Words of wisdom
Gareth Lowe, director at Nigel Tyas Ironwork, shares expert advice on how to design your lighting scheme to create the perfect dinner party ambience
CREATE A WELCOMING FIRST IMPRESSION. Use spotlights and wall lights to create a serene backdrop, which will set the tone for the space. Then add accent lighting to key features of décor around your dining room. Install picture lights over paintings or period features, point spotlights towards oak beams, and use ceiling lights to illuminate side tables filled with desserts and wine.
PICK YOUR CENTRAL LIGHTING CAREFULLY. The way you light the table is integral to the look and feel of your dining experience and will accentuate the table setting below. Choose a beautiful, quality light for this key position in your home. Think about shape, size and the distribution of the bulbs. The right design will pull the whole room together and draw the eye to this central point.
BE BOLD WITH YOUR LIGHTING. Chandeliers are a timeless choice and can be traditional or more contemporary in style. Their multiple arms lend themselves to decoration with seasonal garlands, too. Pendant lights can be hung in rows above a long table or in a central cascade above a round table for maximum impact.
CUSTOMISE LIGHTING FOR THE PERFECT FIT. Choose lighting which suits the height, width and length of your dining space. Pendants and chandeliers can both be made-to-order in different sizes with drops to suit any height of ceiling.
CONSIDER HOW THE NUMBER OF GUESTS WILL AFFECT THE LIGHTING. Make sure that there aren’t any dark spots, particularly on the table. Don’t forget that lamps can move – put them in key positions if needed. Candles are also an atmospheric way to add more lighting to tables and sideboards.
THINK ABOUT NATURAL LIGHT.
If your guests are arriving in daylight, consider how you’ll adjust your lighting to suit the mood. Invest in dimmable light fittings and bulbs, smart lighting, or timers on lamps to help you control the illumination.