How to Choose the Perfect Lighting for a Dining Room

The dining room is a place where homeowners oftentimes are at a dilemma on what style of lighting to choose from. So much attention to details had been put in by a lot of homeowners to their dining room lighting because they want it to be the center of attention. A dining room, no matter what the size is,becomes a center during dinner time for the family as well as guests so choosing the right fixture that becomes its jewelry is necessary. A dining room light should be functional and attractive at the same time. People are sometimes at odds whether to choose form over function or vice versa. Luckily, with so many options to choose from, one doesn't have to choose between the two for nowadays, they oftentimes go hand in hand.

How to Choose the Perfect Lighting for a Dining Room Table:

Size of the dining room.
One factor you should think of when choosing your dining room lighting is the size of the dining room. The size of the light fixture should be proportionate to the size of your dining room. A huge chandelier will look so odd and over imposing in a small dining room.

Size of the dining table.
This may go hand in hand with the criterion above, but at times, a huge dining room may have a small dining table at the center. Although choosing the dining room table should also be in proportionate to the room, but at times a small heirloom piece that you cannot do without may need to stay in the huge dining room, with other big furnishings in the room will look just right. However, if the table is too small, a huge chandelier over it doesn't look right. A small round table that can accommodate four chairs should have a small pendant or up to 5-light pendant provided that the overall size of the pendant is not huge. hang the pendant light lower than traditional chandelier light to cast light better. A chandelier should be hung 30 inches above the table.

Finish:
Choose a lighting fixture for your dining room that has the same finish with those used through out the house so that there is cohesiveness in the design. Match also the hardware used on door knobs, curtain rods, and cabinet hardware.

Style:
When choosing a dining room light fixture, consider the style. If you have a modern or contemporary home, a crystal chandelier in a Victorian style may not work, in the same manner that a track lighting may look out of place in a formal Victorian style dining room. Always match your home decor style with the dining room light fixture so that the styles do not clash with each other.

Ceiling lighting:
In a dining room, the light should be functional as well as attractive. Choose a light that can cast enough light so that the food and anything in it is visible. Also it should cast enough light so that you can see each other's faces as you have conversation around the dinner table. Either choosing a drop light or a shade chandelier, ensure that the light would be suitable for entertaining.

Mood lighting:
Although we choose to have lights that are functional and that can cast enough light to see the food on the table, mood lighting can also help with entertaining. Mood lighting may mean having the ability to adjust the brightness and darkness of the light. You may need a light bright enough during dinner time, but during intimate candlelight dinners you can adjust to lower down the light's brightness.

Task lighting:
Even though your dining room has a ceiling fixture like a chandelier or light pendant, it also helps to have additional task lamps. Place a couple of buffet table lamps on the serving table to highlight the food being served. Place one on each end.

Accent lighting:
Wall sconces can be used to brighten the wall and add accent by highlighting the artwork and wall paint color.