Table of Contents
How do you light a small dining room?
10 Small Space-Friendly Lighting Ideas to Add to Your Dining Room
- Hang a simple glass globe.
- Look for a light with organic elements.
- Find a flush mount statement light.
- Use dome lights to elevate decor.
- Try a single-rod style fixture.
- Suspend a slim chandelier.
- Consider a wall-mounted sconce.
How do you hang lights over a dining room table?
Traditionally, more formal dining rooms have lower hanging light fixtures. A general rule of thumb is to hang the fixture 3 feet (36 inches) above your table or 6 feet (72 inches) off the floor.

How many lumens do I need for a dining room light?
Lumens calculation summary Multiply your room square footage by the footcandle requirement. For example, a 100-square foot living room, which needs 20 footcandles, will need 2,000 lumens. A 100-square foot dining room, which needs 40 footcandles, will need 4,000 lumens 2 (see PDF and complete footcandle index).
Should dining room lights point up or down?
As a generality, dining room lights should point up. This creates a more intimate atmosphere. Breakfast room lights generally point down.
What color light is best for dining room?
Soft White
Soft White (3000K) The most common color temperature, Soft White is neutral, comfortable, and welcoming. Slightly whiter than 2700K, a 3000K light bulb is ideal for the dining room and kitchen for its luminous and cozy glow.

Can you put a lamp on a dining room table?
We’ve sometimes spotted this application in restaurants, but rarely in the home. It would work especially well if your table is in a corner or nook of some sort or against a wall; not so well if it’s in the middle of the room.
How bright should dining light be?
Warm white to golden light up to 2,700 Kelvin is ideal for a welcoming ambience. If the light is too bright, food can appear washed out.
How can I make a small dining room look bigger?
Have a browse and be inspired…
- Keep it light.
- Choose an extendable table.
- Draw the eye up to make the space feel taller.
- Make the most of a corner.
- Use visual tricks and curves to enhance space.
- Pick a circular table for a small dining room.
- Make it open-plan.
- Consider banquette seating.
Is daylight or soft white better for dining room?
It all depends on the way you want your dining room to feel during a meal. If the decor or meal is the main attraction, choose daylight as it will highlight color contrasts. If the focus is more on fellowship, a soft white bulb is a better choice.
How much light do I need in a dining room?
Multiply your room square footage by the footcandle requirement. For example, a 100-square foot living room, which needs 20 footcandles, will need 2,000 lumens. A 100-square foot dining room, which needs 40 footcandles, will need 4,000 lumens 2 (see PDF and complete footcandle index).
How can I get ceiling lights without wires?
How to Get Overhead Lighting Without Wiring
- Use Plug In fixtures For Overhead Light. If you have an outlet and you can screw a hook into your ceiling, you can have a chandelier or a pendant light anywhere.
- Large Arc Floor Lamp.
- Torchiere Lamps Can Light Up a Room.
- Use String Lighting.
- Check Wattage On Your Fixture.
How bright should a dining room light be?