Your Guide to Dining Room Lighting

Creating an inviting and functional dining room is all about finding the right balance between style and practicality, with lighting playing a key role in setting the perfect atmosphere. We’ve broken down some tips to help you light up your dining room just right.

Where should I position the main light in a dining room?
Above the table. In most homes, the dining table is the natural focal point of the room, so that's where your lighting attention should go first - not the room as a whole. 

• For long, rectangular tables, we often recommend designs like Khai or Vallie - both designed with this layout in mind. Their linear forms help spread light evenly across the length of the table, avoiding dark patches. Alternatively, you could opt for a series of pendants arranged along the table’s length. As an unwritten rule, you can determine what distance you should have between pendants by using the diameter of the pendant lamp as the distance that is recommended. So if your lamp has a diameter of 40cm, then leave a space between your lamps of 40cm.
• For more intimate, round dining tables, choose either a single pendant light such as Kobi or an odd-numbered cluster, hung at differing heights, to match your table’s shape. This creates a seamless, balanced look that’s both stylish and cohesive.

How high should a pendant light hang above a dining table?
30 to 36 inches above the tabletop is the standard and most dining tables sit at 30 inches, so this is a reliable place to start. This height is ideal for two reasons:

• Functionality: It lights the tabletop effectively without overwhelming the room with light, keeping the focus on the dining area.
• Visibility: At this height, pendant lights will be at just the right level to let everyone at the table see each other easily, making conversations flow comfortably.

Do I need more than one type of light in a dining room? 
Yes - a pendant above the table is your starting point, but ambient lighting around the room is what gives the space its warmth and depth.

Complement the overhead lighting with table lamps or wall lights strategically placed evenly around the room. You can also pair pieces from the same lighting family to create a scheme that feels both seamless and intentional. Our Thea collection, for example, includes both a chandelier and wall lights in a matching finish - ideal for creating a cohesive look. These extra touches not only add to the room's ambiance but also creates warmth and depth. 

Should dining room lights be dimmable? 
Yes, always. The mood required for lively social gatherings will be different from cosy, intimate dinner parties that call for a softer, more ambient glow. Dimmable dining room lights give you full control over the atmosphere.

What bulb colour temperature works best in a dining room?
When choosing bulbs for your dining room, aim for ones that emit a warm light at a colour temperature of 2700 kelvins. This warm white glow is ideal for creating a welcoming and intimate dining atmosphere.