Hi AT! My girlfriend and I have been struggling with the lighting in our dining room. The chandelier we have now directs light down onto the table, creating a kind of cave of light, leaving the rest of the room feeling a bit dark. Lamps are difficult for two reasons: only one outlet (to the right in the photo) and the room is a little small. We are considering a different overhead light and/or sconces. Our tastes lean towards MCM but we already have a modern white, globe-type light hanging in the back room off the dining room. And, of course, we ain't too spendy! Thanks, Nick
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Can you snake the walls to get sconces hardwired? That would be the perfect solution -- dining rooms, especially, benefit from two sources of light. Change out that chandelier & add a few sconces would be my answer.
view robyn's profile
I would definitely change out the chandelier that you have, because the shades are all casting downwards and looks like it would only offer lighting that would be generally depressing. Can you get a regular chandelier?
Or, if you can't do that, maybe replace that shelving unit in the back left corner with a small side table and get a lamp for it (100 watts or more, i'd say). Pier 1 has a really awesome lamp right now that I can see in this space- it's $65 and it has a cool hammered metal base and a linen colored drum shade. I just picked one up for my poorly lit apartment and it has definitely lifted my spirits! Unfortunately the lamp I'm referring to isn't on their website, but if you live by a pier 1, you should check it out!
view Erin Lang Norris/Yellow Canoe's profile
What about a schoolhouse pendant? It would look good in the room, and would cast light all around. They have them here: http://www.rejuvenation.com/catalog/adhoc.html?group=schoolhouse
view emilykristin's profile
New Chandelier
view bepsf's profile
We have a nelson Bubble Lamp hanging over our dining table in our open-plan kitchen/dining/living room. We love it -- it glows all over, rather than just directing light downward. We aren't too 'spendy' either but thought this was worth the pretty penny (about $350) we paid. It sooo cool! Here is a link: http://www.ylighting.com/bub-crisscross.html
Good luck
view outonalimb_2008's profile
What about a drum shade hanging light. They bridge the gap between many design styles and give light all around. Most have difusers so you aren't looking at the bare bulb.
view peachpie's profile
Use candles. Most models do not require electricity. Simple pillars, or fun holders from Salvation Army -- they will light up those dark edges.
view m_j_s's profile