The complete guide

Dining Table Lighting

Originally published in newspaper issue 03

The perfect dining table lamp does more than illuminate - it shapes the atmosphere, enhances your space, and balances function with style. Whether you're setting the scene for intimate dinners or need a well-lit space for work and study, the right lighting choice makes all the difference.

Pendant Types

360° Pendant:

Spreads a soft, diffused glow throughout the room. With the light source hidden behind opal glass, you can hang it high without glare. Perfect for creating a warm ambience, but not ideal for reading or working.

Open Pendant:
Directs light both upwards and downwards, giving you the best of both worlds - general illumination and a well-lit table. Many designs shield the bulb, so you can hang it higher without discomfort.

Downlight Pendant:
Focuses light directly onto the table, making it ideal for dining spaces that double as work areas. It creates a cosy, intimate feel, but as the bulb is often exposed, the lamp should be hung lower for optimal comfort.

How many lamps?

The number of lamps should complement the size and shape of your dining table:

One lamp:
A single statement lamp works best for round tables or tables up to 180 cm. Choose a larger design if the space allows, creating impact without feeling overwhelming.

Multiple lamps:
For tables over 180 cm, opt for a minimum of two smaller lamps, spaced 60-80 cm apart. This arrangement makes a bold expression and enhances the overall aesthetic of the room.

Lamp Height

Multiple lamps:
For tables over 180 cm, opt for a minimum of two smaller lamps, spaced 60-80 cm apart. This arrangement makes a bold expression and enhances the overall aesthetic of the room.

Choosing the right light source

UMAGE always recommend LED bulbs - they are energy-efficient and far from the cold, clinical light some may imagine.

Lumen = Brightness

The brightness of a light bulb is measured in lumen. For a dining space, where the focus is a great atmosphere while eating aim for a lumen of 300-800 lumen.

If your dining space is also used for everyday work tasks, go for a lumen of 800-1200 lumens - even better if you can get a dimmable option, so you get the flexibility of both.

Kelvin = Temperature

The warmth of a light source is measured in Kelvin. For a cosy yet functional dining space, a light temperature of around 2700K is ideal. It creates an inviting glow perfect for both dinners and focused tasks.

With the right lighting, your dining table becomes more than just a place to eat: it transforms into a welcoming, multifunctional space where ambience and practicality go hand in hand.

Find your pendant

The Chordis lampshade is a 360 pendant creating a warm ambience throughout the room.

The Asteria Plus lamp is an example of a downlight pendant, that gives a focused light.