5 Great Dining Room Table Lighting Ideas
Written by: Emily Barkham
Whether it’s a cosy family dinner, a celebratory feast, or a festive gathering, the dining table is where some of life’s most memorable moments unfold. While the food and company are key, lighting plays a powerful role in setting the tone.
Dining room lighting should strike a balance between functionality and atmosphere. You need enough illumination to see your food and guests clearly, but also want to create a warm, inviting glow that enhances your setting. By layering light sources and using thoughtful placement, you can tailor your table's look to suit different seasons, occasions, and moods.
From festoon lights to LED candles and decorative accessories, here are five inspired ideas for lighting your dining table- and creating a setting that shines every time.
1. Centrepiece Glow with LED Candles
There’s a timeless charm to candlelight. Flickering flames soften the environment and naturally draw the eye to the heart of the table. For a modern twist, LED candles offer all the ambience of real candles - without the wax drips or fire risk.
How to Use:
- Arrange a mix of pillar, taper, and tea light LED candles along a decorative runner or in glass cloches for added elegance.
- Group them in odd numbers for visual balance.
- Add seasonal accents (such as pinecones in winter or eucalyptus sprigs in summer) for texture and colour.
Ideal For:
- Intimate dinners, romantic settings, and relaxed family meals.
- Candlelit dinners where safety and ease matter.
Our Top Tip:
Opt for our TruGlow LED candles, which mimic real flames with lifelike flicker technology. Use remote control features or timers for hassle-free use.
2. Create Overhead Drama with Fairy Lights
Fairy lights are no longer reserved for garden parties - they can be just as stunning indoors, especially over a dining table. Their magical charm brings both a magical brightness and personality to the space.
How to Use:
- Drape fairy lights in a soft arc above the dining table using ceiling hooks or a suspended rod.
- For high ceilings, create multiple drooping loops to fill the space without overwhelming it.
- Choose warm white bulbs for a soft glow or clear glass-effect bulbs for a more industrial look.
Ideal For:
- Casual gatherings, birthdays, and festive occasions.
- Dining spaces with open-plan layouts that benefit from zone lighting.
3. Table Runner of Lights for Seasonal Style
For a dynamic and flexible lighting option, try weaving micro fairy lights or battery-operated wire lights down the centre of your dining table. This setup doubles as a table runner and light source, providing a gentle, twinkling finish.
How to Use:
- Use wire fairy lights along a fabric runner, tucking lights into foliage or garlands.
- Add decorative jars, baubles, or pumpkins depending on the season.
- Keep light strands battery-powered with discreet packs hidden beneath centrepieces.
Ideal For:
- Christmas, Easter, or seasonal dinners.
- Homes with pets or children where overhead lights may be less practical.
Our Top Tip:
Look for battery-powered options that allow for effortless styling and don’t restrict positioning and placement.
4. Hanging Lights for a Statement Look
For those wanting a dramatic visual centrepiece, decorative hanging lights above the table creates a stunning focal point. This technique offers height and interest without relying on ceiling wiring.
How to Use:
- Suspend lights above the centre of the table using clear fishing wire or thin chain.
- Choose battery-operated LED light with integrated warm white lights for maximum impact.
- Pair with lower-level candles or fairy lights to add depth and light layering.
Ideal For:
- Christmas or celebratory meals.
- Large tables or spaces with high ceilings.
Our Top Tip:
This is the perfect styling opportunity to vary with seasonality. Star shaped hanging lights for example, are perfect for the festive season.
5. Lantern Layers for Depth and Dimension
Lanterns are not only practical, they’re also stylish. Placing LED lit lanterns at varying heights along or around your table creates a multi-dimensional lighting effect that feels cosy and curated.
How to Use:
Use small lanterns directly on the table and medium to large ones on sideboards or nearby floor space.
Pair with LED pillar candles or micro lights inside for gentle illumination.
Mix materials (metal, glass, and wood) for a rich, textured look.
Ideal For:
Rustic, farmhouse, or boho-chic décor styles.
Indoor-outdoor dining spaces that blur boundaries.
Our Top Tip:
Explore our seasonal lantern ranges, such as autumnal lanterns with leaf motifs or festive lanterns with frosted details. They can move with you from table to garden when summer rolls in.
With so many ways to light your dining table, it’s helpful to keep these key principles in mind:
Selection Criteria
Purpose: Is it for daily use, occasional entertaining, or a specific event?
Brightness: Choose warm-toned, ambient lights for atmosphere over harsh task lighting.
Power Source: Consider whether plug-in, battery-operated, or USB-rechargeable suits your space best.
Style Match: Align lighting designs with your existing dining décor for a cohesive look.
Installation Tips:
Use removable adhesive hooks or command strips for ceiling attachments with no damage.
Hide battery packs and wires behind foliage, table runners, or within lanterns.
Experiment with light layering - combine candles, string lights, and overhead lighting for a multidimensional effect.
Maintenance Guidance
Replace batteries regularly and store lights carefully in off-seasons to extend lifespan.
Wipe bulbs and fixtures with a dry cloth to keep dust and fingerprints at bay.
Opt for LED options to save energy and reduce the need for replacement.
We believe lighting is more than decoration - it’s a form of interior expression and hospitality. Whether you’re planning a quiet dinner at home or hosting a larger gathering, our range of indoor lighting makes it easy to craft the perfect dining atmosphere.
Ready to transform your table? Explore our indoor lighting collection today!
