“Lighting is an important consideration in any interior space,” says interior designer Marci Marsh. “In my opinion, a chandelier gives the homeowner an opportunity to add sophistication to any room, but especially the dining room.”
In fact, says Marsh, it’s rare that she would advise against it, adding that she’ll always suggest a dimmer for ambiance.
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However, there are a few scenarios when the light fixture needn’t be the center of attention, or when it could distract from the other design elements in the room.
For example? L- shaped banquettes. “It can be tricky to center a pendant or chandelier over the table because the bench-side seating is against a wall, which makes the table off-center,” says Marsh. A solution could be to add can lighting, or an asymmetrical semi-flush fixture, she notes.
Another scenario involves installing a hanging fixture that competes with art, maybe a portrait. In this case, advises Marsh, you may not want to choose a dense chandelier for fear that it would cover the figure or an important element of its composition.
“I recently chose a flush mount over a chandelier in a breakfast room because there was a large off-centered beam and several windows in a small area,” recounts Marsh. “The fabric was the star of the show in this design.”
If the room you’re working in has an uneven ceiling pitch over a table or an island, and you’re doing a grouping of pendants, you have to make sure that you have a light with an adjustable chain or cord to balance the height of each pendant.
“Another thing I would add,” says Marsh, “is if you have an open concept home, too many hanging fixtures can be overkill when every room is visible.”
