Lighting Issue

9 years ago

last modified: 9 years ago

Here's the deal: very small dining room (wall to right that is not showing in photo will have artwork, and 4th wall is open to kitchen); previous owner installed sparkly light (see photo) that casts terrible shadows. Window is shaded by structure of shared and covered condo stairs, so even during day the room is dim. We have large original artwork for both long walls, not yet hung, but we have tried various placements and find that the current light fixture is reflected in the artwork. I'm thinking that a fixture can't have exposed bulbs for this reason. General style of fixtures in condo is transitional with nickel or brushed nickel finish.

Ideas for replacing? Pendant light with shade? Will that be too dim for artwork? Ceiling light, flush mount, so no reflections? Stumped on this one.

Featured Answer

leelee

9 years ago

Can you set your art on the floor so it will be in the picture?

You might need to add a console table to serve as a buffet on one of your walls. You could also add tall thin buffet lamps to the console.

Use a floor lamp in one corner.

Add a plant with up lighting behind it.

These are all ways to bring more light into the dining room.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (7)

Dottie Best
Original Author
9 years ago
Love the plant and the uplighting. Have been thinking of a buffet, but will have to be narrow in depth because of the size of the room. Will get some photos with art on floor this weekend and will post.
Related Professionals
Baton Rouge Interior Designers & Decorators · Lebanon Interior Designers & Decorators · Redding Interior Designers & Decorators · Asheville Architects & Building Designers · Hackettstown Architects & Building Designers · Rutland Architects & Building Designers · Yuba City Architects & Building Designers · Sterling Architects & Building Designers · Twin Falls Architects & Building Designers · Sarasota Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Sedalia Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Spartanburg Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Frisco Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Huntington Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · New York City Kitchen & Bathroom Designers
PRO
Ohr Lighting
9 years ago
https://www.houzz.com/products/vintage-barn-pendant-light-fixture-bulb-included-metallic-grey-antique-brass-prvw-vr~85978230?lid=66808865
Dottie Best
Original Author
9 years ago
Thank you. I like the design, but the exposed bulb will be reflected in the artwork on the walls. That is my main dilemma. What light fixture will reduce the reflection? Should I use a hanging pendant or chandelier but with a shade/s that cover/s the bulb/s? Or should I go with a semi-flush ceiling mount light that directs light downward and doesn't compete? I'm not crazy about "overhead" lights in general.
PRO
Hoffman & Swinburne
9 years ago
I love this simple lamp from West Elm: Short drum pendant

It gives a soft, general light, and the diffuser keeps you from seeing the bulb. It's short enough not to overpower artwork, and doesn't draw attention to itself.
Dottie Best
Original Author
9 years ago
Nice! I'll consider that!
Dottie Best
Original Author
9 years ago
Photo during the day with props. The sailboat print is similar in coloring and size to the original artwork, which is being framed. I like the idea of the short drum pendant because it's simple and has a diffuser--that should solve the issue of the reflections in glass-covered art. I'm thinking of putting a console table or chest on the wall on the right, with some kind of mirror over it. See ideas below the dining room photo. Maybe I need a simpler console table? I'm drawn to cupboards because they are more useful in a small condo, but would the openness of a console table be a plus? Thanks for your input!

Selina Silver Blue Grey Accent Cabinet · More Info

Sophia Cabinet · More Info