Dining Room Cave help

8 years ago

We recently moved into this house. Because of a relocation, we bought the house without stepping foot into it and didn't realize that there wasn't a place for a kitchen table - just a dining room and kitchen island. The island sits 4 people uncomfortably and the dining room is a cave with a light set back too far and

better served in a two-story foyer. I need help with our eating space(s). Here are the photos of the cave. There is very little natural light in the space and definitely does not spark joy.

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Comments (4)

hatetoshop
8 years ago
As it's your only dining area, I think you must make the best of it -- a new chandelier (have an electrician move it to the centre of the table), and perhaps some pot lights to brighten up the space.
O A
8 years ago
To start what I would do in your space is to swap in 40 or 60w 2700k led bulbs, Cree is my favorite brand. Play around with bulbs and see if the space may brighten up without feeling drab.

Alternatively you could shop for a new fixture that disperses light more to your liking. Also don't forget paint, a new color that a certain style of light output whether from new bulbs or fixture + bulbs, could compliment.

Natural light is tough to come by and you are right, makes a huge difference in mood when you are in a dark space. My dining room is also dark and my best solution was to go with a new fixture and bulb set up.
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O A
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Having one more look at your photo, don't rule out the idea of removing that light fixture and possibly going with two light fixtures instead. However, the fact that it's set back that far to begin with has me a bit intrigued. Why did the builder do that in the first place...is there a joist in the way, etc.

Another simple idea would be a swag type light fixture to replace that one.

That would allow the junction box where the light is installed now to remain in position while being able to effectively hang your new fixture further away from that back wall.
Kathy Yata
8 years ago
I love your dining room. Central to the house with nice built ins to make it cozy and the table and rug are very nice. The chandelier is putting most light to the ceiling so the table is dim. Find another fixture that allows more light to focus on the table. You can put really big LED bulbs in as the rating is for watts and incandescent watts translate to a whole lot of LED lumens.

Not sure chandelier placement is the problem. The 3 small chests are wasting a lot of space and taking up room the chairs need. Either put all on one wall or better move them out. You have the built ins, use them to store whatever is in the chests.

If you really need more storage in that room consider putting in low shallow bookcases then hang your art work above with track lighting above.