| | |

Light Fixtures for Open Concept Dining Rooms

Selecting the right light fixtures for open concept dining rooms is particularly important to create flow and interest. Get my best lighting tips!

One of my current client projects involves a decorating plan for an open concept living room, dining room, and kitchen at the back of the house. As gorgeous as these spaces can be, decorating usually involves careful consideration to achieve a specific mood or feel for each area, while maintaining a cohesive and balanced look throughout the overall space. Selecting the right light fixtures for an open floor plan is important in order to create a sense of flow and interest.

Open Concept Floor Plan - Selecting Light Fixtures for Dining Room

With the dining room smack dab in the middle of the living room and kitchen, there are several factors to ponder. Too heavy or cumbersome, and the sight line will be impeded from one side of the house to the next. However, if the light fixture is too small or insignificant, it won’t give the dining area enough presence. As well, the table could appear to be floating in the middle of the space instead of being anchored.

Size of Light Fixture Over Table

Aside from these considerations, it’s also important to think about the style and size of the table in the dining area. We have already discussed a few options for the space, and my client is leaning towards a Salvaged Wood Trestle Table from Restoration Hardware.

Salvaged Wood Trestle Table - Restoration Hardware

So, what size light fixture for this dining room table?

Typically the light fixture in your dining room should be about one-third the length of your table. If the table is 84 inches long by 42 inches wide (as in this case), the light fixture should be about 28 inches in diameter.

Another rule is to take the width of the room and multiply it by two. The number you get is the approximate measurement in inches that would be ideal for your space. For example, this dining room is 11 feet wide, so the light fixture diameter calculation is about 22 inches.

Of course these are only ballpark figures, and size of the light fixture can be adjusted up or down depending on the openness of style or heaviness of colour or material. Ceiling height is also important.

Light Fixtures for Open Concept Dining Rooms

For my client’s dining room, there are several options I can see working very well.

Open Cage Chandelier

The first that comes to mind is an open cage chandelier, which always seems to be the perfect balance between traditional and modern styling. I love that it has presence, but the openness of the design makes it a great choice for these kinds of spaces.

Skinny Arm Metal Chandelier

Another option is a skinny arm metal chandelier. This light fixture choice could be cheated a little on the larger side because it reads less weighty. There are many versions of this style of chandelier, including those with crystals and beads, and those a little more clean-lined. Many versions could work.

Skinny Arm Chandelier - Light Fixtures for Open Concept Dining Rooms - Bliss Design Firm

Bliss Design Firm

Glass Chandelier

Another option that would be stunning in this space is a glass chandelier. These fixtures basically disappear during the day keeping the space looking light and airy. At night they provide additional lighting and a hit of drama.

Capiz Shell Chandelier

The final suggestion for this space is a capiz shell chandelier. These light fixtures reflect the light beautifully and tend to work with any colour scheme. They also bring a bit of natural texture to a space.

Have any favourite dining room light fixtures for open concept floor plans? I’d love to know what your choice would be.

Leaning towards a beaded chandelier like we installed over our dining room table? Be sure to read my tips, plus check out some splurge and save options.

Beaded Chandelier Options at High and Low Price Points

More Dining Room Ideas

Want more home decorating ideas like these sent directly to your inbox? Be sure to SUBSCRIBE.

Enjoy your day,

Shauna at Satori Design for Living Blog - Home Decor, DIY, Vintage Finds, Recipes

19 Comments

  1. Oh, such lovely photos Shauna! I think for an open concept space it should be big, whatever you decide!

  2. I love the open cage chandy (first one) and the capiz chandy too!  I can’t wait to see how your client’s dining room turns out!  The trestle table is a great choice!  pinned!

  3. I had no idea how to judge size, so thanks! We have a table very similar that we had custom made for us so please post finished pics when you can!

  4. Love these rooms! My problem is that the fixture hole is in the wrong spot for where the table should go. We have open concept, but the room assumes the dining area is smaller than it is.

  5. Love all of them – such a hard choice! I think I’m leaning toward open-cage. Can’t wait to see what you pick!

  6. I think I like the open cage as well! Love all your inspiration pics… I’m a huge fan of a round dining table!

  7. We need a new table in our open concept space. I am considering replacing the light fixture too. There’s nothing wrong with it, it’s pretty new. But it just doesn’t make a statement or pull anything together. These are great ideas!

  8. Thanks for the great tips, had no idea there was a number ref scale of light fixture… I always eyeballed. Filing that tip away!

    ~Laurie @ Vin’yet Etc.

    1. It’s just a ballpark number and really depends on the style of the fixture and what the material is. Sometimes the rules are thrown out the window to make a statement too.

  9. I had NO idea that there was so much math involved in lighting – thanks for the tips!!!

  10. I love lighting, and am drawn to so many different options, but for me I’m always pulled back to Tom DIxon’s ‘Beat’ pendants – I’ve loved them now for over 2 years, but they definitely need to be in the right setting to be truly showcased. I also really love the clear globe pendants… do you see my dilemma? almost dire opposites!

  11. I have Open Concept in small Retirement Condo. Furniture etc is Traditional Style. The dining table sits between the kitchen and living area. The kitchen has all stainless appliances. Light fixtures are old and need updated. Table is 56″, as I’m looking at fixtures with Brushed Nickel, I am concerned this is too much “silver/stainless. My dining chairs are black and the table is stained. My front door is black right next to the kitchen. A thought occurred to my, why not a black chandelier over the table. What do you think? If I did that could the entry foyer and flushed lights in the den be nickel using the same complimentary fixtures as the chandelier?

  12. Thank you so much for your lamp and chandelier suggestions for lighting fixtures to use in an open-concept dining room. With how attractive having an open dining room is, I knew for a fact that the tradeoff would be the difficulty in lighting the place up properly. Now that I have some good ideas on how to do it, I’ll look for a custom home design service that can help me come up with an open-floor remodeling plan.

  13. Such beautiful chandeliers!! What is your opinion of using two different ceiling lights from the same collection in an open floor plan?
    For example, a chandelier over the dining table, and a large pendant (or multi-light pendant) over a round kitchen table?
    Pleasantly cohesive or uninspired matchy?

    I purchased a 7- light ombré globe chandelier and would love to get a clear globe 1- or 3- light pendant for the kitchen.

    1. Hi Allison, It sounds like you’re on the right track. In an open concept space, I like to have one be the “star” and the others complement. That fixture you sent me would be the feature and your kitchen could be simpler perhaps.

    1. Hi Connie, It’s called Organic Modern Large Axel Orb Wood Chandelier by Currey & Co.

      You can find a similar chandelier here (lower price point), as well as another here (higher price point). Hope this helps!

      If you’re looking for the sources for the beaded chandelier options, you can find them here.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *