Insider insight

We delve into design specifics with leading experts

CHOOSING A PENDANT When it comes to size, a traditional rule of thumb says that the diameter of the chandelier or pendant light should be about half to two-thirds the length of the table – unless of course the table is round. But as with most rules, this approach can be put to the test by overscaling to create a bigger wow impact. ‘Hang pendants low over the dining table to help create dramatic, intimate zones,’ says Charlie Bowles, director of Davey Lighting. ‘Pendants are also a great way of creating an impactful silhouette. Don’t be afraid of larger pendants, playing with scale is an interior designer’s trick to make a statement and create interest.’

TAKE CONTROL ‘Think of lighting like the sun: big and bright in the day, becoming lower and softer by night,’ says Scarlett Hampton, co-founder of Lights & Lamps. ‘When ceiling lights are no longer needed to see by, switch on a larger floor lamp, when the evening progresses, they can then be complemented or replaced by a more subtle table lamp.’ To achieve this, lights need to be on different circuits: one for the ceiling lights to add general lighting and a separate one for wall lights and lamps to bring a warming glow for evening dining. Have one circuit for your main ceiling lights to add brightness and general lighting throughout the day, and a separate one for wall lights and lamps to bring in that warming glow for those cosy evening meals.

MAKE IT MULTIPURPOSE Consider how you (and others) will use the dining room to help determine the types of lighting you’ll need, how many sources you’ll need and where they’ll need to be, recommends Emma Deterding of Kelling Designs. ‘Will a room just solely be for one purpose, for example, only being used at mealtimes, or will it also act as a home office or space for children to do homework?’ By the same token, when planning a lighting scheme, think about where all the furniture will sit in a room. A sideboard or console will need some sockets to plug in any table lamps, for example. ‘Once you’ve figured out the basics, you can then begin to plan and finalise where to place the fixtures, switches and outlets,’ says Emma.

SEE BEYOND Another element to think about when considering dining room lighting is to light the outside whether garden, patio or light well – this is particularly relevant within a city or town context where there’s a prevalence of glass, says Sally Storey, creative director of John Cullen Lighting.

‘If you have glass sliding doors or a conservatory, the glass will reflect the space inside creating a goldfish bowl effect. To avoid this, light the garden outside however small it may be,’ she recommends.

“BONE CHINA PENDANTS BRING A SOFTNESS OF FINISH AND TRANSLUCENT GLOW THAT SUITS DINING TABLES”

CHARLIE BOWLES, director, Davey Lighting