Jules' choice: DINING ROOM LIGHTS

Set the mood, from sociable to intimate, with our expert tips on how to light a dining room

- ANDREA CHILDS

We tend to think of lighting as the final touch to a room, coming after the paint and paper have been chosen and the furniture put in place. But when putting together a dining room scheme, it’s important to think about how you’re going to light the room from the start.

Add layers of lighting

Good dining room lighting is about more than just a pendant lamp hanging above the dining table. A well-planned scheme should include ambient, task and accent lighting for the best effect. Ambient lighting can be created using a combination of overhead lighting, wall lights and floor lamps. Ideally, you want to create a warm glow that fills the room.

Include a statement piece

Having a standout light above the table is a must-have, making it the focal point of the room and naturally drawing people to gather and share a meal together. Instead of a single pendant, create drama with a low-hung fitting to accentuate the table area or opt for a statement cluster pendant with multiple lights at staggered heights.

Match your table shape