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Dining Room Lighting
Dining room lighting traditionally involves a central chandelier, but not always. Track lighting, collections of pendants, sconces, and pin spots are at home in dining rooms these days.
When a central chandelier is used, its diameter typically is half the diameter of the dining table. Its height should equal two and a half to three inches for every foot of the room's height. For example, a chandelier for a room with 8-foot ceilings should be 20 to 24 inches high; a fixture for a room with 10-foot ceilings should be 25 to 30 inches high.
In most cases, chandeliers should be hung so that the bottom of the fixture is approximately 30 inches above the surface of the table.
When a central chandelier is used, its diameter typically is half the diameter of the dining table. Its height should equal two and a half to three inches for every foot of the room's height. For example, a chandelier for a room with 8-foot ceilings should be 20 to 24 inches high; a fixture for a room with 10-foot ceilings should be 25 to 30 inches high.
In most cases, chandeliers should be hung so that the bottom of the fixture is approximately 30 inches above the surface of the table.
Track lighting is directed toward artwork on either side of this narrow dining space. The light colored walls bounce the light back and forth across the space, illuminating the space evenly. This clever strategy reduces glare and avoids shining light directly into diner's eyes.
This rock crystal chandelier has an antique silver finish. It adds a lovely sparkle to the warm monochromatic color scheme of the room. Frosted bulbs create a diffuse glow that is reflected by the crystals.
Placed at the same height, this gorgeous fixture becomes as much artwork as the paintings in the room. Pin spots illuminate the paintings to give them the same sort of glow. The size, shape, and wood used on the fixture are carefully coordinated with the dining table and chairs.
This collection of pendant lights hangs at a variety of heights over the table. The elongated shape of the pendants provides a nice counterpoint to the round table and fills the space nicely. Small chandeliers can get lost in rooms with high ceilings, but large fixtures can overwhelm smaller rooms. This collection of lights is a delightful solution to these challenges.
In neutral rooms, the light reflected and refracted from crystals adds tiny sparks of color. This enormous chandelier offers a central focus and wall sconces brighten the corners to balance the room's lighting plan.
A decorative medallion helps draw the eye to this crystal chandelier. Light fixtures need to complement rather than conflict with distinctive backgrounds such as these walls.
This massive chandelier hangs high above the table, brightening the room without interfering with the gorgeous views. The exaggerated height of the arms draws eyes up toward the lovely transom windows and create additional drama for the room.
A simple, open chandelier shines against the complex background of this room. Recessed lights and large windows provide plenty of general light, leaving the chandelier to provide a lovely accent.