Of course you can use just recessed lights. Iv'e seen many modern kitchens with only recessed lights over the breakfast nook/ the kitchen table. I think that it's a good solution for small spaces. Here you can find many relevant photos (narrow them down in the search box if you want a specific style or breakfast nooks only):

Here is a link that might be useful: [photos[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/kitchen-ideas-phbr0-bp~t_709)

We were considering the same because we sometimes use a leaf in the table so the center shifts. A hanging light looks odd off center but the recessed light shouldn't be as noticeable (I hope!)

Sorry - no pics for you.

I'm wondering about this too -- we are considering this because we have a drop ceiling where we want to put the table -- not having a fixture will give us flexibility to move it around if we (or someone else) wants to.

Oops, forgot to add that the photo above doesn't show our round kitchen table. It's nice to have flexibility though, in case we feel like shifting the table around.

We have one recessed light in our nook. Been there since we bought the house new in 1991. Thinking of changing it with the remodel. It's been slightly uncentered but will be more after the remodel as we will have to turn the table in a different direction. Sorry the picture is kind of dark. Just took it! We are starting our demo today....

{{!gwi}}