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At First Light The dining room is the most intimate space in any home. Use these expert tips to create the right aura and ambience  Image courtesy Restoration Hardware Whether your dining room is big or small, lighting this space is the key to capturing the perfect mood. From accenting artwork to illuminating a beautiful table, the options for lighting are plentiful. Experts say that the traditional chandelier has evolved to everything from bubble lamps and box shapes to pendants and faux-candle pieces. When you're designing your dining area, make sure to keep these expert tips in mind. "Lamps have moved to a more boxy, elongated shape, mimicking the shape of the room," says Elizabeth Marusin, owner of Asparagus Interiors Inc. in Naperville, Ill. Incorporating these shapes into your design can create the illusion of a larger space. Also, hanging a mirror can add to the illusion and help reflect natural light, even small amounts, throughout the entire room. Marusin recommends three sources of light in every room, as well as dimmers on all switches and lamps if possible. "These options save energy when you may only need one light and add ambience to your room creating a soft warm glow with lamp shades," Marusin says. Seattle designer Karen Ellentuck of Ellentuck Interiors, has seen the traditional dining room chandelier take on a more modern and simpler look. While most chandeliers direct light upward, using a fixture that adds light to the actual table is best, she says. Even using small voltage light at the ends of the tables can help to better light the surface. Try using a multiple pendant piece or even a fixture made to look like candles. Marusin has seen a resurgence in bubble lamps as well as blown glass pendants, which can add a little color to the room. Wall mounted fixtures, including scone lighting, can help create more dimension and free up floor space for smaller dining rooms. If you're looking to save some energy, Marusin recommends dimmable fluorescent bulbs. "If your lamp has two bulbs, one light could be a lower wattage, using less energy and creating a softer glow," she says. From the actually fixtures, to the bulbs inside, these options allow you to save energy without sacrificing style. |
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