LIGHTING ABOVE THE DINING TABLE Guide to proper placement

The dining room is the centerpiece of any home. It’s where we gather, talk, and make memories. Proper lighting above the dining table can completely transform the experience of the space. This guide will help you understand how the height, number, and placement of lights affect the atmosphere, functionality, and aesthetics of your home.

Lighting in the dining room is not just practical. It sets the mood, creates warm tones and highlights the textures of materials. When the light is placed correctly, the table becomes a natural gathering point and the space exudes harmony. Too much light can ruin the feeling of comfort, while too little can make communication difficult. The goal is to find a balance. Enough light to make everything clear, but also enough softness to keep the atmosphere intimate and warm.

How to choose and arrange lamps

The first step in this guide is to understand the relationship between the shape of the table and the number of lights. For round and square tables, a single central light fixture is usually sufficient. It creates symmetry and draws attention to the center. If the table has a larger surface area, choose a fixture with multiple light sources, such as a geometric arrangement of spheres that evenly disperses the light.

For rectangular tables , the ideal solution is two or more lamps placed in a line, approximately 75 cm apart. This arrangement allows for uniform lighting of the entire table and avoids the creation of darker zones. For longer tables, you can combine smaller lighting fixtures to achieve rhythm and visual balance.

In larger dining rooms or open-space interiors, layered lighting, a combination of pendant, wall and floor lamps, further enriches the space and creates a depth of light impression.

Ideal height and final tips

Another key element of this guide concerns the height of the lamp . The bottom edge of the light fixture should be 60 to 70 cm above the table surface . This height provides optimal lighting, does not blind, and does not obstruct the view between the interlocutors.

Before finally shortening the cable, it is recommended to do a test installation. Ceiling height, table dimensions and wall reflections can change the impression of the light. In rooms with higher ceilings, the lamp can be hung a little lower, while in smaller dining rooms a more compact, higher-mounted model works better.

At Corda Lighting, we therefore view each lamp as a customizable element. Whether you choose a single, striking central lamp or a series of smaller lighting balls that float like a light sculpture, the right lighting shapes the space around you.