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Lighting for Over a Dining Table

Lighting for Over a Dining Table


Thanksgiving has passed, and soon there will be many more holiday gatherings, which means you might be spending more time in the dining room. But the dining room is not only for the holidays, other activities, such as completing assignments, managing finances, or even playing card game may also take part in this room.

With various activities taking part in the dining room, it is important to choose the right fixture over a dining table to create ambient lighting and add a decorative element to the space.

Here are some tips when choosing the right fixture for over a dining table:


The height of a ceiling is going to influence how high a fixture hangs above a dining table. To achieve the optimal lighting effect for an average height ceiling of 8 feet, a fixture should hang approximately 30 inches above a dining table.

If the ceiling is taller than 8 feet, an additional inch is added for every additional feet of height. Hence, if your ceiling is 9 feet, an inch would be added to the total space between the fixture and the table, making the space 31 inches. If the ceiling is 10 feet tall, the total space would be 32 inches, and so forth.



The most effective method of figuring out the right proportion for a fixture in relation to the room is to measure the length and width of the room (in feet). The length plus the width of the room (in feet) is equivalent to the fixture’s diameter (in inches).


Another method is to look at the smallest side (the width) of the table and account for 12 inches of allowance space. The appropriate diameter for a fixture is the difference between the table width less the 12 inches of allowance space.

The 12 inches accounts for the 6 inches of space from each end length of the table to the fixture.

This 12 inch rule also applies to round tables, in which the diameter of the fixture should be 12 inches smaller than the diameter of the table.




There are various methods to style lighting over a dining table. Here are a few options:

Use a single fixture over a dining table, such as a traditional chandelier or a linear fixture.



Use down lighting at the two ends of the fixture to balance the distribution of light.




Use more than one fixture, especially if you want to use smaller fixtures, or have a larger table to cover.




You can also use multiple pendants for a more adventurous way of styling lighting over a dining table.




Dimmable Option

Lastly, consider fixtures with a dimmable option. A dimmable feature provides flexibility in lighting output, and can set the appropriate mood for various occasions. 

When you are ready to spruce up your dining room, our showroom has a variety of lighting to choose from and ALA Certified Lighting consultants that can help you choose the perfect fixture for over your dining table.

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