Making your dining room feel brighter and more open is an important goal for many homeowners. A dark and closed-off dining space can make mealtimes feel gloomy, while a bright, airy dining room creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere perfect for gathering and connecting with friends and family over food.
Assess the Current Lighting Situation
The first step is to assess the current lighting situation in your dining room. How much natural light comes into the space during the daytime? Are there windows that can be uncovered or utilized better? Pay attention to which direction the windows face – south and west facing rooms will get more direct sunlight. Examine the artificial lighting as well – is the fixture dated or dim? Do you primarily rely on an overhead chandelier or sconces on the wall? Take notes on where the space seems darkest so you can target those areas.
Let In More Natural Light
If your dining room lacks sufficient natural light, there are several ways to remedy that:
- Install larger windows if possible. Replace smaller windows with newer ones that maximize glass area.
- Add skylights or sun tunnels to let sunlight filter in from above.
- Use mirrors and reflective surfaces like glass tabletops to bounce and amplify existing light.
- Paint the walls a light, bright color like pale yellow or light grey to reflect light better.
- Use sheer curtains in place of heavy drapes to allow more sunlight to pass through.
- Trim back trees, bushes, and landscaping that may be blocking exterior light.
Focus on the northern exposure first when bringing in more natural light, as it receives the most even and consistent sunlight throughout the day.
Upgrade Your Light Fixtures
Improving the artificial lighting will also make a big difference in brightening up your dining space. Consider the following upgrades:
- Install dimmable overhead lighting on a dimmer switch so you can control the light level.
- Use bulbs with a higher lumen/wattage rating to increase brightness.
- Choose bulbs with warmer color temperatures (3000K-4000K) to feel cozier than cool blue-toned lights.
- Add stylish chandeliers or pendant lights above your dining table.
- Incorporate sconces, picture lights, and accent lighting around the room.
- Use directional lighting like recessed cans to illuminate dark corners.
Put your lighting on separate switches and circuits so you can turn them on/off independently based on your needs.
Use Reflective Surfaces
Strategically using reflective surfaces is an easy way to maximize existing light. Consider adding:
- A large mirror on the wall to visually double the space.
- A glass-topped dining table to bounce light around the room.
- A glass buffet or cabinet for displaying china and glassware.
- Polished metallics like mercury glass vases and silver serving trays.
- Glossy white plates and bowls which will catch and reflect light well.
Position these reflective items near your lighting sources or windows to get the most impact.
Paint Walls in Light, Bright Colors
The color you paint your dining room walls in can significantly influence the feeling of light and space. Dark, saturated colors tend to make rooms feel smaller and more closed-in. For a bright, open dining area, consider pale, light-reflecting paint colors like:
- Whites – choose a bright white like Chantilly Lace or a softer tone like Alabaster.
- Creamy neutrals – try a warm ivory or tan like Buttercream or Khaki White.
- Light grays – go for a pale, ethereal gray like Silver Mist or Summer Fog.
- Soft yellows – select a pale yellow like Sunflower or Moonlight. Avoid going too goldenrod.
- Subtle greens or blues – look for muted tones like Aquamarine or Sea Glass.
Matte or eggshell finishes will also aid light reflection. You can use bolder colors as accents on one feature wall or artwork.
Add More Lighting Sources at Different Heights
Don’t rely on just an overhead fixture to light your entire dining space. Incorporate multiple lighting sources at different heights and positions around the room. For example:
- Overhead chandelier or pendant lights hanging above the dining table.
- Buffet lamps or sconces mounted on the walls.
- Recessed can lights to illuminate dark corners or accent artwork.
- Cove lighting running along the ceiling and giving even ambient light.
- Under cabinet lights shining down kitchen countertops.
- A statement floor lamp in a corner.
Mixing and matching lighting at various elevations creates greater overall illumination as well as visual interest.
Remove or Replace Heavy Window Treatments
It’s common for dining rooms to have long, heavy drapes or valances framing the windows. While these treatments can look formal and elegant, they also obstruct incoming sunlight. To let more light in:
- Take down heavy drapes and replace them with sheer curtains. Look for lightly woven, natural fabrics like linen or cotton.
- Raise curtain rods and hang curtains as close to the ceiling as possible. This keeps the window unblocked while still allowing you to cover the windows at night.
- Swap solid valances for lighter woven wood blinds that can angle to let light through.
- Skip the curtains altogether and install remote controlled shades that easily roll up.
You can also add touches like tiebacks, clips, or holdbacks to keep curtains open during the daytime.
Brighten Up the Flooring
The flooring you choose for your dining area can impact how light and airy it feels. Dark floors have a cozy, intimate effect but can make the space feel smaller. If you want a brighter dining room, go with:
- Light hardwoods like maple, birch, ash, or oak, which reflect more light than dark woods or stains.
- Whitewashed wood flooring has an airy, beachy feel.
- Lighter natural stone options like limestone, travertine, or cream marble.
- Tile in a light natural color or subtle pattern to add visual interest.
You can also use pale, fluffy area rugs on top of darker floors to breathe more light into the space.
Declutter and Clean Surfaces
It may seem minor, but keeping surfaces free of clutter and dust makes a big difference in reflecting light. Regularly:
- Dust light fixtures to keep bulbs shining bright.
- Clear tabletops and sideboards of unnecessary items.
- Clean windows, mirrors, glass surfaces, and anything reflective.
- Keep the floor tidy and quickly wipe any spills or messes.
Minimizing visual chaos allows light to move freely rather than getting absorbed by lots of objects. A clear dining table also promotes a calm, serene mood.
Bring In More Plants and Greenery
Incorporating more houseplants and fresh greenery creates a lively, refreshing vibe. The color green also evokes feelings of energy and renewal. Place plants in your dining room like:
- A large statement plant in a sunny corner or front window.
- Filler plants on wall ledges, buffets, sideboards, and the window sill.
- Succulents and air plants displayed in hanging planters or on a mirrored tray.
- A freshly cut bouquet of flowers and greens as a rotating centerpiece.
Plants spruce up any space visually and literally add more living light.
Use Lamps and Portable Lighting
Don’t overlook the power of movable lighting options. Sources like table and floor lamps provide flexibility to reposition light wherever you need it most. Ideas include:
- Stylish table lamps placed at each end of the dining table to light dinners.
- A statement floor lamp positioned in a corner or unused space.
- Pendant lamps or chandeliers plugged in and hung above the table.
- Buffet lamps to shine additional lighting on dishware and serving pieces.
- Battery-operated candles or lanterns for a cozy mood.
Rearranging portable lighting transforms the atmosphere quickly. Grab the lamps when prepping holiday meals or dinner parties.
Conclusion
A bright, light-filled dining room makes an ideal spot for gathering, entertaining, and connecting over meals. Start by assessing your current lighting situation and identifying problem areas in need of improvement. Strategically bring in more natural light through windows and skylights. Upgrade old fixtures to new ones outputting more light. Use reflective surfaces like mirrors, glassware, and pale paint colors to maximize illumination. Incorporate lamps, sconces, and chandeliers at different heights. Remove heavy drapes blocking windows. Keep surfaces clutter-free and opt for pale flooring. Lastly, add living plants and greenery for an energizing dose of color and life. With a few simple upgrades, your dining space can be fresh, inviting and glowing in no time.
