I’m looking for lighting ideas for a DR. 12×20 room. The way the room is setup, there really isn’t a focal point in the room where the table would naturally go. As such, I’m leaning away from encorporating a fancy chandelier for over the table. Without the chandelier, me or a future owner would be free to situate the table where ever they want.
So how do you light a DR without the focal point of a chandelier?
The only thing that comes to mind at the moment… maybe 6-8 6″ cans (see drawing), but I’m not married to that idea.
Ideas?
jt8
“Take your life in your own hands, and what happens? A terrible thing: no one to blame.” — Erica Mann Jong
Edited 3/6/2006 1:27 pm by JohnT8
Edited 3/6/2006 4:17 pm by JohnT8
Replies
Had a similar prob in our LR. Used "sconces" that reflect the light up to the ceiling and use the bounce for a softer less direct effect. The sides may be semi-opaque so as to get a little light out horizontally. You could put a couple of swivel cans in the middle to make up for shortfall. You could place one on each wall. HD or Lowes carries lots of models. I bought a couple, put'em on some ply, and screwed them to the wall to test the illumination. Try to get 100W single bulb as they seem to put out more light.
I had considered a tray ceiling with flourescent tubes reflecting up towards the ceiling, but assumed that this would have to be combined with some other light source. The tray light would probably be a similar effect to your wall scones. Otherwise it seems like the middle of the room wouldn't be as well lighted.
jt8
"Let me never fall into the vulgar mistake of dreaming that I am persecuted whenever I am contradicted." -- Ralph Waldo Emerson
What is the style of your house? What you propose in the drawing looks like it would go with a more modern type house. If you put that lighting plan in, say, a victorian, it wouldn't work (to my eye -- can lights in an old house, yech). If it's in a contemporary, it might.
(I'm not a big fan of can lights, but that's just me).
Seeking perfection in an imperfect world is a fool's errand. Making something look perfect is a whole 'nother story . . . .
What is the style of your house
30yo bland brick ranch. I was leaning away from tray lighting because it might be too over the top for a bland ranch with 8' ceilings. Which is how I arrived at the cans.
jt8
"Let me never fall into the vulgar mistake of dreaming that I am persecuted whenever I am contradicted." -- Ralph Waldo Emerson
I'd try to create a focal point to get some sizzle if the place is otherwise bland. Maybe a decorative mantle on the long wall (top wall in your drawing) with sconce on each side, and a mirror on the overmantle to reflect the light from the window on the opposite wall. Large eliptical surface light in center of the ceiling (sort of deco style). Sideboard could go on wall to the right on your drawing so maybe a flush can or two shining at that wall, or if it works, matching sconces at each end of the sideboard.
I'm just not a big fan of can lights. Anyway, hope this gives you at least some ideas for whatever you're going to do in there.
Seeking perfection in an imperfect world is a fool's errand. Making something look perfect is a whole 'nother story . . . .
Just getcherself wonna dem 1500 watt high pressure sodium area lights !
You'll never have to wonder what's hiding under the spinach again.
;o)
Geekbox hero who once visited the glass city.
How does 4 general down lights, 5" trim in the corners held off the walls 2' or so with LV rail (not track) hanging pendants. Lots of options for shades, sizes, styles, and bulbs. All could be dimmed. Hide the transformer and run a length of 10-2 to the box avoiding those big ugly combo cover/transformer plates.