging Length
Hang the light 60cm above the table. This makes sure that the light is at a safe distance when people stand around the table.
Lumens
For a dining room, 30-40 lumens per square foot is enough. So, if you’re choosing a chandelier for a 100 sq-ft room, your primary light source should have at least 3,000 to 4,000 lumens for great lighting. Anything brighter than this will make the food appear washed out.
Expert tip: A great tip is to choose dimmable, smart lights. With these, you can adjust the atmosphere of your dining room according to the occasion.
How to avoid excessive lighting in the dining room?
If you have a glossy, reflective table, light might reflect on the surface, making the space look overly lit. In this case, low-hanging lamps are not suggested. Choose indirect lights or add a tablecloth over the dining table to make sure that the light doesn’t ruin the atmosphere.
If you’re installing a chandelier, consider choosing one with 30-40 lumens per square foot. If you’re choosing a chandelier with fewer lumens, you can go for recessed lighting installed in a grid-like pattern for even illumination throughout.
You can also install them bordering the room. Keep a distance of at least 6 ft between each to avoid overlighting the dining room.
Dining Room Lighting Tips for Gatherings
If you want to host guests in your dining room, atmospheric dining room lighting is a must. So, while your ambient lighting can illuminate the room and your task lighting can highlight the table, the surrounding area should also be well-lit. Here are some ideas to incorporate subtle light to elegantly spruce up your space:
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Frame on the wall
If you have a painting on the wall, consider illuminating it by using clip-on spotlights.
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Shelf highlight
If you have a shelf, consider adding LED strip lights that run along a shelf.
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Windowsill illumination
Consider placing LED candles on the windowsills or hanging them to appear “magical”. These candles will create a cozy ambiance, perfect for the winter and Christmas celebrations.
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Display cabinet
Add a display cabinet to your dining area with LED spotlights or strips. This lighting will highlight the displayed decor in the cabinet, enriching the look of your dining room.
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Seasonal lighting
Seasonal lighting is a must-have if you’re hosting a holiday party. For Halloween, hollowed-out pumpkins with bulbs, and for Christmas, rounded lighting, similar to tree ornaments, will give it the festive look you desire.
Talk to Yiosilamp for Best Dining Room Light Fixtures
Choosing the right lighting for your dining room can transform it into a warm and inviting space for meals and gatherings. At Yiosi Lamp, we specialize in providing a wide range of dining room lighting ideas to suit every style and need. Whether you're looking for an elegant chandelier, modern pendant lights, or functional recessed lighting, our expert team can help you select the perfect fixtures to enhance your dining area. With our guidance, you can achieve the ideal balance of functionality and aesthetics, creating a dining space that’s as beautiful as it is comfortable. Contact us today to explore our collection and bring your vision to life!
Questions about Dining Room Light
Is warm or cool light better for dining rooms?
Warm white or warm yellow light is a great choice for dining rooms. Warm light creates a welcoming ambiance. 2,700 to 3,000 Klevin warmth is the perfect choice for dining areas. Lights that are too bright can make the food appear washed out.
How to choose the right-shaped light in a dining room?
The shape of your dining room’s light should complement your furniture. If you have a square table, consider a rectangular or square dining light fixture. If you have a rounded table, consider a rounded chandelier to complement it. Make sure that everything is symmetrical and balanced. If there are spotlights on one side of the room for illuminating a frame on the wall, the opposite side of the wall should also be illuminated for a harmonious effect.
Read More:
How to Choose the Perfect Chandelier for Your Dining Room?
How High to Hang a Chandelier Over the Dining Table?
How to Choose the Perfect Dining Room Lighting?
