Whether you’re a frequent entertainer or prefer quiet meals with your family, the dining room is often the center of the home. When it comes to choosing a pendant light to hang over a dining table, there are several factors to consider, including the size of the table, the height of the ceiling, the number of pendants needed, and the style of the room. The right pendant light can help create a focal point in your dining space and set the tone for the entire room. As a general guideline, the pendant light should be proportionate to the size of the table and should be positioned at the right height to provide adequate lighting while also creating a visually pleasing balance with the rest of the space. We’ll go through a few quick steps to select the best size pendant light for your space, achieving visual balance and full functionality.
What Size Pendant Lights Should You Use Over A Dining Table?
A single pendant above your dining table makes a statement and can give your space a more modern look. For larger spaces and open-concept rooms, you might have the room to switch it up and create a more unique look by adding two or three smaller pendants. Or opt for an oversized pendant to play with size and scale.
- Depends on both the size of the table, and how many lights you plan to use, but typically should be a maximum of 1/2 to 3/4 the width of your dining table in diameter
- For multiple pendant lights, the size should be smaller than if you opt for a single pendant light above the center of the table
- For either scenario, you should subtract 12” from the total length of your table when calculating the right size – this ensures at least 6” of clearance on each side
- The more pendants you plan to use, the smaller the width of the pendant should be
How Many Pendant Lights Should Be Hung Over The Table In A Dining Room?
Overall, this is a matter of personal aesthetic and taste, but it truly depends on the size and shape of the table as well as the size of the pendant lights you're looking to install. If you have a larger table and want to create balance while grounding the space within your dining area, 2 pendants of the same size placed evenly should do the trick. If your dining table is on the smaller side one larger pendant or a cluster of 3 smaller pendants will create interest and a focal point within the room.
- A single large pendant light is often the best aesthetic choice for a table with equal dimensions – a square or round table
- For rectangular or elongated elliptical tables, multiple pendants (2-4. usually arranged linearly) are a popular choice
- In those cases, the number of pendants to use depends on the size. in the interest of visual balance the more pendant lights you use, the smaller they should be
Sizing Your Dining Room Pendant Lights
- If choosing to have a singular dining room pendant, a good rule of thumb is for your pendant to be ½ ¾ the width of your table
- For example, for a 5 foot wide table, you would want a pendant that is 30-45 inches in diameter
- For singular dining room pendants, you always want it to be centered above the dining room table, but it does not necessarily have to be centered within your room
- For multiple smaller pendants, odd numbers tend to please the eye, but the number of fixtures you need depends on the length of your table and the diameter of your pendant
- To determine the optimal width of your pendant, subtract 12 inches from the width of your table to get your maximum diameter. For example, if you have a 4 foot wide table, you’ll subtract 12 from 48 giving you a 36 inch maximum
- For the right hanging height, the bottom of your pendant should be about 30-32 inches above the table, adjusting to work with the size of the table and overall scale of your space
Selecting the right size pendant light to hang over a dining table is important for both functional and aesthetic reasons. Whether you’re looking to accent a small round table in a loft apartment or a spacious rectangular table for entertaining, taking into account the suggestions above will ensure your room looks balanced and well-lit. As we mentioned above, it’s recommended to choose a pendant light that is proportionate to the size of the table, and positioned at the right height to provide adequate lighting and balance with the rest of the room. However, in the end, the size, style, and height that looks best to you and functions well with your needs is going to be the best choice. Just remember to consider the size of the table, the height of the ceiling, and the style of the space to find the perfect pendant light that will enhance the ambiance of your dining area and create a stunning visual impact.
