Chandeliers

Technically, a chandelier is a single-light fixture with multiple light bulbs. They can be more traditional with lights facing toward the ceiling or more contemporary with globe lights that face different directions. Lighting a dining room with a chandelier—whether or not it is classic in style—is the most traditional lighting option and often provides the brightest light because of the multiple light bulbs.

If you're going for classic elegance, opt for a chandelier with glass or crystal detailing. If your dining room is more rustic, choose one made out of wrought iron or wood. If you're going for something a bit more modern, find one with exposed light bulbs (usually round or with exposed filament), which can create a more contemporary feel.

Either way, the dining room is a customary place to hang a chandelier, so if you're interested in this type of fixture, choose one that makes a beautiful statement. A good rule of thumb is to select a chandelier that's about one-half to three-fourths the width of your dining table, and hang it about 36 inches above the table. This guideline ensures the chandelier won't be too overwhelming for your space.

For smaller dining rooms, you can opt for a smaller chandelier with less detailing, so the space feels lighter and bigger.

Pendant Lights

Pendant lights are singular bulb lights that suspend from the ceiling. Like chandeliers, they can be classic, stylish or contemporary. You can hang a pendant light above your dining room as high as you would a chandelier, but because you can opt to hang many pendant lights, you can play with orientation.

For example, if your dining room table is rectangular, you may opt to hang three pendant lights in a row at the same level. But, for a round or oval dining table, you can cluster three pendant lights and hang them at varying lengths to create interest and dimension.

If you're looking for a more industrial look, choose metal domes with or without caging. If you're going for a more "beachy" feeling, opt for one with a woven rattan shade or with capiz shell detailing. If your dining room is more glamorous, choose lights that make a statement with gold and glass.

For small dining areas, pendant lights work wonders not only because they are single-light fixtures but also because they are more streamlined.

Flush Mounts

Flush mount lights sit directly on the ceiling and are best used in dining spaces with low ceilings or smaller spaces where you don't want to draw attention to light fixtures. You'll want to be careful to choose an appropriate flush mount—which could include something with a little more jazz—so the dining room feels elevated and less like an entrance hall.

Flush mounts with glass allow the light to dance throughout a small dining room, illuminating all the corners with ambient light.

Dimmers

Lights with dimmers are a must for all dining room light fixtures. The ability to fine-tune the amount of light in your dining space can help you create different moods for different events. For instance, the key to curating a fabulous dinner party is soft light.

The beauty about dimmers is you can increase the power of the lights should the dining table be utilitarian, and you can decrease it for more ambiance. You can find LED lights that are both soft and dimmable, which are not only great for the environment but your pocket as well.

No matter which type or style, installing ambient lighting can give your dining room that sophisticated touch it's been craving. So go ahead, illuminate your dining room and host an enchanting dinner party!