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?

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.

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.

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.

Agree that more bulbs will help - a fixture with lots of light plus a dimmer gives you a ton of flexibility

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 2 Light BN 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

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.

WOW! These responses are amazing. Thanks everyone. It turns out my wife ordered the exact houseplant in BeverlyFLADeziner rending like an hour ago.

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

Buffet lamps

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.