How to Pair Kitchen and Dining Lights for a Perfect Look
Coordinating kitchen lights with those in the adjoining dining room can create a cohesive and stylish look for your home. If you’re unsure of how to mix light fixtures, consider the functionality of each space. In this post, we’ll walk you through choosing lighting for both areas so that they work together seamlessly.
Should Kitchen and Dining Room Lights Match?
The benefits of having coordinated lighting in your kitchen and dining room depend on the functionality of your kitchen layout and how you plan on using the space. Making design decisions with both function and form in mind will help you create a cohesive look for these two important rooms in your home.
If your kitchen is more functional than aesthetic, then having coordinating light fixtures can be helpful in terms of cutting down on visual clutter. If you have an open concept floor plan, then matching light fixtures can also help to create a sense of cohesion between the two spaces.
When you’re planning a kitchen, making design decisions about lighting is key to creating a space that meets your needs and reflects your personal taste. The importance of pairing kitchen and dining lights also depends on the types of fixtures you choose. Decorative lighting, such as chandeliers and pendant lights are ideal in the dining room for creating an intimate atmosphere.
How to Choose the Right Hanging Kitchen Lights Over Table?
The best type of lighting for kitchen tables is dependent on the size and shape of the table, as well as the overall style of the kitchen. For large tables, hanging pendant lights are a good option because they provide focused light without taking up too much space. If energy efficiency is a concern, look for LED pendants or other energy-saving options. Smaller tables may be better suited for recessed lighting or track lighting depending on the layout of the kitchen.
Choosing hanging kitchen lights over the table also depends on the “feel” you want for your kitchen. If you prefer a more modern look, sleek and simple pendant lights may be the best option. For a cozier feel, consider hanging lanterns or other types of lights that emit a softer light. Pendant lights should be hung about 30 inches above the surface of the table. Chandeliers may need to be hung slightly higher depending on their size and weight.
It’s also important to take into account the overall layout of your kitchen when choosing lighting fixtures. If you have an open concept kitchen, for example, track lighting or recessed lighting can help create defined spaces without sacrificing the airy feel of the room.
Simple Ways to Coordinate Kitchen and Dining Room Lighting
Mix and match different kinds of light above the kitchen table not only for good looks but also for illuminating everyday tasks. Through personal experience, I have found that a single, large hanging kitchen light over the table is not always the best solution. Instead, mix and match different kinds of light, such as recessed lights, pendants, and track lighting for a unique and well-lit kitchen table.
For the dining room, continue with the light fixtures that you already have in place. But make sure to add a dimmer switch so you can adjust the mood of the room to match your meal. You should also consider accent lighting such as sconces or a chandelier if your dining room is large enough. But, if you have metallic silver kitchen cabinets, I would recommend avoiding any overhead fixtures and using recessed lighting or even LED strip lights to create an evenly lit space. It will also help to reflect light off of the cabinets and make the kitchen feel brighter.
Once you know how you want each space to feel, you can start mixing different light fixtures to achieve the perfect look. A few simple tips can help make the process easier. With these factors in mind, it should be easy to find a light that adds both style and function to any space.