What is the right size light fixture to use over your dining table? How do I know the right light fixture placement for my space? Does the shape matter? Today I will be talking about choosing the right shape of light fixture to use over your dining table, as well as light fixture sizing. I rounded up several photos of inspirational dining rooms with different lighting ideas.
Tip 1: Consider light fixtures to be the jewelry of your home
Tip#1 I consider light fixtures to be the jewelry of your home, they are a great way to show your style and personality. Choosing the right chandelier can be daunting for some, when in doubt stick with the architectural style of your home. If the architectural style is French Country like this home by Providence Design, you would want to use something similar to the chandelier shown below rather than a sleek modern fixture.
Tip 2: Center the light fixture over your dining table
Tip #2– Center the light over your dining table. That may not necessarily be the center of your space, determine the placement of your table and hang your light fixture accordingly.
Shop similar looks in the sliders below
So how do you choose the right size and shape of light fixture?
Center the light over your dining table.
Tip 3: The Easiest Way to Choose Light Fixture Sizing and Dimensions
Tip #3- When determining what size fixture to order, you’ll need to have the measurements of your table along with measurements of your room. Typically you should leave at least 6″ from the edge of the table to avoid bumping heads on the fixture. The scale of your light fixture depends on the size of your space, if your room is small (10’x10′) you’ll want to stay under 20″ in diameter with your light fixture. A fixture that is too large can overwhelm your space.
For a larger space (between 14′ and 18′) look for a fixture between 24″ and 36″ so your fixture doesn’t get lost in the room.
Does shape matter?
Tip 4: The Easiest Way to Choose Your Light Fixture Shape
Tip #4- In my opinion shape matters most when dealing with a table that is 6′ in length or more. If your table is that long you may want to consider a linear fixture like the one pictured below.
Or
You can do two fixtures (one of my favorite looks)!
I mean, what better way to make a statement?!
If you have an oversized table or in this case island, you can even use two linear chandeliers!
How high should I hang my Chandelier?
Tip 5: The Fool-Proof Light Fixture Hanging Equation
Tip #5- Typically you want your chandelier to be about 30″-34″ above your table, if your ceiling is taller than 8′ you can raise it to anywhere from 36″-40″ above your table. So before you order and hang your chandelier, you’ll need to know
Height and width of your table
Ceiling height
approximate room size
This will help ensure that you have the clearance to hang your chandelier, and that it won’t either get lost in the room by being too small, or overwhelm the space with it’s size. These simple tips should help you choose the right size and shape light fixture for your dining room! Feel free to drop down and leave a comment if you have any questions!
How to decide on spacing for island pendants?
If you liked this post, you may also like my post on How to decide spacing for island pendants.
I’ll end with this stunning water front home is designed by Micheal Greenberg and associates, the light fixture is a perfect example of using an oversized fixture above your table.
Below are some great options inspired by the beautiful fixture in the photo above.
The lantern is open allowing views of the water while also making a grand statement.
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XO
Jen
Great information thank you!
Thanks for stopping by Mary!
Very helpful post. I have been searching for a 72″ round table similar to the ones in this post. However, I was not able to identify the source when I clicked on the images. Any additional details would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
-Shannon
Hi Shannon, unfortunately I don’t have additional info on the spaces I didn’t design. I tried to source items that were as close as possible to those seen in the photos but they aren’t exact. 72″ round tables aren’t very common, you’re much more likely to come across a 60″ or smaller. I did a quick search and found a few more (they are affiliate links) https://rstyle.me/n/cfyeeebyfgp and https://rstyle.me/n/cfyeribyfgp the second one is a custom order so you can choose your finish. Good luck with your search!
Hi very helpful information. I am also doing a 72″ round table 30″ high. My room is 13’4″ x 10’9″. I want to do a wagon wheel chandelier. What size do you think? So far I have seen 28″, 36″, or even 60″. Thanks so much!
Thanks for the tips. I never knew which lighting fixture to buy but with your great tips I have sort of an idea. One question though, if my kitchen that is connected to the dining room and living room, had silver fixtures like the sink and handles for cabinet. But I would like to have our living room accents to have gold in them is that weird and what kind of metal would my lighting fixture over the dining table have to be does it match the living space accent or the kitchen space accents?
Hi Dona, You can definitely mix metals! I have all chrome in my kitchen and my dining room is chrome as well. I just changed my light in my family room to brass and they are all pretty much in the same space. The most important thing is to stick with the same style, for instance my style is transitional, my lighting would all fall under that category. If you go to the home page of my blog you can see photos of both my kitchen and my family room to give you an idea of how that looks. 🙂
I really liked how you presented your argument through a picture because I realized that you were right one about how beautiful it is to choose a linear lighting fixture of the table underneath is it long. I will mention trying this kind of lighting design out when I talk to my mom next month. She’s planning to have the kitchen remodeled, and although we will not be placing the lighting above a table, we will use it on a kitchen counter which is equally long. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you Julius, a picture can speak 1,000 words right? I often use photos to help my clients picture what their space can look like. Best wishes to you and your mom! -Jen
It was good that I saw this article as I learned a few tups in choosing a lighting for the dining room. What got my attention the most the way you mentioned that for a dining table that’s long, a linear lighting fixture is worth considering as they match evenly. I will be sure to take note of that because I do plan on getting a long dining table. Now I am aware of the things that will most likely match the table and kitchen appropriately. Thank you.
