Let’s see the basics you must remember to select the right one:
1. First, consider the height of your walls, from the floor to the ceiling. Now withdraw from the total high the top of the table (usually h75 cm). This way, you’ll get the “useful” spacefor the lamp. You’ll need to know this to be able to choose the hanging lamp as big/small as you like and functional to your space.
2. Second, while looking through suspension lamps or chandeliers, verify what types of bulbs it requires and make sure it gives total light between 1000 and 2000 lumen. Every bulb provides a certain quantity of light (measured in lumen), which can be of cold or warm lighting, depending on bulbs/led, see table below.
Depending on the shape of the shades, a ceiling lamp can give concentrated or diffused lighting. Still, overall, it must provide a good source of light to see the food on the table, and the faces of the persons sited, and have an enjoyable atmosphere (so not too loud too). If you can, put a dimmableswitcher, so you could increase/decrease the power of the lighting source based on your needs.
3. Third, position the ceiling lamp/ chandelier centered above the table to have even lightingto all the surfaces.
4. Fourth, make sure the length of the suspensionlamp arrives no lower them at 40-45 cm from the table surface to not create discomfort using dishes on the table and to be able to see each other while sitting.
5. In case you prefer a game of two or three independent suspension lamps with direct lighting, make sure your table is at least 180-200 cm long. Then position every suspension at about 50-60 cm between each other to avoid creating shadows. In this case, it recommended arriving at max 65-75 cm from the table.
6. In case you want a bunch of smaller independent suspension lamps, I would suggest creating an asymmetric composition in shape, color, and dimension to make it look more appealing. In this case, you can place them as a "chandelier" centered over the table, keeping a small distance between them (about 15-20 cm) to create uniform diffused light.
If you are interested to know how to position other lighting sources in the house, write me in the comments, I’ll be happy to advise you.
If you want to know more about lighting, which sources are best for every room (among chandelier, applique, floor lamp, table lamp, etc.), let me know in the comments below. I’ll be happy to dedicate a detailed post on this topic with practical advice on types, forms, and models to choose from.
Best wishes,
Nadiya
MetropolitanMe Blogger