Our Top 8 Dining Room Lighting Ideas
Bright ideas for a well-lit space.
We love looking at dining room lighting, because the light fixtures are often the finishing touch of a well designed space. Dining rooms are a place to gather with friends and family, which is why the table needs adequate and stylish lighting. Keep reading below to be inspired by our favorite dining room lighting ideas.
1. Master the Mix: Traditional Meets Glam
There's nothing better than nailing the perfect mix of two styles. Traditional and glam aesthetics are easy to mix, because their differences and similarities balance each other out. If you have a traditional dining room table in a dark wood tone, pair it with glam dining room lighting in a metal material. The ornate details found in traditional furniture are amplified when mixed with intricately designed glam lighting. And the dark wood tones feel balanced next to lustrous textures and plenty of light. We love this particular chandelier because the repeated pattern casts a unique glow over the dining room.
An alternative to a traditional-meets-glam design is to mix rustic and modern styles. These two aesthetics go together for reasons similar to the ones listed up above. A rustic dining table creates a solid foundation for dinner parties. Their large hardwood designs are simple enough that you can hang up modern dining room lighting and let it be the statement piece. Modern chandeliers are known for their bold lines and unique designs. Play with the idea of allowing the lighting to be the focal point of your dining experience.
For small dining room lighting ideas or lighting in a breakfast nook, keep it simple. Because these spaces are typically meant for quick breakfasts or an afternoon cup of tea, you want to keep the area clean and clutter-free. Pair a simple two- or four-person table with a single pendant light. Single pendants are designed to create enough light on their own without needing to be placed in a pair or trio. These lights usually have a simple fabric or glass shade and a design that won't overwhelm a smaller dining area.
A glass pendant is a great clean piece to hang in a colorful dining room. Allow the colors of the wallpaper, tableware, and area rug to take center stage. Glass dining room lighting is soft and subtle, so it won't take away from bold colors and other decor. In fact, glass lighting tends to blend in so well it can fade into the background and let your decor steal the show.
We have a soft spot for all things neutral, which is why a neutral dining room is our favorite setting for hosting friends or indulging in an elaborate meal. Pair light-toned wood and white furniture with equally neutral light fixtures. We love these simple handwoven rope pendant lights because they add a layer of texture to this dining room without detracting from the color palette. If you want to add some shine to a neutral dining room, opt for gold pendant lights instead. They fit in with a neutral palette, but they'll add an interesting metallic layer.
Another great part about a neutral dining room is that you can create colorful seasonal centerpieces or hang a large eye-catching print on the wall. Your furniture and lighting will allow for these unique touches without competing.
For an open-concept kitchen and dining room combo, you may already have plenty of lighting over the kitchen island. To set the dining room apart and add some ambience, create a centerpiece made of candles. We recommend unscented candles for the dining room so the scents don't have to compete with meals. Or opt for fake flames – these are best if you have kids or teens that will be reaching across the table to pass plates around.
Want a dining room that feels inspiring? Opt for natural, organic materials and design styles. We love the way this rattan globe light adds a layer of texture while complementing the round wood table. Because the light fixture is open, it will wash the room in a warm glow, which makes it perfect for meals at any time of day. Keep the natural elements flowing by choosing a ceramic or glass vase for flowers and adding plenty of plants.
While we're going over dining room lighting ideas, it's important to consider what you'll need for a long table. In dining rooms with a table that seats six or more, hang two pendant lights instead of one large chandelier. The room will feel more balanced and the lights will hit each spot at the table equally. These farmhouse-inspired pendants with fabric shades are the perfect finishing touch to accommodate the woven seatbacks, slipcovers, and organic botanicals.
Pro Tip:
Looking for even more dining room lighting ideas and inspiration? Check out our guide How to Pick a Transitional Chandelier.
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