When it comes to enjoying meals at home with family or friends, the dining room is a special place for making memories. So, of course, you want to rev up your space with beautiful lighting. But do you choose the perfect light fixture?
Several things may impact a decision from the shape and size of your table to the number of lumens or watts you may need to set the right mood, especially if your space is a multi-use spot for various activities like crafting or homework. To help you illuminate things, we gathered our favorite tips and ideas for dining room lighting.
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Shabby Chic Chandelier
To make this casual dining room that gets used daily feel more special for formal occasions, Amy Leferink at Interior Impressions installed an Italian-inspired chandelier. The shabby chic fixture elevates the space without leaving a fussy impression. Tip: Chandeliers that use multiple bulbs can emit lots of light. Installing a dimmer switch will allow you to control brightness.
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Branch Chandelier
In this impossibly chic dining room by Laura Brophy of Brophy Interiors, a ceiling medallion anchors this branching chandelier. The fixture's sinewy brass limbs and handblown glass globes refine the room without overpowering the rest of the decor.
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Crystal Chandelier
When remodeling this home, the objective for interior designer Charlie Interior Design was to create a cozy space with a modern edge. To achieve the goal in the dining room, Charlie installed a stunning crystal chandelier. Its sleek appearance has a less is more vibe that is just dressy enough for the modernist-inspired space.
Tip: Long light fixtures like this one work best centered over lengthy tabletops that seat more than six people.
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Linear Chandelier
Who says chandeliers have to be all glam and glitz? Here, a linear example positioned perfectly over a wooden dining table is a stylish gesture that does not overwhelm this neutral space by Cathie Hong.
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Sleek Modern Pendants
When transforming this previously unfinished space into something stylish and functional, Amy Leferink at Interior Impressions made distinct choices to make the space feel more like home. For the dining area, she chose three sleek modern pendants for the lighting, creating balance in a sophisticated way.
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Modern Branch Statement Piece
When simplicity is key, consider something like this modern branch chandelier. It's smaller than the average branch chandelier, creating something that is as artistic as it is functional.
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Glass Chandelier
Taking center stage in this dining room by Ashley Montgomery Design is a glass chandelier from Elte. The 33.5-inch long fixture is the perfect length for the six-seat dining room table.
Tip: Keep chandeliers or pendant lighting out of your face by installing at least 30 inches over the table.
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Retro Hourglass Chandelier
This stylish dining room by Cathie Hong combines neutral colors and bold nature artwork framed behind the table with a retro hourglass chandelier that takes you back in time.
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Vintage Warehouse Lighting
Vintage warehouse lighting can give a casual dining spot a functional makeover. Here, a couple of old-timey fixtures pepper on personality in a space designed by Amy Leferink at Interior Impressions. Tip: Many pendants lights like these can use dimmable 300-watt incandescent bulbs.
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Glass Bubble Chandelier
Wow-worthy lighting does not have to cost a small fortune. While a light fixture like the one in this beautiful dining room by Britt Design Studio can cost thousands of dollars, the Bubble Glass Orb Chandelier by World Market is a pitch-perfect knockoff that costs less than $200.
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Midcentury Chandelier
Unlike Edison bulbs, Mason jars, and sponge-painted walls; Midcentury-inspired lighting withstands décor trends. This sleek gold statement piece proves our point. The fixture in this dining room designed by Cathie Hong is both understated and eye-catching. To show off the fabulous lighting in this casual dining room, white walls and ceiling make the piece pop.
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Ornate and Elaborate Chandelier
Want to hang something fancy over a rustic table? An ornate and elaborate chandelier pours on the drama in this modern farmhouse-inspired dining room by Ashley Montgomery Design.
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Glass and Metal Pendant Lights
Design: Arlyn Hernandez for EHD/ Photo: Sara Ligorria-Tramp
You can find sophisticated lighting to buy at unexpected places. Arlyn Hernandez designed this moody, eclectic dining room—and the finishing touch? The Regent Chandelier from Schoolhouse. The exposed wiring in the chandelier is perfect for rooms that are more on the vintage or eclectic side.
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Stunning Pendant Light
Design: Emily Henderson / Photo: Tessa Neustadt
The adaptable Zettel's 5 Chandelier by Lumens adds some intrigue to a modern dining room by Emily Henderson We love this fixture for its easily interchangeable assets—the sheets of paper can be switched out to fit any type of color scheme.
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Wood Bead Chandelier
The crowning jewel in this dining room by Amy Leferink at Interior Impressions is a tan beaded chandelier. The addition flows well with the neutral color palette, yet makes quite an elegant impression. Layering light in a room using different fixtures will help you create a more functional and comfortable space.
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Classic Cage Style Lighting
Understated elegance best describes this gorgeous cage light pendant shown in this dining room decorated by Charbonneau Interiors. The fixture adds shine to the room's quiet palette.
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Match Things Up
If you are gaga for geometric decor, opt for a pendant light fixture like this one featured in a dining room designed by Brophy Interiors. The black and white statement piece perfectly unites the dining room with the living room, making the whole space feel like an extension.
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Modern Farmhouse Lighting
Design: Emily Henderson / Photo: Sara Ligorria-Tramp
Adding a bit of brass is a perfect way to modernize a farmhouse setup. This brass light fixture—The Lester 3 Pendant in brass— adds the right amount of rustic charm to the neutral dining area. Unlike some light fixtures, it hangs further down, closing the gap between the ceiling and table.
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Faceted Orb Pendant Light
Fresh paint, wall art, and a set of glass orb light pendants were the crucial ingredients in this dining room update by Becca Interiors.
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Modo Chandelier
Globe lighting is simple, elegant, and timeless. That is why we are fascinated with the chandelier in this casual and hip dining room by Ashley Montgomery Design The industrial-inspired light fixture adds a little edge to the contemporary space.
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Wicker Lighting
You don't have to stick with metal or glass to make a lasting impression with your lighting. Infusing a room with natural elements and earthy textures will warm up your space. This woven light fixture in a dining room designed by Calimia Home brings a natural feel to the space.
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DIY Orb Lighting
Design: Velinda Hellen for EHD/ Photo: Veronica Crawford
Adding unique and stylish lighting for your dining room doesn't have to break the bank. There are some remarkable DIY options—including this example by Velinda Hellen for EHD. She created an orb chandelier based on schematics by Orlando Soria (appropriately named Orb-lando!). Using galvanized wire and a light bulb, the results give a modern vibe to the space.
A single bulb light fixture may not give off enough lighting for a dining room, so adding additional light sources is a good idea.
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Paper Lantern
For a comforting, more relaxed vibe in your dining space, your lighting should also match those descriptors. A paper lantern does the trick in this space designed by Afro Bohemian Living. The lantern adds a boho flair that we absolutely love.
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Black Mod Lighting
Design: Velinda Hellen for EHD/ Photo: Sara Ligorria-Tramp
Adding a dose of modern to a neutral dining room designed by Velinda Hellen for EHD, this black mod pendant is a perfect accent.
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Oversized Lantern
An oversized saucer lantern brings a colorful dining room to the next level in this home designed by Calimia Home. Additional pieces such as the abstract artwork exude a bit of luxury without conveying stuffiness.
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Sputnik Chandelier
The sputnik chandelier gives this colorful, eclectic room by Britt Design Studio a futuristic twist. This fixture features funky spokes, globe bulbs, and an antique brass finish.