Deciding what to do with your dining room lighting can be tricky without some help. Are you going for a modern aesthetic, or is something more classic better for your space?
We found plenty of recessed lighting ideas that work perfectly in the dining room. Whether you want a dramatic spotlight effect or a minimal look, recessed lighting is easy to work with. We recommend choosing dimmable lights to set the mood without needing candles.
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Here are our top 11 recessed lighting ideas for the dining room, along with some related products. No matter your style, it’s essential to have enough lighting while keeping the space intimate. Let’s dive in!
1. Farmhouse Chic
First up, we have this gorgeous farmhouse idea using recessed lights. Although this dining room has plenty of natural light, we love how the recessed features accentuate it.
If you want to try this at home, try a bright, cool white light bulb for your ceiling.
Here is a cool white LED bulb to try in your dining room. These bulbs are 75-watt equivalent, 1100 lumens, and last 25000 hours.
2. Minimal Look
Next, we have another bright dining room with subtle recessed lighting. The recessed lighting here has an effortless look and blends right into the ceiling, which we love.
This idea is perfect for anyone with already bright space and adds plenty of light for the nighttime.
3. Dramatic Wall Spotlight
Third, we have a modern, bright, and super dramatic recessed lighting idea. We suggest a similar design for anyone after a contemporary look.
Bright LED light is typically standard in modern spaces and is usually dimmable as well.
Here, we have a dimmer switch from Cloudy Bay to install in your dining room. This switch is in-wall, has a 600-watt max, and is a slide switch design.
4. Ambient White Backlighting
Another recessed lighting idea we have for the dining room is an ambient white design like this. Generally, kitchen and dining room combos feel off-putting, but this room here turned out amazing.
The bright white kitchen lighting shines into the dining room and illuminates the space without feeling too intense.
5. Elegant Coffered Lighting
Following a fancier theme, we have this stunning recessed lighting idea. If you have coffered ceilings, recessed lighting alongside a chandelier is the perfect pairing to try.
Note how the spacing of the light keeps it minimal while still shining plenty of extra light throughout the room.
6. Warm And Traditional
Sixth, we have this traditional, warm-feeling dining room option. Recessed lighting is usually brighter and whiter, but we love the warmer look here.
If you prefer a more cozy dining room look, try choosing a warm white bulb for your space.
7. Artistic Modern Lighting
Transform your dining room into an artistic haven with this creative lighting idea. The room showcases a stunning chandelier that serves as the centerpiece, adding an element of sophistication and modern flair.
Surrounding the chandelier, recessed spotlights provide ample illumination, ensuring the space is bright and inviting.
For an added touch of elegance, consider incorporating paintings and artwork on the walls, as seen in this design.
Use recessed lights strategically to highlight these pieces, creating a gallery-like ambiance that elevates your dining experience.
8. Recessed Radiance
The room features a sophisticated combination of recessed lights and a contrasting ceiling color, creating a striking focal point.
The recessed lights, strategically placed within the darker ceiling section, enhance the brightness and add a touch of modern elegance to the space.
The central pendant lights above the dining table further accentuate the room’s sophisticated ambiance, providing a warm and inviting glow.
Large windows allow natural light to flood in, balancing the artificial illumination and creating a harmonious atmosphere.
9. Random Placement
Ninth, we have a modern and simple recessed lighting idea that works great with statement lighting.
The random placement of the recessed lights is not your typical design but creates a unique look and provides light all around the room. The smaller size of the recessed lighting makes it less noticeable.
Here is a 16-pack of recessed lights from Esenior to try in your dining room. Each light is six inches, 110-watt equivalent, and is Energy Star certified.
10. Evenly Spaced Out
For anyone after a pattern, we have this recessed lighting idea. Although your lights do not have to be perfectly spaced apart, the world would be better if they were.
The simple and clean look of this lighting will fit beautifully into most dining room spaces.
11. Spotlight Border
Last but not least, we have this spotlight border idea that is great for smaller dining rooms. Although these lights border the dining room, they work nicely with the hanging fixtures and keep the modern vibe going.
If you want to add brightness to a smaller space, try using bordering recessed lights like this example.
Final Thoughts: Illuminate Your Dining Experience
Whether you love them or are curious about installing them in your home, recessed lighting is perfect for the dining room. From the ideas we saw, soft white light is ideal for a dining space and gives it a modern touch.
Another good option to choose is a warm light for those wanting a more classic aesthetic.
We recommend hooking up a dimmer for your lights so they can change along with the natural lighting and occasion.
Regardless of what lights you choose, make sure to find what works for you and have plenty of fun designing!
Want to catch up on everything you missed? Head over to the helpful posts below!
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