The dining room is a special place for making memories and enjoying meals at home with family or friends. It’s where we eat, chat and bond over good food and unforgettable moments. Dining is the ideal opportunity for family to catch up and spend time together. You certainly want to make that experience perfect in every way. The right lighting can help you create the perfect ambiance and set the tone for every meal.
The Lighting Size & Position
Choose a chandelier that is properly proportional to the size of the dining table. The diameter of a dining room chandelier should be about one-half to two-thirds the width of the table. A chandelier that is too big for the space can feel overwhelming, while a one that’s too small can feel mediocre. Remember that the style and visual weight of your lighting also plays a role. A lighting fixture with a heavy, decorative style can be a bit smaller, while a more delicate lighting fixture can be a little wider than the rules indicate.
Your chandelier or pendant lamp should be hanged in the center of the dining table with the bottom of your light fixtures should be 76 to 86 cm above the table. These guidelines are meant to keep your guests from bumping their head to the lighting fixtures when they are rising from their seats.
Layer lighting
When you are creating your dining room lighting plan, it’s important to use an array of different types of lighting. A single source of light can’t meet all your needs. "My best advice whatever you're doing, whatever you want to achieve, is to create three layers of lighting; ambient, task and accent," says Patricia Rizzo Design Program Manager of the Lighting Research Center. Lighting designers use three layers of light; ambient, accent, and task lighting to enhance a room’s visual appeal, where each type of lighting has a particular function to fulfill.
Ambient Lighting
The ambient lighting, also referred to as the “general lighting”, is the foundation of a dining room lighting scheme. It gives your room overall illumination in a soft, natural way. Your ambient light should offer an adequate level of brightness without creating a harsh glare. There are many lighting fixtures that can provide you with flattering ambient light. A chandelier is a tried and true standard for dining table lighting. It can make a big statement in your room, making every meal a little more luxurious. From minimalist designs to ornate crystal chandeliers, they can fit all types of decor.
Accent Lighting
Accent lighting is the second layer of light, also referred to as the “highlighting lighting”. It draws attention to your interiors such as architecture, artwork, sculpture or any other features that can’t be highlighted just with ambient lighting. Accent lighting creates visual interest and contrast, ensuring that the focus is always where you want it. The types of lighting fixtures typically used for accent lighting include wall sconces, track light and recessed light.
Task lighting
The final layer of lighting design is task lighting. It’s meant to provide illumination for specific tasks performed in an area without distracting glare and shadows. Whether you are working to meet a tight deadline, or the kids are doing their homework, task lighting can make the dining room table the perfect place to focus. It’s designed to accommodate working and studying by removing distracting shadows and minimizing eye strain. Lamps are one of the commonly used task lighting options.
Setting the scene
The dining room lighting can set the tone for your day There’s a light for every need and activity. A dimmer soft light is suitable for a romantic meal to create an enchanting vibe while allowing your dining ware, flowers and food, to shine. While a warmer light is suitable for a cozy family gathering to create welcoming and soothing ambiance in your dining space.
The dining room is the heart of the home. It’s a special place for making cherished memories. A proper dining room lighting can give you the ideal ambiance whether you’re gathering around the table for an everyday meal with family, throwing an epic dinner party or getting some late-night work done.