Dining Room lighting help

Sue Jordan
by Sue Jordan
The current chandelier is located in the center of the room, lined up with the center of windows on the 2 outside windows. The 2 inside walls of the room have doorways to other areas, thus making that side of the room difficult to use (so it is best to have the table off center in the room. Would it be best to move the chandelier to center over table or not worry about the fact that it is offset from the center of the table?
  6 answers
  • Sherry M. Sherry M. on Feb 10, 2014
    Would moving the light will require ceiling repair? That can be pricey if you can't DIY it (ie. popcorn or another texture type). My Dining Room light is off center, same problem with layout as you, and it works fine for us. It looks a little wonky at first but after awhile you don't even notice it.
    • Diane Woods Diane Woods on Feb 12, 2014
      @Sherry M. Moving the light would require ceiling repair, but doesn't cost very much. I'm guessing a handyman could probably do the electrics and wall repair for approximately $200, Consider if what you want to change in your home is specific to you, or if it's something that anyone that lives in that home would need/value if you make the change. If it's adding something to the livability, it's adding value to the home and you can justify the expense.
  • Diane Woods Diane Woods on Feb 10, 2014
    As a real estate agent I know clients are expecting things (for the most part), symetrical, in order, making sense, etc. That means if you plan to sell in the near future leaving it in the center would probably be most acceptable. However, if you plan to be in the house for awhile, you need light more for the function than asthetics. it possible to put the chandelier on a longer chain, then you can put a hook above the table to connect for lighting without moving electricity. If you do permantently move the chandelier above the table, then balance the room with lighting on the other side too. Then you don't have a dark side to the room. One other option is to change it to something else that might have directional lighting that you can aim and light up different parts of the room.
  • Sue Jordan Sue Jordan on Feb 10, 2014
    Thank you so much for your ideas.
  • Janel Hutton Janel Hutton on Feb 10, 2014
    Perhaps you could use a chandelier with a chain? Leaving the base as it is and simply adding a strong hook to hang it where it seems best?
  • Jim L Jim L on Feb 12, 2014
    @Move the chandelier! If it is off-center to you, it will be off center to anyone else who is in this house. DO NOT use the "swag-chain"! If the ceiling is smooth and cannot be easily repaired, do a square "frame" on the ceiling slightly smaller that your table and put wallpaper inside it.
  • Sue Jordan Sue Jordan on Feb 15, 2014
    Thanks to all for your comments.