A dining room light provides subtle lighting.
The word "chandelier" often evokes the image of crystal-laden light fixture hanging in a formal home. But chandeliers come in many styles that fit into homes with rustic, contemporary or highly personalized design aesthetics, and they are the fixture of choice when it comes to dining room lighting. Your dining room chandelier should hang at least 30 inches above your tabletop -- higher if your walls are taller than 8 feet -- so that it doesn't obstruct the view of diners sitting at the table.
Instructions
1. Measure the width of your dining room table. The American Lighting Association recommends using a chandelier with a diameter that's approximately 6 inches smaller than the table's widest point. For instance, if your table is 48 inches wide, choose a chandelier that is approximately 42 inches across.
2. Measure the length of your table. If it is significantly longer than average (approximately 70 inches long), choose a light fixture with a minimum of five bulbs to provide adequate light at each end of the table.
3. Assess the purpose of your dining room chandelier. If the dining room table is a place for doing homework or paying bills, a chandelier with downlighting is required. If your chandelier only needs to supply mood lighting, a fixture with uplights is adequate.
4. Look at the lights in the other rooms of your home to help decide on a style. While each lighting fixture does not need to match, your dining room light should not look like it came from a different house. Keep in mind that dining room lights are often a focal point of the room. It is a good opportunity to choose something dramatic and beautiful, such as a more ornate version of a fixture in another room.
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