Let's be practical; if you want light on the table, the lamp has to be above it. One option is cap lighting, but that may not give a cozy light right above the table. The other option is to put a chandelier over the table .. and you can pick something out that isn't too visually imposing.

There is one other option besides the chandelier (it's not great, just an option). If you have access to the under floor area a floor outlet can be installed and the cord for a table lamp run through the carpet (ouch) and in between the leaves of the table. Installing overhead lighting on a wood ceiling with beams is a she-bear. First..where does the power come from? Then how do you switch it? Remote switches are a newer option, essentially a bluetooth type radio transmitter that works a lamp socket type switch....but it still requires line voltage to the fixture. One possible overhead option we've done on timber framed homes is the cable rail halogen hanging fixture. They can be a little modern, but discreet and they allow the hanging of multiple MR-16 bulbs, so you could have a lot of light.

Not sure what cap lighting is but a chandelier is something we are exploring...looking more for designs and styles that work with an expandable table to 10 seats.

Look at Ylighting

Yes...we've already gotten a quote to bring the cord up the wall and along the beam. Fortunately we already have a light switch. Your suggestion is creative but was hoping to get some specific styles to consider. Round, metal, rectangular, etc.

Thanks for tip to YLighting.

We sold the chandelier and put up an eight foot track light strip in a slight s-shape so that we could angle the light on the table and on art on an adjacent wall. We may want to move the table and we don't want to commit to one spot in our great room. We already had a spot for the wires and we love the effect with a dimmer switch!

Ooh Ironwood .. electrical wires under carpet, or between the leaves of a table?! Isn't the later a good way to cut thru the insulation on the wiring?

Unless you have a tendency to trim your centerpieces with a weed whacker, no. Typical table top is 3/4", spreading the pressure on the insulation. I can't cut through the insulation on wire with my 22 oz. siding hammer unless I concentrate the force with a corner. We do floor outlets under carpet on almost every job. Way better to keep the wire short and not run long distances under the carpets...or create trip hazards on top.

I love those ceilings, and that rug...wow! Have you considered a candlelight chandelier, with a buffet on the side with 2 electrical lamps? Or is your heart set on overhead electrical?

Are you sure you want a chandelier? I would go with table lamps. What about recessed lighting or track lighting that shines down. If you want a chandelier probably a simple crystal.

Hi there! Whenever we design a dining area in an open space like yours we always drop a pendant light to visually define the space and to get the light at a more intimate level for dining. One idea that would work well would be a fixture like the one in the attached photograph: [houzz=] I would first place the table on center to the rug and, ideally, the french doors. Once you have the final placement of the table, the fixture should be on center to the table in its every day configuration and hung low enough to define the dining area but high enough that it does not block your view out the doors. The exact height will be based on the type of fixture chosen. Be sure to choose a fixture that is appropriate to a sloped ceiling. Many manufacturers will make adjustments to accomodate the slope. Also, be sure to choose a fixture with enough wattage to light the table for tasks such as reading the paper and put it on a dimmer switch so you can lower the light level for intimate dining. Good luck and feel free to be in touch if you have any quesitons. Cynthia Wright

Here's another simple pendant light fixture that could work in your space: [houzz=]

Here is a picture of a round candle-like fixture by Holly Hunt (you would want the recangular fixture for your rectangular table). [houzz=] In this home in Aspen we had significant additional lighting so this fixture just needed to define the area. In your case I think that a candle-like fixture would not provide the necessary amount of light, but I wanted you to see what the previous person meant by this. Good luck!

Hi all!

cichand - You have such a beautiful home! All of the options and advice is great - recessed lighting above table, console w/table lamps (in place of the chairs against the wall) and a chandelier.

I used olioboard.com to put a couple of our fixtures in just to give you a visual on the chandelier option.




Hope that helps!

Lyvonne
www.essentialsinside.com

I second the comment to center the table with the patio doors. Then align the chandelier with the table and the patio doors. Any of the fixtures suggested look OK to me.