How To Achieve The Perfect Dining Room Lighting

Good dining room lighting is a must in every home, especially when entertaining guests. In this article, I have compiled some tips and information for you to achieve the perfect dining room lighting that can also be adjusted to each occasion.

Let's start with the basics:

What is layering?

Layering in lighting is the use of different types of fixtures to serve different purposes. That means, to layer our light sources in different horizontal and vertical levels so that we cover all of the space without leaving any dark corners or having imbalanced lighting.

The key word here is balance. We want our lighting scheme to be as balanced as possible.

We have three main layers of light:

• Ambient
• Task
• Accent

Ambient light is the general light used to illuminate the entire room in the absence of sunlight. Think of your main light source - the focal point of your fixtures - the first light you switch on when entering the room. That is your ambient light source.

Some examples include chandeliers, recessed can lights, LED cove light, and sometimes pendants.

Task light is the light used to perform specific activities, such as cooking, reading a book, or putting on makeup. This comes from fixtures such as table lamps, floor lamps, LED strips, pendants, and any other fixture that provides focused and targeted illumination.

Finally, accent light is decorative light used to either highlight other architectural features and decor or as art itself. Think of picture lights, wall washers, and even neon light art.

Now that we know the basics of light design, let's see how you can use each of these layers in your dining room.

Ambient light

For ambient light in the dining room, we suggest going for a statement chandelier. There is nothing better than a majestic centerpiece to draw attention and illuminate the entire dining room.

The good thing about a big chandelier is that it does not need to be complemented by other light sources. One fixture and you're done with ambient light!

For example, we suggest the large colorful variant of the Opal chandelier, but you can check out our entire selection of dining room chandeliers here.

This chandelier is a chameleon in interior design as it fits almost all home types from traditional and rustic to beach-house and Scandi. It would also look great in contemporary architectures. It also comes with up to 15 bulb heads so there is no need for the use of recessed can lights or torchiere lamps - it covers all ambient light needs in an instant.

Task light

Adding task lighting in the dining room is something I’ve come to appreciate after hosting a few dinner parties. You know how setting up the table or adding last-minute garnishes always seems to happen just when the room’s dimmed, making everything a bit tricky to see?

Task lighting is the answer, creating those targeted spots that make things easy without overpowering the room.

For example, I use two small, dimmable table lamps on a nearby sideboard that create a cozy bottle effect and provide just enough light for any extra tasks without clashing with the main chandelier.

If you have art on the wall, a subtle wall sconce can work wonders, offering both functionality and a gentle highlight on the room’s features. Even a dimmable floor lamp tucked into the corner can serve as both a useful and stylish addition to larger spaces.

Accent lighting

Accent lighting adds personality to the room. This layer, in my experience, is what makes a dining space feel intentional and warm. It’s not about flooding the space with more light but about highlighting those little details - think about artwork, sideboards, or a beautiful plant in the corner (usually an uplighter placed behind the plant to create dramatic shadows).

The "Romance" variant of the Abstract Love illuminated art can work amazingly in dining rooms!

You could also go classic with a picture light over your favorite artwork, or take a contemporary approach by tucking LED strip lights under your shelves or buffet. Even adding candles to the table can be a form of accent lighting, giving off that warm, flickering glow.

And if real candles aren’t ideal, the newer LED candles create the same atmosphere without the open flame.

Choosing the right bulbs

If there’s one thing that makes a noticeable difference, it’s choosing the right bulbs. I remember setting up my dining room with bright white lights and realizing the space felt more like an office than a cozy dining area! Opting for warm-toned bulbs (around 2700K to 3000K) gives the room a softer, more inviting feel.

High Color Rendering Index (CRI) bulbs are worth considering too, as they enhance the natural color of everything, from your table settings to the food itself. It’s like having your own little spotlight on each dish, making everything look appetizing and vibrant.

If you’re able to install dimmable bulbs, you’ll add even more versatility. It’s lovely to have the option of bright, cheerful lighting for brunch or an intimate glow for an evening meal. I often dim the lights just before serving dinner - it sets the mood in such a simple way!

Adding dimmers for flexibility

In my own home, I have *everything* on dimmers. No two gatherings are the same, so having that control over the brightness means the room can go from bright and lively to soft and serene with the twist of a dial. For anyone thinking of adding dimmers, I can’t recommend it enough; it’s a relatively simple upgrade that makes a huge difference.

If you want to get fancy, smart bulbs that adjust remotely or on a schedule can be a great addition. Imagine the lights automatically softening as you sit down to eat or adjusting throughout the evening to keep the vibe just right.

Wrapping up

The best dining room lighting layers these different elements in a way that doesn’t just light up a room but invites people in. Whether you’re hosting a big holiday dinner or simply enjoying a meal with close friends or family, the right lighting makes every meal feel a bit more special. I hope these ideas help you find the balance between functionality and beauty in your space.