Whether you’re designing a formal or informal dining room in your home, choosing the right lighting can make all the difference in how the space looks and feels. There are many steps you can take to ensure you choose the best fixture. Below are a few tips for your decorative lighting selection.

A Guide to Decorative Lighting for Dining Areas

1. Center the Chandelier

Whether you go with a traditional chandelier or a pendant light fixture, make sure it’s centered over the table. This may not be the center of the room, particularly if you have other furniture to work around, like a china cabinet or buffet.

2. Complement Your Table

If you have a round table, a linear light fixture is jarring. Instead, choose a round or globe chandelier—traditional or modern—to mirror the table shape. For square or rectangular tables, opt for something in that shape, or go with pendant lighting that extends the length of the table.

3. Select the Right Size & Height

Decorative lighting should not engulf your table. A general rule of thumb is to choose a chandelier that’s about 12 inches smaller than your table in each direction. As for hanging the fixture, leave at least 30 to 36 inches from the bottom of the chandelier to the table.

4. Opt for Dimmers

To ensure your decorative lighting is both beautiful and functional, install dimmers. This way, you can have brighter light when needed—like when the kids are eating a messy meal—and you can dim the lights when you want to set the mood for a romantic dinner.

5. Add Layers

Even with a dimmer, odds are your chandelier won’t offer enough light for your dining room. To adequately light the space, add recessed lighting or wall sconces. You could also place a table lamp on a buffet or other furniture in the room.

Choosing decorative lighting for the dining areas in your home can be a challenge. Let the experts at Palette Studios assist you with finding the right chandelier or lamps for your Cincinnati, OH, home. They also do custom lighting and repairs to help you address any existing issues you have. Visit their website for more information or call (513) 961-1316.