Dining room lighting solutions

The best lighting strikes a perfect balance between atmosphere and practicality. Follow our essential guide to inspirational illuminations for your dining room.

In addition to catering for meals as varied as family breakfasts and celebration dinners, many dining rooms have to double as practical work spaces used for paperwork, sewing projects or children's homework. One solution is to fit ceiling-hung lamps with bell-shaped chrome shades, so that the light is directed downwards over the table. This provides a functional daytime beam that can be supplemented by clip-on desk lights if needed. It will also illuminate a night-time table setting without flooding the room too brightly.

Ceiling beams are a classic feature of functional warehouses as well as country cottages, and so allow for a more utilitarian look. High vaulted ceilings will lend themselves well to industrial-style chrome light fittings.

Dimmer switches allow you to soften or boost light levels to suit different occasions and different times of day.

Supplement electric fittings with candlelight to create a warm glow and atmosphere during evening meals.

Reflective surfaces such as glass and lusterware increase this glimmering effect and add richness for special occasions.

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