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Good Questions: Light Fixture for Dining Area?

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Hello Boston! We will be installing lighting soon in our loft, and so we need to make a choice on what kind of lighting to hang over our dining area. What you can't see in the attached photo is that the ceiling height is 15 feet! We can't decide if we should go simple and classic, or big and dramatic. What does everyone think? Suggestions? Thanks! Alan

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Comments (25)

I don't think your table is big enough for a really large or dramatic fixture. Perhaps a single Le Klint-type of thing http://www.ylighting.com/leklint.html

posted by Kathryn on May 19th 2009 at 9:21am
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I would go classic in shape, but more bold in terms of scale. What about an oversize drum style chandelier? You could even get a shade in that persimmon color to pop the room a bit.

posted by queenbee1230 on May 19th 2009 at 9:24am
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Replace the floorlamp with a Tolomeo Mega (http://images.google.nl/images?hl=nl&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&hs=rv5&num=10&lr=lang_en&cr=&safe=images&q=tolomeo%20mega&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wi) .

posted by Anjo on May 19th 2009 at 9:28am
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I would say to go with something classic and simple. Where are the table and chairs from? They're beautiful.

posted by C4therine on May 19th 2009 at 9:49am
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could you do a sideboard or parsons table off to the side and get two lamps? This would create a cozier dining area and would add some storage always a plus. Two small lamps would create softer lighting then a pendent over the table.

posted by LoriSF on May 19th 2009 at 9:57am
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You should check out the Puri by Sonneman Lighting in the Bronze. It is much prettier than the silver. I think their website is www.sonnemanawayoflight.com or a classique drum from www.stonegatedesigns.com would be nice.

posted by htaylor81 on May 19th 2009 at 10:08am
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Agree with Kathryn re: size. The Le Klint is a great suggestion.

posted by jppedi on May 19th 2009 at 10:11am
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The Le Klint idea is nice -- one on our list of "possibles" is similar -- the George Nelson criss-cross... (LINK)
The table is from Crate and Barrel, and the chairs are from Room and Board.

posted by narrowfellow on May 19th 2009 at 10:12am
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i'd suggest a bubble lamp, or make something interesting and cheap with a cluster of rice paper lamps. also, i would suggest a much larger mirror for that wall and a large piece of art above the bar trolley.

posted by kahlil19107 on May 19th 2009 at 10:22am
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i'd do a nice drum shade pendant. we've got two above our rectangular table, and i think one above your table would be really nice. SOMETHING like this:

http://www.cb2.com/family.aspx?c=120&f=4694

obviously it would have to be on a chain for your 15' ceilings!

posted by kdkaboom on May 19th 2009 at 10:30am
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check out remodelista's list of lighting, but this is probably my favorite for your space:

http://www.remodelista.com/2008/02/23/lighting-natalie/

if not available (2008) or too pricey, just click through their other choices.

posted by maude on May 19th 2009 at 10:55am
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since your ceiling heights are large, hanging a pendant might sway from blowing a/c or fans. also, it might look lost unless you hung a large pendant. Which if you did, I would suggest a larger table.

My suggestion is actually to buy a large arc floor lamp or maybe even a arm sconce if electric is provided.

posted by nkr707 on May 19th 2009 at 11:02am
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hmmm, arc lamp is a good idea!

posted by kdkaboom on May 19th 2009 at 11:33am
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I like the arc lamp idea - you'd still get the overhead feel of a chandelier which would define your dining space but using a lamp v. chandelier gives you the flexibility of configuring your loft's layout. There are some pretty affordable Arco reproductions available on ebay and craigslist.

posted by callithrix on May 19th 2009 at 11:43am
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I hadn't thought of the swaying possibility from the A/C. Does anyone have any direct experience with that? I do like the arc lamp idea! I love the Arco!

posted by narrowfellow on May 19th 2009 at 12:02pm
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I have two Le Klints hanging from my 15' ceiling, although they're not over my dining table. I do have a ceiling fan nearby and it has never caused the lights to move noticeably.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kcweiss/50075088/in/set-1086981/

I also have an Arco lamp and, quite frankly, I think it would be tough to have this over my dining table. The light is pretty harsh (sort of like an interrogation lamp!) and the 100lb marble base is difficult to move around.

If you got one of the knock-offs with a translucent shade, it might work better, although I still think a hanging lamp is your best bet.

posted by Kathryn on May 19th 2009 at 12:48pm
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Thanks for the insight Kathryn! Your place looks fantastic!

posted by narrowfellow on May 19th 2009 at 1:46pm
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I really like this one
http://www.muleh.com/_light/_light.php?product=kai_arc_lamp

posted by mrs yow on May 19th 2009 at 2:11pm
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an arc lamp would look nice... maybe one of those nice silver ones you see in lots of pictures. itd play well with the bar cart youve got.

posted by deeboyayay on May 19th 2009 at 2:38pm
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I think if you choose to play it safe with something simple and classic your room could turn out rather bland b/c your existing furnishings are classic. Although you have a smaller dining table bold doesn't have to be big.
http://www.gnr8.biz/product_info.php?products_id=229
I've always admired this one and it would work with the height of your ceilings b/c it's tall.

posted by chickiegirl21 on May 19th 2009 at 2:44pm
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Where can I find that mini bar rack??????????

posted by oliveye on May 19th 2009 at 6:30pm
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I would love to see an Arco style lamp with your table and chairs! Good luck to you.

posted by durhamdeb on May 19th 2009 at 6:31pm
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So many great suggestions! Oliveye, that mini bar is from Pottery Barn something like ten or twelve years ago. I doubt it's available there any more.

posted by narrowfellow on May 19th 2009 at 6:52pm
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Simple and classic is my vote! I like the Nelson link that you posted.

Whatever you choose, keep in mind that the color of the shade is going to emit that same color of light. So if this is going to be a major source of light in your room, you might want to decide in advance if you want it to be a white light (white shade) or a warmer light that you would get from a natural, cream, or taupe shade. Also consider the light in the rest of the room. If the other light sources in the room are predominantly white, go with a white pendant, etc. Otherwise you might have a mismatched lighting situation that could look a little kooky!

posted by HousewareHacker on May 20th 2009 at 12:32pm
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