Dim Dining Dilemmas

last year

The lighting in my dining room is bad. I‘ve discoved David Warfel’s blog and now undstand some of the basics and also what NOT to do. However I’m still having trouble coming up with a solution for this room. Heres what Im thinking right now:

1. Replace the pendant over the table with something larger that provides more diffuse light.

2. Install (2) recessed down-lights over the table to light food/homework. Hopefully i can find something with a narrow enough beam spread to avoid glare.

3. Gain more ambient light by bouncing off the dark walls. This could be via:

a. Recessed gimbal lights. Ive heard Elko Koto is a good line, but i have not dug into the details.

b. Torchiere in the corner, but this might highlight the popcorn ceiling.

c . Sconces on the wall with the kids art.

Am I on the right track here? I feel like this is a particularly tricky room, since it has no exterior windows and 8’ ceilings.

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BeverlyFLADeziner

last year

last modified: last year

One bulb in a rattan shade is not working for this room. The horizontal mirror is definitely not doing anything good for this room.

Adding the blue wall at the back focuses the attention away from the sideboard. A large light being of art that reflect light will help add light to the room.

The fixture over the table should be one that can be viewed through without obstruction.

You can pull another color from the sideboard painting and use it on the back wall. Install a set of multiple prints that are reflective to help with lighting. Again a minimal light fixture over the table can help.

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Comments (12)

Lyn Nielson
last year
the bare bulb and the mirror are a distraction. a simple white shade, even linear light would be an improvement.

recessed lighting won't solve your problem.

have you tried spining your table the long way and moving the sideboard to the mirrored wall?
bbbbirdman thanked Lyn Nielson
bbbbirdman
Original Author
last year
We actually had the table rotated with the sideboard on the back wall, as you suggested. However, my wife greatly prefers the access to the table with this orientation.
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Corg
last year
I would first calculate the lumens you need for a space that size. I read somewhere you want about 20 lumens per sqft in a bedroom. Probably more for a task area like a dining room. Then you can look for a fixture with more bulbs. You may want something with more diffuse lighting too. I would replace the fixture first, and then if it’s still too dark with the pendant and lamps then consider dimmable recessed.
bbbbirdman
Original Author
last year
Thats a good point. I should first try to find a decent fixture for above the table and go from there.

It’s just that when I listen to the lighting designers, they seem to almost write off the decorative fixutures. Like looking for something that is both aestetically pleasing and functional is a waste of time.
la_la Girl
last year
Agree that more bulbs will help - a fixture with lots of light plus a dimmer gives you a ton of flexibility
Boxerpal
last year
A chandy with many bright bulbs but not a bulb that will reflect in the mirror. Maybe like this below. I would add layers of light with the brigtest bulbs you can afford. Add mirrors under the lamps or even on the center of the table to reflect back up to the ceiling.

Colton 5-Light Chandelier, Satin Nickel · More Info

or even this one...

Kira Home Weston 24" Hanging Chandelier, Alabaster Glass Shades, Adjustable · More Info

Livex Lighting 42401-91 Hayworth - Two Light ADA Wall Sconce · More Info

Monette Floor Lamp · More Info

Buy round and square mirrors to place on the tables under the lamps or vases to reflect that light back up to the ceiling

Lite Source LS-23165 Pax - One Light Table Lamp with LED Night Light · More Info
Design Fan
last year
last modified: last year
Chandelier with better lighting, 4 recessed ceiling lights, 2 sconces over sideboard (especially if used for serving) would work well. Each of the three lighting groups on a dimmer switch. Experiment with different bulbs. I recently changed to LED 3000k from 2700k and that greatly improved our dining room light quality.
bbbbirdman
Original Author
last year
WOW! These responses are amazing. Thanks everyone. It turns out my wife ordered the exact houseplant in BeverlyFLADeziner rending like an hour ago.
RedRyder
last year
Multi-armed chandelier with more light, thinner “buffet lamps” on the right and a bigger fabulous piece of art on the back wall will do wonders.

These photos are just to give you some ideas. All on Wayfair.

Chandeliers
RedRyder
last year
Buffet lamps
RedRyder
last year
Greatbigcanvas.com and art.com are great resources. Or go to local art fairs and support someone in your town. Here are a couple of ideas for a large, colorful painting in the dining room.