6 Tips for lighting above the dinning table

6 Tips for lighting above the dinning table

A dining table lamp is both practical and decorative – it should provide good light over the table while creating a pleasant atmosphere in the room.

Here, we help you with 6 tips for the right lighting:

1. How high should the lamp hang?
   Hang large lamps 60-72 cm above the tabletop. Small lamps should be 55-65 cm above the table from the bottom of the lamp. This provides good light without causing glare. You should be able to see the people sitting across from you at the table, so you won’t be blinded or hit your head on the lamp. If the lamp is very large or has a low shade, you can raise it a bit higher, but avoid losing the cozy closeness.
2. What should I choose?
   Choose a lamp with a focus on downward light, as it highlights the food, decorations, and possibly home office work. Consider a lamp with a matte shade, a multi-part shade, or soft edges so that the light does not feel harsh or uncomfortable.
3. What light intensity should the lamp have?
   300-500 lumens per square meter of the table is appropriate for a dining table. Use a dimmable bulb or a dimmer switch, so you can adjust the light from practical to atmospheric. LED bulbs are a good choice as they save energy, and many can be dimmed.
4. What size lamp?
   The diameter of the lamp should be half to two-thirds of the width of the table, providing balance. If you have a long table, you can hang a large lamp or a series of small lamps with about 50-70 cm between each. A round lamp works well over round tables, while elongated lamps tend to work better for rectangular tables. If you have a round dining table between 120 - 180 cm, we recommend one lamp.
5. Warm or cold light?
   Use a bulb with warm light (2,700-3,000 Kelvin) for an inviting and cozy atmosphere. Avoid overly “cold” light, as it can feel clinical and take the coziness out of the room.
6. What design should I choose?
   The lamp should match the style and mood of the room. A minimalist lamp creates a modern look and can be a great focal point, while a more detailed lamp adds coziness and personality. Always test the lamp’s height and brightness with the table and chairs in place. Move the chair and see how the light works from different angles.

See our wide selection of lamps for the living room, dining room, and kitchen at dyberglarsen.com