How to increase light in dining area

8 years ago

last modified: 8 years ago

I would like some advice on how we can increase light in our dining area. As you can see it opens to a patio and there is a skylight above - both give enough light during daytime. The skylight gives some sunlight during summer afternoons but when you turn ON the fan as the sunlight is streaming in, it gives you some kind of psychedelic effect and makes you feel giddy if you are sitting at the table. So we have to move the dining table against the TV wall to not feel the giddiness. But it is also hot in the summers in california and a fan is helpful.

Also, during nighttime we only have three sources of light - the lights attached to the overhead fan, and two scones on the wall - these three things do not bring enough light during dinner time. So, any ideas or suggestions on - a) having the fan and natural light during summers without the psychedelic effect and b) having more light in the room during night time without compromising the integrity of the fixtures will help.

Featured Answer

User

8 years ago

Have you thought about a console table with 1 or 2 table lamps on the console table to bring more light into the room and it will also add ambience. You can also use a sideboard/credenza/buffet table. Basically any taller surface to put some additional table lamps on. I am wondering if it the color of the fan blades that is causing a light/dark effect as the fan blades are whirling. I am hoping that others will be able to give you a more definitive answer. I hope this helps.

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Comments (9)

User
8 years ago
That light is insufficient because it is too high. I believe the standard is 36 or so inches from the table top. I would not have a fan there at all. You are just lighting the ceiling.
bshevade thanked User
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bshevade
Original Author
8 years ago
Thank you for your suggestion Sue! We do plan to get a sideboard eventually since we host a lot of family and friends. But the sideboard will be used as a buffet table to serve food and hence will need to be relatively empty.
phuninthesun
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
You might try a brighter wall color and area rug as well.
bshevade thanked phuninthesun
bshevade
Original Author
8 years ago
Thank you for your suggestion Pam. Good point about the light source being too high and hence giving insufficient light. But the ceiling is vaulted, so trying to bring the light source lower will involve putting in some kind of extension rod which will suddenly make this fixture the centerpiece of the room - will that make it look too ugly? or too distracting? I also don't know if the current fixture is exactly in the center of the room. What kind of fixture will look good in that room?
bshevade
Original Author
8 years ago
Thank you phuninthesun. The wall color is actually peach but somehow you don't see the peach in the photo. Don't the wall colors need to be lighter in shade if you want to make the room look bright? Maybe I am mistaken, so more ideas are welcome...
User
8 years ago
Right now, the light fixture IS the centerpiece of the room because it is so big and dark. I would go to a lighting store - not a box store - where they can show you how you can lower the light. You may have to get a new one, but I think you will find it works better when it is lower. The light should be over your table, not necessarily in the center of the room -- I would also say that having a tv in the dining room is something that interferes with good conversation. In any case, the tv should be at eye level.
bshevade thanked User
bshevade
Original Author
8 years ago
Thank you Pam. I will check out some lighting store and see what options are available. You are right about the TV. We don't use it and it needs to go. At some point we will remove it and patch the wall.
functionthenlook
8 years ago
Take the shades off the ceiling fan for more light.