Do we really need a light above the.dining table? Would pot lights t?

3 years ago

last modified: 3 years ago

We are doing a complete rebuild. Our electrician is installing pot lights throughout. he asked about lights over the island (which has the sink,dishwasher and garbage can) it is not a dining space ie, no stools.. I opted out because my husband tends to hit his head on most hanging light fixtures. Ive since learned that he did not wire it for fixture over dining table either there will be pot lights tho

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Mrs Pete

3 years ago

Sure, pot lights would illuminate the space, but a lovely hanging light is a traditional part of any dining room. It brings the light closer to the table, and it provides ambiance.

Pointing out the obvious: Unless your husband walks on the furniture, he's not likely to bang his head on this particular light fixture.

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Comments (8)

kandrewspa
3 years ago
You'll have some ceiling repair if you change a pot light to a junction box from which you can hang a chandelier, but that's what I would do. I agree you don't need to have pendants over your island. It depends on the context - in my kitchen I don't have pendants over my island and don't miss them - also the way the room is laid out they're just not necessary for the sake of appearance. However, I also have pot lights over the table in the kitchen eating area and when I remodel I will be changing to a chandelier. Lower light spreads better. If you're talking about an actual dining room that is separate from the kitchen you definitely need a chandelier. Dining rooms can be kind of boring so a chandelier is an important decorative element.
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la_la Girl
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
A lower fixture creates such a nicer, more intimate space as well as anchors the table and chairs - I cannot imagine a gracious dining space without one
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Sabrina Alfin Interiors
3 years ago
You could do a semi-flushmount fixture instead that doesn't hang as low but is more decorative than recessed lights. Or do a linear fixture if you have room for a rectangular table.

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Norwood Architects
3 years ago
Recessed can lights can do a pretty good job of illuminating a space as opposed to pendant fixtures.
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Patricia Colwell Consulting
3 years ago
IMO the chandelier over the table is like that last piece of ewellery you put on to make an outfit look finished. As for the kitchen IMO if you have normal height ceiling , not more than 9' you can use just pot lights but I like pendants for both a good light over a work surface and for looks . If you hubby hits his head on pendants over the island you either have too big of pendants or too small an island.
Mrs Pete
3 years ago
IMO the chandelier over the table is like that last piece of ewellery you put on to make an outfit look finished.

That's a nice way to say it.
Maureen
3 years ago
Our dining room has pot lights (due to a skylight) and I thought I would miss a chandelier, but we don’t.

Ensure they are on dimmers and add additional low lighting. We have a lamp on a table under some art, a large painting with a picture light and use impactful candlelight on the table. Sconses are another idea. Ambiance and interest is possible without a chandelier.