Lighting over moving dining room table

13 years ago

Hi. My formal dining room table is moved in the space depending on the number of people who are joining us...as few as 4 and up to 10. It is a drop leaf table that retracts to 3" by 4" and expands to 4" by 12", and we frequently use it in both sizes. How do I figure our what kind of lighting to put over it? A hanging chandelier will not work as the center of the table will move. Sometime we even push the table over to the side of the room. Help!

Featured Answer

User

13 years ago

last modified: 13 years ago

Usually, in this situation, I recommend two or three sets of wall sconces, cove lighting at the ceiling, and recessed lights that can be turned on in groups to fit the position of the table. If you do all three it will look great due to the lighting itself and you won't miss the bling of a center chandelier.

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Comments (13)

PRO
Lights Online
13 years ago
While I maintain a chandelier could possibly still work in the space, perhaps something more linear like a row of kitchen island lights ( http://www.lightsonline.com/kitchen-island-lights/ ) or something like a pendant light ( http://www.lightsonline.com/pendants/ ) could suit your space well? There are so many possibilities for lighting, so you are sure to find something that is going to fit you and your dining room like a glove--even if the table is moved over to the side of the room!
jawiam
Original Author
13 years ago
Thanks Lights Online for the ideas.
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Devin Darnell
5 years ago
I know this past is 8 years old but giving it a shot!.... I have the same problem. I have a 7 foot table that extends to 10 ft if we have it short we turn it one way, and if it’s long, we turn it a different way. We currently only have recess lighting that is dimmable

What did you end up doing?
R S
5 years ago
I would love to know answer too! When we are alone (just two of us), we have our table pushed against a wall, and when we have guests, we open pull it out from wall and extend it. I can't figure out what to do!
Sandra Godfrey
5 years ago
Lighting Pro’s, Designers? Also looking for some advice. Will have a 54” round dining table that will extend out to 72” , however only in one direction. To add to the dilemma the ceiling is vaulted.
Yvonne Martin
5 years ago
I solve this problem when seating 12 by using candles on the table. A group that large denotes a party and candles add to the festivity.
Sandra Godfrey
5 years ago
Very nice solution Yvonne.
R S
5 years ago
Great idea!
sherryw12
5 years ago
I had a similar situation. I took a chandelier, retrofitted it with a long cord and added additional chain length. I put two hooks in the ceiling so I had a choice where I could hang it depending on where the table was placed. This also gives me the option to hang it higher or lower over the table, depending on the mood. (Mine is not a high quality chandelier, but I believe the concept could be applied to any lighting piece.)
sbaideatmsndotcom
4 years ago
cawitmer1 This is the best idea!
sherryw12
4 years ago
I am currently doing a remodel and have found an even more elegant solution! I am installing a track that spans the length that I want to be able to move my light. There is an adapter available that clicks into the track. You wire your light to the adapter, then you can click it into the track anywhere you want the light to hang! I'll post a picture when it is finally installed. Here is a link to the adapter (that the light fixture is wired into): https://www.homedepot.com/p/Hampton-Bay-120-Volt-150-Watt-White-Linear-Track-Pendant-or-Chandelier-Adapter-804959/310684198
sherryw12
4 years ago
Here is how I used a track with the previously mentioned adapter so I can move the fixture over my dining table when we expand it for holidays. (Please ignore the unpainted wall behind it--this remodel is going on and ON!) I just twist out the adapter, move it in either direction, and click it back in!