how to centre a light fixture/s above an extending dining table

5 years ago

We are having our kitchen redone, and we have to decide where to add some feature lights above our dining room space. Currently we have an extending dining table. It is set to a six person seating arrangement but expands to 12 seats. The table is used for both my sewing and for dining. So I need some good lighting for both task work and also for dining ambience. Currently it has two spot lights above.

The view from the kitchen to the dining room has a great vista so don't want anything that will distract. I have had a search through the stories and seen some

a) How do you centre a light fixture above an expanding dining table

b) Should I have a rise and fall pendant so it can be raise out of the way when not used

c) style we are going for is contemporary with some mid century Scandinavian

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Comments (5)

PRO
Darklight Design Ltd
5 years ago
Hi Angel

This a a common questions and it always comes down to what minor things you can sacrifice to get the best of all worlds. Do I have a pendant to create a dining zone? Do I try and retain the view outside? Do I make the space versatile for parties? In my opinion a light over the table looks great if you do not have one already over the kitchen island (if you have one). Keep the light above head level (of most of your usual guests) so that you can talk to each other . It may be worth cutting out cardboard and offering it above the table to see what works for you. The light doesnt have to be too imposing it could be something light the light below.

or maybe something that is a feature but still see through like the below

There are not many rise and fall lights out there that can really reduce that much to be out of the way on a standard height ceiling but if you have tall ceilings then it could work.

I hope this helps, and good luck with your project.
Angel Takooree
Original Author
5 years ago
Thanks for your suggestions, I like the idea of a feature lights, the two look great. We are blessed with high ceilings, we were looking at getting a rise and fall table and having a light that could rise and fall with it was a consideration. I will try the idea with cardboard at least that will give us and idea of size and position for a light fixture. I was thinking something abstract also might work, for if the table was extended out fully as it wont look too asymmetrical. Not got a kitchen island so a feature above the table would be good.
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PRO
Litecraft
5 years ago
Hi Angela, how did you get on with your lighting dilemma? May I suggest you consider a pendant light that features separate hooks, so you can dangle each light in various places, stretching the cords out to enable light further along when you have your table extended. Our [Alton Industrial style light[(https://www.houzz.co.uk/products/alton-industrial-style-7-light-ceiling-cluster-pendant-copper-prvw-vr~124908454) has this feature.. Have a look and see what you think.

Alton Industrial Style 7-Light Ceiling Cluster Pendant, Copper · More Info

Here is an image below of how these style of fittings work.
PRO
Design By Kurys
3 years ago
Have you also considered layering your lighting, you could have dimmable white coated downlights (assuming your ceiling is white) dotted around the dining area that can be used for when you need to use more lighting for function and then can be dimmed for a cosier ambience for entertaining. (If LED fitting, make sure you get dimmable LED bulbs) A white coated housing would help blend them into the background and keep your pendant light as the main feature. Having a central pendant like the ones already in comments above is a great way of defining the zone and anchoring the table. The ones already suggested are super. Simple and elegant designs that certainly make a statement. With the downlights, you can get an idea from the photo below, (notice how the recessed down lights stick out more with the darker housing and detract from the central feature light).
Angel Takooree
Original Author
3 years ago
We went with an asymmetrical layered light fitting that was dimmable, they are grey modern concrete lights, that work really well as my task lighting when I am using the dining table for sewing, Dimmable was the right choice for us as we like to use this table for a variety of purposes, working, sewing, reading, eating and board games. The layered light was great as it did away with trying to perfectly line up an extendable table.

how to centre a light fixture/s above an extending dining table

Comments (5)

Darklight Design Ltd

Angel Takooree
Original Author

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how to centre a light fixture/s above an extending dining table

Comments (5)

Darklight Design Ltd

Angel TakooreeOriginal Author

Related Discussions

Litecraft

Design By Kurys

Angel TakooreeOriginal Author

COMPANY

EXPLORE HOUZZ

CONNECT WITH US

Angel Takooree
Original Author

Angel Takooree
Original Author