My husband and I are redecorating our home and I’m so excited! I appreciate your advice here to possibly hang two light fixtures if you have a long table. This is something I never would have thought of, but it looks great!
You show a linear light fixture with half circles over a dining room table. Where can I find it? I can only find straight line fixtures.
Please help!
Alexandra
I have a 54” round copper table. Does the light have to be round?what color? The other metal accents in the adjoining room are bronze. Thanks!
Hi Susan, I think your best bet with a round table would be to stick with a round fixture. There are different types of fixtures that would work. You could go with a drum shade, a globe fixture, or a chandelier. With a copper table I’d go with a black or bronze finish so it’s not competing with the copper. I hope this is helpful. Thank you-Jen
I have a 10 x 10 dining room with round 42 inch table. My question is: the room is adjacent to a 9 x 11 kitchen. What dimensions do you go by- the dining room only or the whole room as one. Make a difference in the size of the fixture. By the way the ceilings are 10 foot throughout.
I liked your tip to find a light fixture that matches the architecture of your home if you are in doubt. I’ve been wanting to remodel my room, so these tips will help me find the perfect light. Is there anything else I should keep in mind about the material a light fixture is made of.
It was nice that you suggested hanging 2 linear chandeliers if you have an oversized table. My mother said that she’s planning to shop for new light fixtures for her dining room. Her table can fit more than 15 people, and I’m certain that she wanted it to look unique and impressive. I will make sure to share your blog with her so she can consider all your tips.
Loved your article and information. I’m with you about the 2 light look. I am thinking of putting 2 light fixtures above my dining room table. How do you measure and place for 2? Thank you!
Hi! I have a 9 foot x 7 foot room. I’m thinking of purchasing a round 45 inch table. What size chandelier should I pursue? I found a wood beaded one that is 16.5 inches in diameter. Do I need a larger chandelier? Thank you for your help! Katie
Hi, I’m looking to put a linear chandelier over my 6′ table but I’m not sure how long it should be? Please Help!
Thanks Trevor
I have a room that is 18’x14’. I’m putting a 9’x48” table. What would you recommend? 2 fixtures or one and what size? My table is custom. It’s a pine table with a large pedestal bottom. Top is green/gray. Bottom antique white. Room is all windows floor to ceiling.
I think the idea of a round table would be one of the great thing. I agree that, you shared many different types of ideas that would work. I made a metal circle coffee table. You can visit https://metalscut4u.com/custom-cut-circle to view metal circle and I hope this is helpful to all.
Well, I’m confused between the first two designs. Your all designs look so stunning and refreshing I must say. Keep updating us with more interior designs & tips in future 🙂
Whilst re designing and knocking a wall through between the kitchen and dinning room, my husband has stupidly got our electrician to change the dinning room light from one to two fixtures. No normal problem but they are centrered in the room and the dinning table will on a daily basis be pushed to the wall (for space) and only pulled out when we are entertaining. I now have no clue what light fixtures to use and what on earth to do! Any ideas or help please!?
I love a linear fixture that is rectangular in shape. Would it look good with an oval table? How long should a linear fixture be in relationship to the table? How wide? Thanks a million!
In the 7th image from the top of those 6 stools and the 2 large linear chandeliers, where are those stools from? The ones with the light beige upholstery and weathered wood legs. Thanks
Thanks for posting this! I am searching for a light above my oval table. I didn’t see any posted and was wondering what style you thought would work best. By the way, are oval tables old news!? I purchased the Pottery Barn Flynn but after holding it up I’m not sure it’s the right style. thank you
When using a linear fixture, how do you decide how long it should be? From this post, I understand how tall/wide and how low to hang it, but I’m struggling with how long is too long? I have an oval table that is 41” x 83” in a dining room that is 12’ x 14’. Thanks!
Any chance you can tell me the color and brand of the paint on the walls in the 6th picture with blue runner and 2 statement lights?
Jen, I would like to replace my light fixture in my dining room. My table measures 88′ with (2) leaves I keep in. The room is about 10′ x 14′ with high a high ceiling. I love the lantern look, as well as the linear lantern. Which shape would be best for my size room and table, square of linear?
Thank you, love your website!
Lori
I am looking for a linear transitional light fixture for my small dining room 11.5 x 11.5. The table is 76” long and 46” wide. I have standard ceilings. What size linear chandelier would be the perfect size? Thank you so much. Your pictures are lovely and so helpful.