In traditional dining room decorating, the dining table was not merely a place to eat but also a place to gather. The area around the table became a central gathering spot for family and friends. Dining room lighting could be the defining element of this central gathering place. Here are some ideas for traditional dining room lighting that complement a more modern vision of dining room lighting.
The traditional dining room usually has an arched ceiling and exposed walls and doors. Arched ceilings allow light to stream through to provide a very warm glow that invites conversation. If you like the look of a cathedral ceiling without having to be cathedral, you can use sconces, candelabras or stained glass to decorate for traditional dining room lighting. Likewise, wall light is great to illuminate large areas in traditional dining room decorating. You could even consider hanging a chandelier or two on each side of the table for extra light.
You do not want your traditional dining room decorating theme to be too heavy. You want to encourage interaction. Choose simple but elegant lighting fixtures that can easily be changed out for seasonal changes and moods. Bulbs, pendants, recessed lights and dimmer switches are all options for traditional dining room decorating. You may want to choose one thing that you can change out from year to year such as the lighting fixtures, or perhaps a chandelier if you really want to keep it traditional.
A traditional dining room decorating theme is also made up of a number of elements. For starters, you would need a table cloth. It does not have to be expensive and fancy but just something that will enhance the table setting and compliment your table decor. A nice contrasting color such as a cream or white tablecloth is just what you need. For centerpieces or displays you may want to use a vase or candles. You could even consider hanging an a lamp or two on the walls for a romantic touch.
For the atmosphere of your traditional dining room decorating, you could choose traditional China and crystal. Many people feel that crystal makes a dramatic statement. You may even choose traditional cutlery and glassware to bring the theme full circle. Traditional decor also involves plenty of candles and tea lights.
If you have a traditional dining room, you could choose to display traditional tableware such as silver, gold, ceramic or porcelain. For your table settings you may wish to stick to traditional cutlery and glassware. The same goes for your accessories. Do not let traditional decor get away from you. A chandelier or wall sconce could be great to add a traditional touch. If you do choose to use traditional decor, make sure that you keep in mind the atmosphere you are trying to create.
If you like a more modern or contemporary look, then you will want to follow the latest styles. Many people love a traditional dining room and kitchen set up with traditional lighting. If you would like to create this look, there are a number of ways to achieve it. You can find lights that mimic traditional styled lights.
If you wish to combine the traditional and the contemporary look, you can do so by placing an island in your kitchen. With the traditional style lights on your island you can create the traditional look. You can then move the island into the center of the kitchen. This will create a modernized look. You can choose from many different lights, but you should try to stay away from using a traditional fixture.