I’ve never been too big a fan of getting up after a satisfying meal and hitting my head on the pendant hung too low. Yes, it has happened more than once I am not that tall. Or, having the lighting so poor you can’t see what you are eating thus forcing you to use a cell phone to light up your dinner. I don’t think I am alone in thinking that good dining lighting is really pretty important.

There are many options available to light a dining area. Whatever you do, choose wisely. If you go for a pendant lamp make sure it is large enough to envelope the entire table in light. A lamp that’s too small will cause someone to sit in a shadow, especially if the shade only provides direct light down and not general lighting. Hang pendant lamps in the center above the table. 50-60 cm is roughly a good height above the table to ensure that everyone sitting can view one another without being bombarded by the glare of the bulb.

If your table is rather long, consider several smaller pendants rather one large one. Or, get crazy and mix a number of different sizes together in the lineup. Accent lighting (i.e. candles and/or tea lights) can also help set the mood both on the table and on surrounding surfaces. If you have a buffet table near the dining table, don’t forget to light it! Wall sconces, art lighting, or table lamps that complement the main pendant/chandelier works well. Also, it is actually easier on the eyes for dining goers if there is lighting available beyond what might come from above (i.e. accent or task lighting in other rooms help the cause).