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Inspiration & Tips/Interior design tips/Dining room lighting ideas
Here you see two different dining room lighting ideas in a japandi style. One with a long dining room table and a cluster of lights and the other with a round table and a round lamp.

Dining room lighting ideas: How to create the perfect glow with Belid

The dining room is more than just a place to eat—it’s where we gather with family and friends after a long day and connect. The right dining room lighting sets the mood and ensures we can wind down in comfortable atmosphere. Whether you’re hosting a formal dinner party or enjoying a casual family meal, the right dining room lighting makes all the difference. Here’s how to master dining room lighting like a pro with Belid.
Wednesday, March 19, 2025
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Three white Priums lamps from Belid hanging over an oak dining table in Japandi style.

The light from Varberg – Belid crafts lighting that seamlessly blends beauty and purpose, illuminating spaces with both style and intention.

Swedish lighting design for illuminating dining room lighting ideas

Lighting plays a crucial role in creating a warm and inviting home, and in Sweden, it holds even greater significance. With long, dark winters, Swedes have mastered the art of lighting to enhance both comfort and functionality. Thoughtful lighting design can transform a space, setting the mood and making everyday moments more enjoyable. Dining room lighting is no different and should be carefully planned. By selecting the right combination of lighting elements, you can create a space that is both stylish and practical.

A leader in Scandinavian lighting design, Swedish brand Belid has been crafting high-quality, timeless lighting solutions for over 50 years. Based in Varberg, Sweden, Belid combines traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation, creating stylish yet functional lighting that enhances any interior. With a strong focus on precision and design, Belid offers the perfect balance of aesthetics and performance, making them an excellent choice for your dining room.

Ideas to help you plan your dining room lighting:

  1. Layer your lighting
  2. Highlight the dining table
  3. Choose the right size
  4. Choose the right light bulb
  5. Dimmers for flexible dining room lighting

1. Layer your dining room lighting

Great lighting design starts with layering different light sources to create depth and balance. The star of the show when it comes to dining room lighting is of course the dining table but in order to create a well-balanced room we need to consider other types of lighting too. There are a few key areas to consider:

  • Ambient lighting – This is your main source of light, often a pendant or chandelier that hangs over the dining room table. The Soft pendant from Belid is ideal with its understated elegance it fills the room with a soft glow.
  • Functional lighting – Consider floor lamps or table lamps to provide practical lighting for specific areas, such as a sideboard or bar cart. The Picasso table lamp adds a modern sculptural element to any sideboard.
  • Accent lighting – Wall lights like the Sinne wall lamp are great for highlighting artwork or even architectural features in your home as well as adding warmth and character to your dining space.
Dining room lighting ideas to highlight the dining table. Here you see the Soft pendant lamp from Belid hanging over the a wooden dining table.

2. Highlight the dining table

Your dining table is the focal point of the room, so your lighting should emphasize it effectively. Different table shapes call for different lighting arrangements:

  • For a round table, cluster multiple pendant lights at varying heights or opt for a single statement fixture with a broad glow. Statement lamps—whether a sculptural pendant such as the Primus lamp from Belid—bring character and style to your space. Choose a fixture that complements your dining table and overall interior style, whether it's modern, Japandi, Scandinavian, or something more traditional.
  • For a long rectangular table, arrange pendant lights in a row, all hanging at the same height or to create a statement you could also choose to hang multiple lights in a cluster here too.
  • For an open-plan dining space, a statement fixture is perfect for visually defining the dining area and separate it from the rest of the home.
Here you see dining room lighting ideas for a long table. The Picasso lamp hangs in a row of three and the Sinne lamp hangs on the wall.

Create a striking focal point in your dining room with a cluster of Primus pendants from Belid, arranged at varying heights and sizes.

3. Choosing the right size fixture

The size of your light fixture should be proportional to your dining table to maintain visual harmony. As a general rule of thumb:

  • A chandelier or pendant should be about half to two-thirds the width of the table to ensure balanced proportions. 
  • It should hang approximately 75-90 cm above the tabletop for optimal lighting without obstructing the line of sight across the table.

4. Choosing the right light bulbs

The type of light bulb you use significantly impacts the atmosphere of your dining space. To create a warm and inviting setting opt for warm white bulbs (2700K-3000K). Avoid harsh, cool lighting that can feel sterile and unwelcoming. It is also important to ensure that all the lights in your dining room are the same colour temperature, ensuring a harmonious feeling.

For more information about choosing the right light bulb read our handy guide here.

5. Use dimmers for versatility

A dimmable dining room lighting setup allows you to adjust brightness for different moods and occasions. Keep it bright for homework sessions, or work-related tasks, after all the dining table often doubles as a workspace. Then you can lower the intensity for an intimate dinner or relaxed family meal in the evening.

Lighting your dining room is about creating an experience. By layering light sources, choosing the right fixture, and setting the right tone, you can craft a space that feels just as good as it looks. Whether you're looking for fresh dining room lighting ideas or planning a complete dining space makeover, Belid’s beautifully designed lighting choices will transform your space into a stylish and functional hub for gathering and entertaining.

 

Photograpy: Ardijan Mahmutaj

Rebecca Sparling
Author

Dining room lighting ideas from Belid

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