Installing the right lighting in your dining room will bring out the best in the design of the space. Lighting can be made up of various layers, so whether your dining table is used for formal dinners, everyday eating or working from home, the lighting should be suited to your needs, as well as making the space feeling warm and welcoming.

Images via TDC and The Local Project

However, if you’re looking up the WOW factor, then selecting the right feature light should be top of your list.

Replacing an outdated pendant light fixture is an inexpensive and simple way improve and change up your dining space. They can add depth and character whilst retaining the more relaxed feel of a room.

Because pendant lights are typically the most popular lighting choice for your dining area, there is a wide variety of designs, scales and prices to suit your needs. So how do you know how to choose the right one? These are our top tips to consider.

Images via Camille Styles, The Local Project, and The Design Files

Placement

Bringing in a feature light is also a great way to differentiate your dining area in an open plan layout. It not only creates impact, but obviously defines the dining area from your other living spaces. This works well if you know that your table placement is not going to change.

If you already have electrics in your ceiling, its fairly simple for an electrician to be able to pull wires through and install a new pendant for you.

Images via Zephyr + Stone, Ella Scott Design, and Zephyra + Stone

Shape

Round and orb-shaped lights are the most flexible. The work well over any shaped dining table. If you have a round dining table, you’ll create a cohesive design by bringing in round or organic shaped lighting.

With long rectangular dining tables, you can bring in linear lights, meaning modern tracks, a set of downlights arranged in a row, or longer pendant lights. This mimicking of style create a sleek style focussing on clean lines, which is ideally suited to very contemporary homes.

If you really want to make a statement you can go big with an oversized pendant. This will create instant impact and act as a beautiful focal point.

Pendant lights with multiple heads is a great option for spaces that may not have lots of natural light, with the additional bulbs helping to throw extra light around the room.

Double Up

For rectangular tables or extra long dining tables you can double up on pendant lights to emphasise the length and proportions of the table, and for extra impact. If you go for a triple installation make sure the lights are centred over the table and don’t extend past the table edges.

Images via Saaranha & Vasconcelos, The Local Project 1 and 2

Colour

Selecting the correct colour is imperative to creating a cohesive design. Think of creating contrast by matching the colour to finishes such as windows frames, handles and doors.

For a soothing compliment, choose colours similar to your furniture pieces, such your dining table or chairs, as well as the wall colour.

Images via Home Beautiful, Style Curator 1 and 2