9 Dining Room Lighting Ideas
Dining room lighting for every style.
Whether you prefer serving a home-cooked meal or hosting holiday celebrations, dining room lighting can set the tone for the evening. There are several types of lighting that can add a welcoming ambience to your dining room – from candle-style chandeliers to glass pendants. We've put together a list of nine dining room lighting ideas to help you choose the best lighting fixture for your space, as well as how to differentiate between various types of dining room lighting.
Types of Dining Room Lighting
When choosing lighting for your dining room, it's important to consider the size of the dining room and the dining table to create a proportional look. We've outlined the most popular types of dining room lighting below.
Chandeliers: Chandeliers are a classic option for dining room lighting ideas. This type of lighting provides plenty of light and adds an elegant glow to the dining room. Chandeliers come in several different styles to suit any space – from rustic wagon wheel silhouettes to timeless torchiere designs.
Pendant Lighting: Pendant lighting draws the eye upward and brings a touch of decorative flair to any dining room. A single pendant light above the table creates a simple statement while multiple pendant lights are ideal for larger dining rooms.
Flush Mount Lighting: Flush mount and semi-flush mount lighting hangs close to the ceiling with little to no space between the fixture and the ceiling. This type of compact lighting is best for small dining rooms or dining rooms with low ceilings.
Wall Sconces: With both hardwired and plug-in options, wall sconces are mounted on the wall. Sconces come in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit your dining room. Wall sconces are great for illuminating artwork or providing additional lighting above a bar cart or sideboard.
Table Lamps: Table lamps are a great addition to dining rooms. Often placed on sideboards or console tables, table lamps add a layer of ambient lighting to the space.
Dining Room Lighting Ideas
The right lighting creates a focal point above the dining table and anchors the space with a warm, inviting glow. We've gathered easy ways to elevate your dining space with nine dining room lighting ideas.
Choose a Candle-Style Chandelier
Add a timeless touch to a farmhouse dining room with a candle-style chandelier. The classic silhouette brings a nostalgic feel to the practical farmhouse table and dining chairs. For farmhouse dining room lighting ideas, look for chandeliers with classic features, such as curved arms or beaded detailing. Choose a chandelier with aged iron arms and a distressed wood base to match the laid-back feel. Or opt for a steel candle-style chandelier with a dark bronze finish and curved accents for a more traditional look.
Pro Tip:
Not sure what size chandelier would fit best? Read our guide How to Find the Right Chandelier Size (& Where to Place It) for tips on finding the right size and placement.
Go for a Wagon Wheel Chandelier
Cast a cozy glow over a rustic dining table. For dining room lighting ideas, we love the look of a wagon wheel chandelier. With several sheer glass shades, wagon wheel chandeliers provide plenty of overhead light. The round shape pairs nicely with circular or long rectangular dining tables. Try a steel wagon wheel chandelier with a matte black finish for a touch of classic style. Or opt for a wagon wheel chandelier with a distressed wood frame to add just the right amount of rustic appeal.
Create a statement with a pair of matching pendant lights. The symmetrical look anchors the dining room and works well with long rectangular dining tables. For traditional-style dining rooms, pick pendant lights with long-lasting appeal, such as handblown glass and durable metal bases. We love how seeded glass shades add visual interest and create a more diffused glow above the dining table. The opening at the top of the light makes changing lightbulbs easy.
Pro Tip:
When installing multiple pendant lights, we recommend leaving at least 24" between each pendant light to give each light plenty of space.
Pick an Empire Chandelier
Bring in a touch of relaxed coastal style with a rustic empire chandelier. Empire chandeliers are made from rods or strings of beads that hang from the upper canopy to create a draped effect.
For coastal dining room lighting, opt for a galvanized metal frame and wooden beads to evoke a sense of laid-back beach house appeal. The aged bronze finish and beaded curtain add a touch of natural texture to the dining space. We recommend choosing a dimmable chandelier so that you can easily adjust the lighting as dinner goes on.
One of our favorite dining room lighting ideas is a lantern pendant. The geometric style adds structure while the slim metal frame makes the space above the table feel open. The adjustable chain and dimmable lights make this type of dining room lighting a versatile option that can be customized for the best fit. Pick a lantern pendant with a shiny brass finish for an eye-catching touch, or opt for a matte black finish to incorporate a bit of practical farmhouse style.
Farmhouse dining rooms are well known for their warmth and comfort. For dining room lighting ideas, try an oversized pendant to create a focal point above a farmhouse table. Choose a pendant light with simple details to keep the space well-balanced. Look for subtle silhouettes and geometric shapes that will complement the shape of the dining table and chairs. Pick a pendant with a semi-sheer shade and clean lines to add a touch of soft ambience over a farmhouse dining table. We love how the tapered drum draws the eye up and makes the ceilings look taller.
Dining room lighting is one of the best ways to create an inviting ambience. Add a bit of traditional style with a shaded chandelier. Opt for a drum chandelier with a shade that wraps around the entire fixture for a streamlined design, or choose a shaded chandelier with a torchiere silhouette and tapered fabric shades to create an elegant look. Fabric shades can gather dust over time. Simply wipe the fabric shades with a dry microfiber cloth to keep the shades looking fresh. The drum shades give off a soft diffused light that's ideal for enjoying a meal with loved ones.
Pro Tip:
We recommend leaving between 30" and 36" of space between the top of the dining table and bottom of the chandelier.
Install a Pair of Sconces
Complement overhead dining room lighting with a set of wall sconces. Sconces are a great way to layer lighting and highlight different aspects of a dining room, such as an arrangement of wall art or a buffet-style set up. Choose a pair of shaded wall sconces to softly illuminate a gallery wall. Or pick a swing arm sconce with a metal shade to cast a direct glow over a sideboard. Look for wall sconces with adjustable arms or dimmable lights for added versatility.
Pro Tip:
We suggest hanging sconces about 60" from the floor since most people will be seated in the dining room. If you're installing a wall sconce above a sideboard or near a mantel, place the sconces slightly higher to complement the height of the furniture.
Layer Lighting With a Table Lamp
Table lamps are a great way to layer dining room lighting ideas. Place a table lamp on top of a console table or a sideboard to provide additional lighting. Opt for a clear glass base for a classic coastal dining room, or an artisan-inspired ceramic base to add a bit of natural texture. Choose a table lamp with a fabric shade to create a soft even glow that works well with any type of overhead dining room lighting. Fabric shades are easy to care for. Use a clean microfiber cloth to gently wipe away any dust.
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