You're Not Crazy, These Dining Room Lighting Ideas With Pendants Are Crazy-Gorgeous
We all know that good lighting is key when it comes to creating dreamy ambience in your home, and that's especially true in the dining room. But how do you make it pop while anchoring your space? We're so glad that you asked. One of the easiest ways to do this is by placing a pendant light above your table, which will instantly draw attention and help define the layout. And whether your style is modern, rustic, boho, or industrial, there's literally a fixture for every design aesthetic, so don't worry. Instead, get inspired by these nine unique dining room lighting ideas (but don't blame us when you want them all)!
1. Keep it simple and sweet.
Dining room lighting ideas don't have to be an over-the-top affair. If you want to keep a cohesive theme, think about incorporating a material that blends with the rest of the room rather than stealing the limelight. Molly from Almost Makes Perfect went with this small ceramic pendant (that almost looks like concrete) to tie together her simple breakfast nook —complete with hidden storage under the bench.
Get the look: Tech Lighting Karam Pendant Light in Concrete/White, starting at $479.40
2. Make it whimsical.
It's OK to have a little fun when shopping for dining room lighting. Follow the lead of Haley from I Am Haley Stuart and look for something that feels playful. We love the star-shaped fixture that she chose to illuminate her rosy space. The geometric design infuses a whimsical vibe, not to mention the way that light will bounce off of the glass and metal detailing, resulting in unique shadows at night. Talk about mood lighting!
Get the look: Dar Lighting Ilario Single Light Ceiling Pendant, $117.45
3. Go oversized.
Play with the elements in your dining room and go for an oversize piece that will have that wow factor. This sand-colored bell pendant selected by the team over at The Stables is robust but simple — perfect to elevate any minimal dining room.
Get the look: Huset Sand Bell Pendant Lamp, starting at $475
4. Consider jute.
If you feel safer with neutrals, consider dining room lighting ideas featuring natural materials. Designer Sarah Sherman Samuel did just that in this space belonging to Bri Emery of Designlovefest with the help of two woven jute pendants. Combined with green chairs, a black and white striped rug, and tropical foliage, we'd say the look is definitely worth a try.
Get the look: Anthropologie Bungalow Pendant, $228
5. Treasure the handmade.
Handcrafted elements will make your dining room feel welcoming while also championing independent design. Add a trio of ceramic pendants above your dining table like designer Amber Lewis did here, for an artisanal feel but keep the rest of the design understated so your lighting does ALL of the talking. Plus, hanging multiple pendants at different heights is a great way to work with a tall ceiling.
Get the look: Heather Levine Ceramics Pendant Lamp — Large, $1,125
6. Show off your curves.
Curvaceous light fixtures (yes, that's a thing) will bring a softer touch to dark areas and will create the perfect ambience if you regularly host dinner parties. We love the brass beauty that Kate Arends from Wit & Delight installed above her oval dining table. Surrounded by the dark wood finish of the table and the navy blue cabinets in the kitchen, the pendant really pops and adds a hint of glam.
Get the look: Schoolhouse Donna 17" LED Pendant, $649
7. Make a statement.
Bohemian interiors set the stage for some eclectic pendant lighting, but more often than not, homeowners opt for rattan or cane options. Follow the lead of Kelly from Studio DIY and try something a little different in your own dining room by creating a focal point with a fringe tassel pendant fixture that's playful and stylish.
Get the look: Justina Blakeney Fela Tasseled Chandelier, $248
8. Embrace woven texture.
If you are a fan of texture, why not continue the trend when it comes to dining room lighting ideas? That's exactly what Zabrina from ZDesign at Home did in her texture-filled space, and the result is oh-so-dreamy! The woven, bell-shaped pendant, dining chairs, and area rug are a visual treat, all working together to add warmth and sophistication.
Get the look: Serena & Lily Santa Barbara Pendant, $398
9. Dress it up.
There's nothing classier than a glass pendant, and this dining room lighting idea suits the majority of design styles. You can make it retro in a bohemian design or chic in a Scandinavian space as shown here by Abi from These Four Walls. Pair it with mismatched chairs and minimal decor to complete the sultry look.
Get the look: Muuto Fluid Pendant Lamp, $229
Where to Shop for Dining Room Lighting Ideas:
Now that you have a little inspo, it's time to shop for your own dining room lighting. Here are a few of our fave brands to get you started on the right foot.
Articolo is an Australian brand that creates one-of-a-kind handcrafted light fixtures. We love the combination of unique designs with stunning materials. If you're looking to make a statement, these pendants are the way to go.
Lulu and Georgia aim to bring you the latest cutting-edge trends in the interiors industry. Think Pinterest IRL. Their extensive range of lighting spans from modern to midcentury, so there's something for every style.
Serena & Lily is the perfect pitstop for lighting, with their extensive pendant range featuring textural materials such as Banana leaf bark, brass, resin, woven raffia, capiz shells, woven abaca, and cut seaglass beads.