How to choose the right pendant lights for over the dining table
Buy these Tom Dixon pendant lights from Lighting Direct. Photo credit: www.milkdecoration.com
Dramatic pendant lighting hung over the dining table is an interior look that is both stylish and functional. A low-slung statement pendant light or two creates a real focal point as soon as you walk in the room. Positioned centrally above the dining table, or a few lights clustered together in a line the length of the table, really defines the rooms purpose.
As before, these Tom Dixon lights can be purchased here. See photo for credit.
When it comes to choosing pendant lighting for the table in your kitchen or dining room, there are a number of things you need to consider. What pendant lights will best suit the style of the room? Should you only have one pendant, or a number of pendants grouped together? Should they all be the same, or different? Will you want the dining area well-lit, or should you go for more atmospheric lighting? How low should the pendants be hung? How will your ceiling height effect the drop length?
Click here to purchase a similar drop light. Photo credit: Casa.com.br
When choosing pendant lights for over your dining table, I would always start by looking for lights that suit the style of the room first, then veto out your favourites by practicality.
Purchase similar pendant lights here. Photo credit: Beacon Lighting.
Lighting Direct stock a huge range of pendant lighting, encompassing all styles from industrial drop lighting, to fisherman search lights. Their catalogue includes budget-busting options for under £50, right through to designer pieces by Tom Dixon and Anglepoise.
So, what's your style?
12 Arm Semi Flush Ceiling Light, £157, Lighting Direct. Table, rug and vase set, Wayfair UK. Framed butterfly, Mia Fleur. Chair, plate and zebra salt & pepper shakers, Jonathan Adler.
This modern Hollywood regency look is luxurious and striking, and is perfect for those who love gold mixed with bright colours. This Dar 12 light semi-flush fitting is the perfect light to accompany this look. Also, at only £157, it is also an absolute steal compared to other lights similar in style.
Things to consider: As this light is a semi-flush, you cannot alter the drop. Is your ceiling height the right height to accommodate this light over the dining table? You want the light to be the perfect balance of being positioned over the table, while not being overly imposing. This light also has 12 exposed bulbs. So that the light is not too harsh, purchase very low watt filament bulbs with a warm glow to create the perfect light for dinner parties.
Dar Gaucho Ceiling Pendant Light - White, £44, Lighting Direct. Dining table & faux eucalyptus sprig, IKEA. Plastic chair, Vitra. Mirror, vase collection and 3 moon artwork, Skandium. Wooden birds, Kay Bojesen.
The clean Scandi look just keeps getting more and more popular, especially in kitchens. These white pendant lights have the extra edge by having a wooden section at the top of the light. Mix with light woods, white, and a vase filled with eucalyptus in the middle of the table.
Things to consider: This pendant light is only 360mm. If you have a long dining table, consider purchasing two or three to hang in a line down the centre. A qualified electrician can create one or two extra places in your ceiling for the lights to be wired in.
Lucite Flux LED Bar Ceiling Pendant, £169, Lighting Direct. Wall mirror, Lee Broom. Etch tealight holder, Tom Dixon, Wall wine rack, Sweetpea & Willow. Dining chair, Swoon Editions. Dining table, Made.com.
Clean, crisp and contemporary, this masculine look of sharp black lines is modern, but does not feel as cold as a traditionally styled industrial space. This flux LED ceiling light complements the black lines of the dining chairs and dining table legs.
Things to consider: This pendant is 1000mm long so it would not suit circular dining tables.
Cromwell 8 light chandelier, £594, Lighting Direct. Stag head, The French Bedroom Company. Pigeon art & sheepskin throw, Rockett St George. Tray, H&M home. Pillar candle, Tom Dixon. Dining table, wood bench and antler candle holder, Sweetpea & Willow. Faux cowhide rug, Wayfair UK.
If you are thinking of the forthcoming winter and want a warm and cosy space, this medieval look is complemented by this gothic iron chandelier. This style of interior works particularly well if there is a fireplace in the room. Use sheepskin throws and furniture made from iron and wood to complete the look.
Things to consider: Is this 8 arm chandelier too big for your space? If so, you may want to consider the 5 or even 3 arm option instead.
Serax Benton Concrete Pendant Light, £130, Lighting Direct. Dining table and concrete bench, Habitat. Mustard chair and candle holder, John Lewis. Concrete pot and clock, Amara.
Concrete as a material is huge in interiors right now. A couple of these Serax lights would provide a real talking point in a contemporary kitchen.
Things to consider: This light would be quite weighty. Do you have beams in the right place in your ceiling for the suspension wire to be secured into?
What's your favourite look from the five collections above? Let me know in the comments section below! To see more of my ideal ceiling lights and pendants you can follow my lighting board on Pinterest.
*Thank you so much to Lighting Direct who collaborated with me on this post.