5 Common Dining Room Lighting Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The right lighting can completely change the feel of your dining room, whether you’re having a cosy meal or hosting friends. It sets the mood, adds warmth, and makes the space both stylish and practical. 

But getting it wrong can leave your dining area feeling either too harsh or a bit lifeless. If you’re thinking about upgrading your space—or even planning a home extension in South London—it’s worth considering how good lighting ties everything together. 

Here are five common dining room lighting mistakes and how to fix them.

Common Dining Room Lighting Mistakes and Fixes

Good lighting sets the mood and makes your dining space functional. But many people get it wrong! Here are five common mistakes and easy ways to fix them.

1. Choosing the Wrong Bulb Brightness

What is the best bulb brightness for a dining room? Have you ever been to a restaurant where the lights were too dim, making it impossible to read the menu? Or perhaps the opposite—so bright that it felt like a hospital? That’s exactly what you want to avoid in your dining room.

For a comfortable ambience, aim for 3,000 to 6,000 lumens depending on your room size. If you have a modern dining room lighting setup, go for dimmable bulbs so you can adjust the brightness as needed.

2. Using the Wrong Light Colour

The next question is whether daylight or cool white lighting is better for the dining room? This is where people often go wrong. While cool white (4000K+) might be great for an office, it’s too harsh for a dining area. On the other hand, daylight bulbs (5000K+) can make food look unappetising.

For the perfect balance, warm white bulbs (2700K-3000K) are ideal for dining rooms. They create a cosy, inviting glow—perfect for enjoying meals with family and friends.

3. Ignoring Layered Lighting

Think a single chandelier is enough? Think again. Relying on just one light source makes the space feel flat.

For a well-lit, stylish dining space, combine:

1. Ambient lighting – Overhead fixtures like chandeliers or pendant lights.

2. Task lighting – Adjustable wall sconces or buffet table lamps.

3. Accent lighting – Spotlights or LED strips to highlight décor.

If you’re upgrading your dining area as part of a house extension in South London, this is the best time to plan a layered lighting setup that blends function with style.

4. Poor Light Placement

Your dining table is the star of the show—so make sure it’s lit properly. Hanging lights too high can make the space feel disconnected, while too low means you’ll be ducking your head.

Pro tip: Dining room lights should hang 30-36 inches above the table for perfect lighting. Also, if your table is long, consider multiple pendant lights instead of just one.

5. Forgetting Smart Lighting Features

Technology isn’t just for your TV and speakers—your dining room lighting can be smart, too!

1. Install dimmers to easily switch between casual meals and fancy dinner parties.

2. Use smart bulbs to change colours or set schedules.

3. Try motion sensors for an energy-efficient setup.

A well-lit dining space isn’t just about looks—it’s about creating an atmosphere. If you’re planning to upgrade your home, whether through a renovation or house extensions in South London, it’s the perfect time to rethink your lighting.

Ready to Transform Your Dining Space With Doran Bros Construction?

Great lighting is just one part of a beautiful dining room. If you’re considering a home extension, or property refurbishment, Doran Bros Construction can bring your vision to life. With over 30 years of experience, we specialise in high-quality, expertly crafted home improvements.

Contact us today for a consultation and let’s make your dream dining space a reality!