Today's Dining rooms reflect consumer's changing lifestyles. Once used solely for daily
dining, this room has become more multipurpose.
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Trends in Dining Room Lighting
During the week, we use the dining room as a work zone, for
homework, crafts, church work, boy scout meetings etc. On the
weekends and special occasions, it becomes a gathering place
for parties and meals.
The result? Dining rooms must boast multiple lighting options
that can go from functional to fashionable in the flick of a switch.
To get the best balance of illumination in the dining room, opt for
layers of light. Dining rooms which rely only on a center
chandelier to light the room, often require the light to be so bright
that it is not comfortable for dining. Likewise, if the chandelier's
light is comfortable on the eyes, it will be too dim to light the rest
of the room.
When choosing dining room lighting, start with a chandelier in the
middle of the room, then work out with accent lights. The chandelier
will determine the room's feeling. Use your imagination. In today's
more eclectic decor, even casual homes can have elegant dining
rooms.
You might find casual wrought iron or brushed steel metal fixtures in
the home's adjacent "great room" and wrought iron with crystal
drops or pendants in the dining room, creating a more romantic,
softer setting.
When selecting a chandelier, don't worry about the fixture's quality of light
as much as its beauty and scale. Chandelier choices include everything
from those with exposed bulbs to those with large alabaster diffusing
bowls. Trends range from simple Mission-inspired models with mica glass
to ornate brass filigree with crystal pendants.
Crystal chandeliers are one of the most
traditional way to compliment a dining room
setting. "Crystal chandeliers work to create an
ethereal, magical look -- even if they are not
turned on,
Dining room lighting should be both beautiful and functional. This requires a mix of general,
task, and accent lighting that can set the mood for a number of functions, including a formal
dinner, a family get-together, and other activities such as homework, hobbies, or family
bookkeeping. Dimming controls will enable you to vary the light for each occasion.
A buffet or sideboard can be flanked with wall sconces on either side.
Choose fixtures that complement the style of your chandelier. Displayed
objects can be accented with recessed downlights installed in the ceiling
above.
A chandelier is the focal point of the dining room. Suspended over the
dining table, it serves as a decorative style element that enhances the
beauty of your fine furnishings. When the light is dimmed, a soft, glowing
atmosphere similar to candlelight is created. If equipped with a downlight,
the chandelier provides task lighting for the table and accent lighting for
a centerpiece.
A China cabinet, breakfront, hutch, or wall niche can become a
showplace for your prized collectibles by installing strips of low-voltage
mini-lights under the shelves.
A family portrait can be dramatically lighted with recessed adjustable
accent fixtures. Ask the certified lighting consultants at your local ALA
showroom to help you choose fixtures that are best suited for this
purpose
Recessed or track lighting provides general lighting, while enabling you to
highlight prized possessions throughout the room. A ring of four
recessed downlights around the dining table supplements the light from
the chandelier, while providing accent lighting for your tableware. The
pure white light of low-voltage fixtures with tungsten-halogen bulbs will
make your crystal and silverware sparkle.
In all cases, place dimmers on all fixtures. Dimmers will provide
exceptional control and flexibility for the variety of tasks that occur
in a dining room. In the case of a dining room, it is also suggested
that an integrated dimming system be considered. These systems
allow you to dim the lights, but also allow for pre-set scenes that are
programmed into the system. This process adds much comfort and
flexibility for creating an ideal lighting environment.
Another great addition to any Dining room is a pair of in wall speakers.
They can be installed in the ceiling or wall. With the addition of an in wall
volume control, you can adjust the volume of that room as needed.
Click here for In-wall Speakers
North Jersey Electrical Services Inc.
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