Dining room lighting dilemma
How do I light over the dining table in our historic dining room? The distance between the spine beam (big one perpendicular to joists) and the table is only 45 inches. The ceiling height is only 83 inches anyway. The room is historic, mostly dating from 1741, but with oak post and panel partitioning from an earlier house. We have 3 wall lights and 3 or 4 table lamps, but nothing above the table, so though wonderfully atmospheric (with lots of candles and tea-lights) some find it too dark. My husband is 6 foot 2 and hates seeing a bare bulb. I've read that the idea height to hang a lamp(s) is 90cm above a person's head, but I reckon there are very few lights out there where he wouldn't see the bulb on that basis. Also, the room is historic, nothing modern will do, but we both hate fuddy-duddy, old-fashioned and fussy. Also, there's a budget - £200 to £250 max. Does anyone have any ideas because I'm really stumped, having looked at SO much on the internet that my eyes are popping out of their sockets!
Comments (17)
Wumi
3 years agoWould you be open to a low handing pendant over the middle of the table? Something like this but not as expensive!
midwalesparky
3 years agoRelated Discussions
what type of lights for traditional dining room and kitchen
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Comments (1)Since you want a traditional look, that light in the dining room just will not do. How tall is the room? If it's sufficiently tall (it looks that way), you could look into a chandelier to replace the pendant in there now! Our guide to light sizing will let you know about hanging heights so you don't hit your head on the fixture: http://bit.ly/1cuh1Fj You'll find our selection of traditional chandeliers here and you can sort by size, finish, number of lights, etc.: http://bit.ly/1wkkGkU Do you need a light to go over the central island in the kitchen? I figure yes. You could go for a chandelier in this instance too, but you could also choose a larger ceiling pendant: http://bit.ly/ZDeGJ5 If you have any preferences for finish, number of lights, etc. and would like me to find you specific products, let me know!...See Moreneed help for Living room,dining room
Comments (9)Thanks, I wasn't sure where the 9'4 measurement came in. If you're buying all new furniture then look for items on legs, as you can see the floor beneath it will make the space feel bigger. You can also use glass ie a glass coffee table or Louis ghost chairs for example. I'd also go for a large mirror over the hearth or not knowing your style could also have a ŵall of glass tiles for the same effect which will also bounce light. I'd go for a pale tone sofa and use warmer/darker colours for cushions if wanted. If you want a rug then I'd keep it in the same tone as the floor else to visually maximise floor space. I've drawn a very rough plan (not entirely to scale and obviously not knowing where doors etc are!). I assume you're wanting to buy furniture before you move in? If so do you have a similar size room where you could cut out paper templates of all furniture to see if the space works? I would mount the tv on the ŵall if you have one. Hanging it over a slim console (or slim cabinet for storage) means you can add art on the ŵall and accessorise the console so the tv doesn't become the feature of the ŵall. You could go for a coffee table or a small footstool which can double up as extra seating and table. I'd go for a round dining table, 3ft will seat 4 and you can pull it away from the corner when entertaining. i'd go for a 2 seater sofa (c5f?) but try and get a slim one. I don't know the size of the windows but blinds, shutters may also be an idea so curtains don't encroach on the floor space? In terms of decor do you want light and neutral or dark and moody then people can suggest paint colours?...See MoreDining Table Dilemma!
Comments (0)Struggling with whether to go with a rectangle or round dining table in our new kitchen/diner. I prefer rectangle but since space is tight I wondered if round would be a better option allowing clearer walkways? But then would round look odd in this shape room?? FYI..the entrance door from the hallway actually opens the opposite way that in this sketch...See MoreWumi
3 years agoMaybe discreet individual spotlights would be better? 2 or 3 on either side of the spine beam.
I’ve also seen spotlights and led lights recessed into suspended wooden beams.
midwalesparky
3 years agoKatie Duke
3 years agomidwalesparky
3 years agomidwalesparky
3 years agolast modified: 3 years agomidwalesparky
3 years agokeiblem
3 years ago
Luciana
3 years agoI'm following this with interest; we bought a 16th century cottage and I'm still struggling with its peculiarities.
Personally, I quite like this and I think it could work in your space if you can find a way to fit it: https://www.jim-lawrence.co.uk/barchester-double-pendant-light/barchester-double-pendant-light-in-antiqued-brass-3312ab?returnurl=%2fbarchester-double-pendant-light%2f
In fact, I'm considering buying all my light fittings from Jim Lawrence, I just love their products!
If your husband doesn't like to see the bulb (I don't either!!) you should look for lights that have lampshades with diffusers.
Or, as a wild card, maybe consider something like this, which I think could also work in a cottage setting despite being a LED lamp.
midwalesparky thanked Lucianamidwalesparky
3 years agomidwalesparky
3 years agomidwalesparky
3 years ago@temple274 thanks for the ideas. I've spent a long time on the Jim Lawrence website and we may well end up getting our wall lights from them, though we're possibly going for these too (David Hunt Lighting). Haven't quite made up our minds yet.
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Carolina