Dining Room Lighting

We believe home design should be stylish and distinctive. Whether upgrading with a statement-making chandelier or layering in tabletop lighting elements, creating balanced dining room light is the key to a warm, inviting atmosphere. At Lulu and Georgia, our thoughtfully-curated collection of modern dining room light fixtures has pieces perfect for your home. 

Dining rooms are a space to gather for everything from quick bites to leisurely meals—maybe even to do homework with loved ones or catch up on projects. On holidays and special occasions, they transform into the focal point for formal entertaining becoming a showcase for your home design. Such a dynamic space calls for lighting that reflects and elevates your aesthetic while offering a seamless pour of light over the room.  

Not sure what style or design best fits your space when shopping for dining room lights? Don't worry; we have got you covered. Check out the tips below for ideas and inspiration as you select the best lighting elements to buy for your dining space. 

Making A Statement with Hanging Dining Room Light Fixtures  

With any aspect of design, the question is always where to begin. When it comes to dining room light, we want to start with the dining table. Overhead lighting, like a grand dining room chandelier or pair of pendants over your breakfast nook, serves as the primary task light in the space while creating visual impact and setting the tone for a signature aesthetic. A statement-making piece like this Del Chandelier by Regina Andrews can inspire opulence, a woven hanging light can bring breezy coastal charm, the sleek lines of a modern pendant can offer a stunning sense of poise—use the opportunity to help define your look.   

No matter the style, you want to ensure your table is well-lit without being too bright. Overly intense light in your dining room can create a cafeteria effect, making the space feel cold and washed out. Dynamic features like a dimmer switch can be essential if your table doubles as an occasional workspace. Think warmth and balance when selecting dining room light fixtures and the bulbs you put in them.  

The size and arrangement of your dining table light largely depend on the size and shape of the table itself. In general, a hanging dining room light fixture should be suspended about 3' from the top of the table. For longer rectangular and oval tables, you want to leave 6" from the lighting feature to the edge of the tabletop. Multi-light dining room pendants are an on-trend option for large, open spaces—we love this Madrona Linear Pendant Light with its ruffled ceramic shades and eye-catching pop of brass.

For round tables, the fixture should be about ½ to ¾ the diameter of the table. At 26" across, our Anetta Chandelier offers a chic dining room chandelier at the perfect size for round tables that seat 4 to 6. For more tips and visuals, check out our dining room lighting guide. 

Styling Dining Room Light with a Low Ceiling or No Overhead Fixtures

If you have low ceilings in your dining area but still want statement appeal, you might want to keep an eye out for adjustable height pendants or a low-profile chandelier like the Tuen Chandelier, which offers sweeping lines with a compact height. In spaces with ceilings lower than 8', a flush mount light can achieve a similar effect. 

In smaller or less traditional spaces, you may want to work with recessed lighting, or you may not have an option for overhead dining room light fixtures at all. Either way, sconces can save the day, letting you bring in texture and character with plenty of light to fill the room. A plug-in dining room sconce can be a valuable addition to a space without enough light. 

Adding Drama with Accent Lighting and Other Elements

Even if they are not providing the main pool of task light for the room, sconces can still be used to highlight a sideboard or a piece of art. Accent lights like this add depth and dimension to the space and create background warmth when the room is not in use—this can be especially important in a dining nook or open plan layout where the room is always on display.

In other areas of the room, plug-in dining room lights like lamps can offer a versatile accent light as they are easy to place for impact—such as atop a buffet or bar cabinet to show off dishes or vintage glassware. Don’t forget the timeless touch candles bring to your dining table lighting. Simple tapers or candelabra can provide an elegant centerpiece with practical appeal. 

However you style it, dining room lighting allows you the flexibility to showcase the nuances of your design aesthetic. Loved ones and visitors can immediately get a sense of who you are by seeing how you have utilized this essential feature to layer warmth and ambiance into your dining space.

When you shop lighting online at Lulu and Georgia, you'll find pieces that complement the style of your home but also make it feel more elevated. You can choose from our wide selection of modern dining room light fixtures to find the perfect purchase for your project. Check out our dining room inspiration for more ideas on creating stylish everyday living spaces.