Dining room lighting ideas and recommendations

Long gone are the years when the mistress of the house toiled in the tiny kitchen preparing dinner for the family under the dim light of a single lamp that illuminated the entire room, including the dining area. Today, if space permits, an open kitchen is in vogue, which will find a place not only for cooking, but also for lunches and dinners.

Therefore, the requirements for lighting in the dining room have increased. A varied range of available lighting options will help shape the model to fit over the dining table. Modern lamps meet both aesthetic and functional requirements.

The type of lamp and the location of the light above the dining table are the most important point to pay attention to when planning your interior dining area design.

The lamp above the dining table is designed to make meals comfortable, and, in addition, it can emphasize the isolation of the dining area if the kitchen is combined with the living room.

Choosing a pendant lamp above the table in the dining area

Choosing the right lighting fixture is of great importance both to ensure the comfort of using the room and table, and to complement the interior design and create the right mood. How to choose the right lamp for the dining room, what to look for and what to pay attention to?

  •  The ceiling pendant lamp above the dining table can be made in various styles. The most common models can be divided into classic pendants and lamps above the table:
    • Short;
    • Long;
    • Adjustable;
    • Single pendant;
    • Multi pendant;
  •  It should be also noted that it is not the size of the lamp in the dining area that matters - it is important to choose the right power of the light source and even a small structure can illuminate the area well and create an intriguing mood.
Choosing a lamp shade

A pendant above the dining table enhances the individuality of the area and creates a pleasant atmosphere. Its role is also to enhance the beauty of the tableware and food served. With this type of lighting, the lampshade is extremely important.

  •  It is preferable to choose a design that is open downward.
  •  There are various lampshades:
    • Solid and open;
    • Made of glass, plastic, metal, fabric and other materials;
    • Made in different styles and colours - from classic to ultramodern;
    • Variously sized;
  •  For directional light, choose a lighting fixture with an opaque shade, such as thick fabric or metal. Such lamps in the dining room will come in handy if we create a multifunctional interior, and the table will be used not only for eating, but also for work.
  •  If you choose a transparent lampshade, such as glass or clear plastic, you get diffused light that is softer and therefore creates a more cozy atmosphere at the dining table.
  •  You can also opt for a chandelier - a lighting fixture that is used as a general light source. In its classic form, chandelier is an excellent light source in classic dining rooms with high ceilings. What if we want to use this type of lamp with a lower or standard ceiling? Chandeliers are ideal for dining rooms. Perfectly modeling the interior, they are able to visually increase or decrease it - this is a very useful advantage, especially in disproportionately high rooms.
  •  If you choose a chandelier with an upward-facing light source and an open shade, you get diffused light directed towards the ceiling, which optically increases the height of the room.
  •  If you've opted for a long pendant chandelier with lampshades that direct the light onto the table or floor, the beam of light will visually reduce the height of the room.
  •  A chandelier with a completely transparent lampshade or one devoid of a lampshade will give a strong, unscattered light to the whole dining room.
Matching a kitchen lamp to the shape of the table in the dining area

Lighting fixtures in the dining room can perfectly model the space and influence the character of the interior. Their size, shape, number and hanging height should be related to both the decorating concept and the shape and size of the dining table. How do you choose the right model?

  •  A pendant with one lamp and with a rounded shape is perfect for a round table;
  •  If the dining table is rectangular, then several separate lamps or one pendant lamp with many points of light are better suited to it.
Height of lamps above the table
  •  Correct positioning of the lamp over a dining table is also very important. The height of the light source above the table, depending on the size of the table top should follow the points below:
    • If the table is of standard width, then the light source should be placed at a distance of 50-60 cm from the table top;
    • if the tabletop is wider or the lamp is larger, then the height can be increased to 75-90 cm;
Matching a lighting to your interior style

Simple geometric shapes of pendants in glass, steel or other metal housings are ideal for modern lighting. Let's consider how to match the style of the lamp to the style of the interior.

  •  For a minimalistic interior. The minimalist character of the interior will not be disturbed by the use of several lamps of the same type or a multi-point model with several points of light in the dining area.
  •  For a kitchen with avant-garde design, functional lighting fixtures with LED technology are the latest trend in interior design, while their decorative value and usefulness are undeniable! The modern shape of the lighting fixtures is dedicated to modern and minimalist interiors, they are characterized by exceptional energy efficiency and their spectacular, diffused light attracts many supporters.
  •  Lighting elements made of steel or metal in various colors complement the industrial and Scandinavian interior of a dining area.
  •  For a retro style interior, it is worth purchasing a lamp with an avant-garde design reminiscent of the style of the 60s.
  •  A chandelier is suitable for a kitchen in the style of glamuor, shabby chic or modern classics. You can choose from a classic dining lamp with brass fittings or a modern version in colored plastic or glass.
  •  In an eclectic setting that deliberately mixes styles, don't be afraid of daring challenges.
Additional tips and ideas

Pendant lights and chandeliers complement each other and alternatively illuminate the dining area and its individual parts. An interesting form of execution, a combination of materials and colors allow us to choose lighting that meets our expectations and is ideal for the type of dining room in terms of style.

Pendant lights are recommended for people who value functionality and traditional solutions. They can be in different styles: glamorous, modern, minimalist, loft, country and others. Such light sources play an important decorative role, help create a unique atmosphere in every dining room and emphasize the individual character of the interior.

Thanks to the ability to shorten the cord and suspension of a lighting, the height can be adjusted to suit almost any dining area. Also, many models allow you to adjust the tilt of the lampshade and the direction of the light to illuminate and highlight the selected space, such as a counter top or attractive parts of the dining room.