They say that home is where the heart is, and at the heart of every home you will find the dining room table.

The dining table is the centerpiece of the dining room area and the lighting you choose for this sacred space is of the utmost importance. When trying to choose light fixtures, however, there are a variety of factors to consider.

One or Multiple Pendants?

One of the first things to think about is the size of your dining room table. Not all tables are created equal; some are smaller with only enough room for 4 people, while other large tables can comfortably seat up to 12 chairs around them.

Taking that into consideration, you can either choose a single pendant that hangs directly above the center of the table, which can provide light equally to everyone sitting around it, or if you happen to have a longer table, you can instead opt to use multiple hanging pendants.

If you choose to use multiple hanging pendant bulbs, you will have to decide on:

● The exact number of pendants needed

● Where exactly you want them positioned above the table

● The size of pendants that would best suit your needs

● The proper spacing between each pendant for adequate and equal light distribution

Placing multiple pendants above a dining room table will add more overall light to the space, helping to illuminate both what is on the table as well as who is around it.

Pendant height from table

Whether you choose one or multiple pendants, another thing to keep in mind is how high from the surface of the table you will want the light to be hung.

The general rule of height for a light fixture above a dining room table is that the lowest part of the light should end 30-32 inches above the surface. This recommendation is simply an average, however, as this might change depending on the size of your pendants as well as the height of your ceilings.

Size, shapes, and styles

When it comes to the size, shape, and style of pendants you choose, the possibilities are truly endless. Most of these choices will boil down to a matter of individual preference, but there are some design elements that can help make the decision easier.

If your house is more modern, fixtures with black accents or unique shapes would help to fit with the overall feel. For houses that are more traditional, pendants that feature brass or classic shapes might be more suitable.

Consider swag hooks

Swag hooks are another unique option that allows you to expand your placement options, optimizing spaces and providing flexibility.

A swag hook is a ceiling hook in which the cord from the light fixture is slipped through, allowing the pendant to be hung away from the location of the lighting junction box. This is beneficial in older homes where junction boxes might not be centered with the table, or in a space where you simply want to be able to adjust the lighting as needed.

Pendant lighting for the dining room

Some say the dining room table is where the magic happens. It’s the place where delicious meals are shared, and it is the one place where the family comes together to talk about their day. With this in mind, you want your dining room to feel as comfortable, warm, and as inviting as possible. Choosing the best pendant lights for your space will make this dream a reality.