Interior Design
The 5 Layers of a Well-Lit Dining Room
As a social and functional place, the dining room needs a layered lighting plan to be at its best
1. Light for doing
Seeing the food on your plate is important, and ostensibly why we put chandeliers and pendants above our tables. Surprisingly, however, many dining room chandeliers do a better job of illuminating the ceiling than the table, pushing more light up than down to the table where we need it. A fixture that directs more light down, or a pair of recessed downlights on either side of a pendant, as in the space above, will make it easier to see what’s on your plate.
Choosing and hanging your dining room light
Seeing the food on your plate is important, and ostensibly why we put chandeliers and pendants above our tables. Surprisingly, however, many dining room chandeliers do a better job of illuminating the ceiling than the table, pushing more light up than down to the table where we need it. A fixture that directs more light down, or a pair of recessed downlights on either side of a pendant, as in the space above, will make it easier to see what’s on your plate.
Choosing and hanging your dining room light
2. Light for knowing
You want to read the expressions on the faces of your dinner guests, and light for knowing can provide a soft, ambient layer of light throughout the space. Think about a bathroom mirror with sconces on each side to help illuminate your face. A softly glowing double pendant hanging just above the table can create a similar effect, making conversation more pleasant.
You want to read the expressions on the faces of your dinner guests, and light for knowing can provide a soft, ambient layer of light throughout the space. Think about a bathroom mirror with sconces on each side to help illuminate your face. A softly glowing double pendant hanging just above the table can create a similar effect, making conversation more pleasant.
Additional layers of light for knowing can help you know where you are in a room and how the room is crafted. Cove lighting and recessed lights in niches help establish the dimensions of a room and highlight its architectural features.
3. Light for feeling
Does a candlelit dinner appeal to you? Candles flicker, create smoke, make scary shadows and drip wax all over, but many of us love them nonetheless. We are conditioned to find flames and similar glowing lights comforting and relaxing. A few wall sconces, buffet lamps or accent lamps strategically placed can give you that warm candlelit effect without the hassle and mess of candles.
Does a candlelit dinner appeal to you? Candles flicker, create smoke, make scary shadows and drip wax all over, but many of us love them nonetheless. We are conditioned to find flames and similar glowing lights comforting and relaxing. A few wall sconces, buffet lamps or accent lamps strategically placed can give you that warm candlelit effect without the hassle and mess of candles.
4. Light for changing
We use our dining room table for meals all year long. We also use our dining tables for many things other than eating: Doing work or homework, playing board games, decorating cookies and after-dinner conversation, to name a few. Adding in multiple light sources and using dimmers make it possible to change a room’s lighting to suit your needs and the season.
Browse dining room designs
We use our dining room table for meals all year long. We also use our dining tables for many things other than eating: Doing work or homework, playing board games, decorating cookies and after-dinner conversation, to name a few. Adding in multiple light sources and using dimmers make it possible to change a room’s lighting to suit your needs and the season.
Browse dining room designs
5. Light to tell your story
Every room in our home tells our story by revealing our style, interests and tastes. Choosing a handmade chandelier might reveal your appreciation for craftsmanship. A minimalist pendant might display a preference for modern design. What is important to you? Do your decorative light fixtures reflect your style?
TELL US
Did you find this article helpful? If so, like it, share it, save the photos and tell us how you use timber in your home in the Comments below.
Every room in our home tells our story by revealing our style, interests and tastes. Choosing a handmade chandelier might reveal your appreciation for craftsmanship. A minimalist pendant might display a preference for modern design. What is important to you? Do your decorative light fixtures reflect your style?
TELL US
Did you find this article helpful? If so, like it, share it, save the photos and tell us how you use timber in your home in the Comments below.
Light for doing helps you see the food on your plate. Light for knowing lets you see the faces of your dinner guests. Light for feeling can make your dining room more relaxing and inviting. Light for changing will help you adapt from a romantic dinner to a post-dinner board game. And light to tell a story lets you show off your style and taste.