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Lighting Design Dilemma dining room

Dining Room Cave help

6 years ago

We recently moved into this house. Because of a relocation, we bought the house without stepping foot into it and didn't realize that there wasn't a place for a kitchen table - just a dining room and kitchen island. The island sits 4 people uncomfortably and the dining room is a cave with a light set back too far and

better served in a two-story foyer. I need help with our eating space(s). Here are the photos of the cave. There is very little natural light in the space and definitely does not spark joy.

Comments (4)

hatetoshop
6 years ago
As it's your only dining area, I think you must make the best of it -- a new chandelier (have an electrician move it to the centre of the table), and perhaps some pot lights to brighten up the space.
O A
6 years ago
To start what I would do in your space is to swap in 40 or 60w 2700k led bulbs, Cree is my favorite brand. Play around with bulbs and see if the space may brighten up without feeling drab.

Alternatively you could shop for a new fixture that disperses light more to your liking. Also don't forget paint, a new color that a certain style of light output whether from new bulbs or fixture + bulbs, could compliment.

Natural light is tough to come by and you are right, makes a huge difference in mood when you are in a dark space. My dining room is also dark and my best solution was to go with a new fixture and bulb set up.
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Wow! I'm floored by all the awesome feedback. Thank you all so much for your wonderful ideas and encouragement. There is a lot to think about here and I am feeling so inspired already! I think I am leaning toward repainting. The color feels so murky even by day, I'm just ready for something lighter. The idea of light green is appealing because perhaps I could find something that would allow me to keep my drapes. I'm not feeling ready to make another investment in drapes with young children running around the house. The ideas to paint a neutral color or a light yellow are also tempting. Though, I already have so much cream and khaki and camel in the house my husband calls it "tanland" :) I will definitely look into more fabric in the sheers as well. I have been wanting a buffet/ console, but did not know where to put my cabinet. I'd have to move my table towards the foyer if I wanted to put the cabinet on the same wall as my door. Not enough room behind the table otherwise. I could move the chandelier with it pretty easily, but I'm not sure how I'll feel about the table being off center with the window. Perhaps its time for the cabinet to find a place upstairs. I also love the idea of lamps and gold framed prints that I could change out with the seasons. The rug is the Brice rug from Pottery Barn to the person who asked. It looks like it is no longer available though. There is so much to think about here. Thank you all again for your help. I'm still open for more feedback too if there is anyone who has more to add!
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I use to have BM Golden Straw in my kitchen and hallway. I loved the way it lightened a widowless kitchen. Sorry I don't have any old pics. Here is a link that might be useful: BM Golden Straw
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I have about that size dining room with walkways on all sides. In my previous house, I had a 48" square dining table that I used when we moved in. I bought a 48" round table, it was amazing the difference it made. There are only 3 of us so I just keep 3 chairs around the table on a daily basis. You could do a drop leaf. I am not sure it you could find one in a style that would go with your house. I have 2 drop leafs that I use around the house and bring out when I need more tables for company but they are both Duncan Phyfe antiques. Another option would be a round with a leaf or two that expands for family. You'll be amazed how a round fits the space better. Something about cutting off those sharp corners make it easier to maneuver through the rooms.
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I'm really liking the Capitol White. I think it would look really good in the living/dining area. Here is one picture of some sample boards. Not really large enough to show context, but it works with the space. My concern is I think it might not play nice with the color in the kitchen. Truth be told, I'm not in love with the kitchen color but I don't want to repaint. I've uploaded a photo of the sample boards in the kitchen. Last picture of downstairs bedroom. The plan would be whatever color is in the living room/dining area would flow up the stairwell. So I'd like the new color to play nice with bedroom color. I think it does. Finishing the stairwell massive painting project is next, and then I can get the flooring all put in and be done with the downstairs. I also have sampled out a few other whites too, but will save those for later.
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O A
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Having one more look at your photo, don't rule out the idea of removing that light fixture and possibly going with two light fixtures instead. However, the fact that it's set back that far to begin with has me a bit intrigued. Why did the builder do that in the first place...is there a joist in the way, etc.

Another simple idea would be a swag type light fixture to replace that one.

That would allow the junction box where the light is installed now to remain in position while being able to effectively hang your new fixture further away from that back wall.
Kathy Yata
6 years ago
I love your dining room. Central to the house with nice built ins to make it cozy and the table and rug are very nice. The chandelier is putting most light to the ceiling so the table is dim. Find another fixture that allows more light to focus on the table. You can put really big LED bulbs in as the rating is for watts and incandescent watts translate to a whole lot of LED lumens.

Not sure chandelier placement is the problem. The 3 small chests are wasting a lot of space and taking up room the chairs need. Either put all on one wall or better move them out. You have the built ins, use them to store whatever is in the chests.

If you really need more storage in that room consider putting in low shallow bookcases then hang your art work above with track lighting above.

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