Lighting the Way

Casting light on dining rooms in today's

homes can be a challenge. Many homes have

multiple dining rooms. It is important to

provide sufficient controllable light to cast an

attractive lustre on people, silver, crystal, china, food,

and centerpieces. I have seen many flattering light

fixtures in dining rooms over the past quarter of a

century, however, I have seen nearly as many mistakes

in the type and position of lighting in dining rooms.

Remember: not all bulbs are created equal.

Lighting in the dining room focuses on the table,

typically with a central chandelier or pendant. Soft

general lighting lends a comfortable atmosphere and a

flattering background to the warmth of candlelight or

the sparkle of the chandelier.

The formality of dining often calls for a dramatic

treatment with accent lighting techniques for the table

setting, buffet areas, and displays. Wall lighting makes

the room seem larger and can highlight important

pieces of furniture.

Depending on the overall level of illumination and

the amount of accent lighting, you can create moods

from intimately romantic (low intensity and high

contrast) to bright and festive (higher ambience with

sparkling accents).

Flexible lighting in the dining room permits you to

use the space in a variety of ways or for a range of

activities such as games, hobbies, sewing, or homework.

In smaller homes or open-concept designs, think of the

dining area as part of a living space.

Jim Lehman of Accent Lighting Designs is a professional

lighting designer who combines art and light to

create functional, ambient beauty in today's market,

inside as well as outside. For more information visit

www.accentlightingdesigns.com.