Asked on Dec 02, 2015
Dining room lighting ideas
by
Melissa R.
+37
We recently put in new floors, windows, and moulding, but I'm having trouble choosing the "right" ceiling light for the dining room.
The room is 9 ft x 11 ft with a 7.5 ft ceiling. It is adjacent, and open to our sunken living room which has a vaulted ceiling.
Our dining table is 53" diameter, and not centered in the room. A new light fixture will need to be swagged (will that look awkward?) if it is a hanging style.
The floor is porcelain tile, and I can't put a rug in there because it would be too hard to keep clean (grandkids, dog hair, mud, etc.).
I've looked at thousands of lights, literally (on line as well as in stores), but I just don't know what's the right fit for the room, both style and size-wise.
The room is 9 ft x 11 ft with a 7.5 ft ceiling. It is adjacent, and open to our sunken living room which has a vaulted ceiling.
Our dining table is 53" diameter, and not centered in the room. A new light fixture will need to be swagged (will that look awkward?) if it is a hanging style.
The floor is porcelain tile, and I can't put a rug in there because it would be too hard to keep clean (grandkids, dog hair, mud, etc.).
I've looked at thousands of lights, literally (on line as well as in stores), but I just don't know what's the right fit for the room, both style and size-wise.
View from the living room
View frim living room, showing doorway into kitchen
Sideboard table and decor
Dining chair upholstery
Dining room drapes
Another view from the living room (Christmas decorating in progress...)
21 answers
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There are guidelines to follow when choosing a dining room chandelier. The diameter should be around 10" in from all sides of the table and it should be hung about 30" higher than the table height. Your ceiling height is 90" so, bearing this in mind, your light should be no longer than 30" from bottom to the top, where it attaches to the ceiling. A round chandelier would work best for your table and since your area is compact, I would not choose a bulky design. Swagging the chain over to the table center is not a big deal so don't worry about that. A simple design like this will keep the feeling light and airy. http://smile.amazon.com/Empress-Crystal-Chandelier-Chandeliers-Lighting/dp/B00VJ1DEWU/ref=sr_1_65?s=lamps-light&ie=UTF8&qid=1449107698&sr=1-65&keywords=Chandelier&refinements=p_36%3A1253530011%2Cp_n_feature_twelve_browse-bin%3A5740611011%7C5740612011
MaryStLouis
on Dec 02, 2015
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You have some wonderful furniture pieces so you would need something to anchor the dining room. You have a round table so a round light fixture would look great. Nothing too glitzy for this room. A drum type light would look great and add some texture and interest to your room.
Valerie W
on Dec 03, 2015
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How 'bout this combination of the two you mentioned? It is a little glitzy, but..... ;) Also, ceiling mount or hanging lower? Thank you for your input! It is much appreciated! :)
Melissa R.
on Dec 03, 2015
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My DR light is off center too, about 8 " we just put a hook, painted color of ceiling in and "swag" the gold link chain it comes on, nobody even notices really. It look fine.
K
on Dec 03, 2015
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there is a person on etsy that sells the most beautiful lights. go to "yehudalight" and look at all the glorious lights he has. good luck
Peppi
on Dec 03, 2015
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We just added this to a small room & LOVE it. They have it in white & many styles, & sizes to choose from. I think the bit of bling would spice your room up. :) Also, when you choose, I'd bring it down some. Not flush to the ceiling.
Mickey Baron
on Dec 03, 2015
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I have a swag chandelier. If you are comfortable with it, no one notices. They aren't as uncommon as most people think. Also, you have some wonderful pieces mixing a variety of styles. Go to a few places, in store and online, and see what "speaks" to you. Look on websites like Crate and Barrel and Ethan Allen- while their prices can be outrageous, similiar styles can be found at affrordable prices. I prefer clean lines (not necessarily modern, but more transitional/ traditional) to go with the furniture.
Mir Graham
on Dec 03, 2015
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I seems you have a touch of black here and there, I'd be tempted to add that to your light fixture too. Since your dining room table/chairs are leaning towards a craftsman style, I'd avoid too much glitz with dangling prisms. Here is my suggestion: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/235664992971782308/
Barbara
on Dec 03, 2015
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A little glitz is okay. Hopefully this works.
Valerie W
on Dec 03, 2015
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I have the same issue my light was installed in the center of the room with table off center under it. I'm thinking of putting small Dimmable pot lights. With buffet lamps on the side board. I did find if I put my table at an angle it isn't as noticeable. If you have it where you only need to move it a small distance to achieve center you might be able to use a medallion or something else to disguise the ceiling damage that would happen when you moved the electrical box.
Thebakers47
on Dec 03, 2015
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We have a similar arrangement, with a bright light set nearly flush in the ceiling. We almost never use it; it's unflattering and too bright. Instead we stick a bunch of candles (on tea-lights in jars) on the table and around the room and a couple of lamps on the sideboard. I also put an LED rope light around the edge of the ceiling one Christmas to cast a warm glow, and we like it so much we left it up permanently. (you could test this look quickly with a string of Christmas lights). Dinner surrounded by soft light is instantly cozy and relaxing. Suggest you leave your light where it is for the odd occasion you need bright light, but hide it in the dark when you're dining.
Martin S.
on Dec 03, 2015
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I love love love this one.... but hate hate hate the price. ;)
Melissa R.
on Dec 04, 2015
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You seen to be a cross between shabby chic and new country -- have you seen the ceiling lights they make from mason jars -- really cool. Lowes carries a hanging lamp that looks like mason jars. Very different.
Georgia Lyman
on Dec 04, 2015
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Hometownevolution.com has some pretty and different lights...check them out!
Alita Knupp Kiss
on Dec 04, 2015
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you are welcome. maybe you could use one somewhere else in your house.
Peppi
on Dec 04, 2015
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Can 'uplights' work very nice especially if you want to create a 'mood' to the room when in us or just looking over at it from the living room. Also you do not need to 'swag' an overhead if it is not too gaudy, it can be off centered and work fine.
Johnchip
on Dec 07, 2015
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You need to make a statement with your light over that table to help anchor that room. Try digging around on LampsPlus.com, Wayfair, or Hayneedle. I bet you can find just exactly what you want. There are sales running at all three sites. Also try Antique Farm House http://www.antiquefarmhouse.com/metal-sphere-chandelier.html. I've seen several there that are similar to your picture above but less expensive. Their sales change from day to day. Sign up for their emails. May also try: https://shop.magnoliamarket.com/collections/lighting/products/black-metal-candelabra?variant=1452043844
Burrgmb
on Dec 10, 2015
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I saw a huge ball of grapevine that has string lights entwined its magical over sized too but very dramatic and for sure a statement. low energy too now with the pretty fairy lights with copper wire and setting controls would look so pretty up there and mimic the round table as well
Azure Muse
on Dec 11, 2015
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I think you should use something that is in a silver and one of the lights that is long and maybe in an s shape that would take care of that not being centered. Make sure it is not to small as it is a dining room. I would also paint the chairs to match the table and leave the top of the table the oak to match your sideboard. Hope it all works out when you decide make sure you put in on so we can see what you decided on!!!
Carole Bisby
on Dec 11, 2015
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Go to Pinterest or here to see some more lighting ideas... http://www.hometalk.com/b/660590/you-light-up-my-life
Jean Thompson
on Dec 13, 2015
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I see an industrial style in black with clear glass crystals, or even Amber colored crystals. Doesn't have to hang, can be flush with the ceiling. Can be easily DIY with plumbing PVC, or galvanized metal
Lisa House
on Dec 13, 2015
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