Hello,
we want to buy a pendant lamp for our dining table (usually about 160cm (63 inches) long). There are some nice pendant lights available, for example, 120cm (47 inches) long.
Now, when we have guests, we want to extend the table to at least 260cm (102 inches).
We can only extend the table in one direction because there is a patio door on the other side, which would block access if extended there.
This means there would be no light above the extension. Pendant lamps usually hang quite low, so the light might not reach far enough.
How do you solve this situation? We would rather not turn on additional lights, for example in the kitchen; the light in the dining room alone should be enough.
I have also come across extendable pendant lamps, or would the best solution be to choose a ceiling light that distributes light more broadly?
Thanks in advance!
we want to buy a pendant lamp for our dining table (usually about 160cm (63 inches) long). There are some nice pendant lights available, for example, 120cm (47 inches) long.
Now, when we have guests, we want to extend the table to at least 260cm (102 inches).
We can only extend the table in one direction because there is a patio door on the other side, which would block access if extended there.
This means there would be no light above the extension. Pendant lamps usually hang quite low, so the light might not reach far enough.
How do you solve this situation? We would rather not turn on additional lights, for example in the kitchen; the light in the dining room alone should be enough.
I have also come across extendable pendant lamps, or would the best solution be to choose a ceiling light that distributes light more broadly?
Thanks in advance!
H
hampshire28 Nov 2020 09:13I would invest in the standard setup and avoid an expensive compromise just for a few evenings per year. For the special case when the table is extended, there are plenty of other options, such as an additional arc lamp or a battery-powered lamp like the Salt & Pepper by Tobias Rau. For many occasions, the good old candles are also wonderful.
ypg schrieb:
Shouldn’t the lighting be sufficient even without an “extension”?
What do people do with just one central pendant light? Friends of ours can center their table directly under the light even when it’s extended, so at least it looks balanced and is reasonably well lit. That’s not possible for us. It probably depends on the type of light source. A fixture mounted high on the ceiling will always provide sufficient general lighting, whereas a low-hanging pendant light usually only offers localized, focused illumination.
hausnrplus25 schrieb:
Make sure to use a light fixture that doesn’t only shine straight down. For example, we have a pendant lamp made up of three sections of white glass/frosted glass. With the right bulbs, they also provide good side lighting when the table is extended.Would you happen to have a photo or a link to the lamp? Thanks! Sounds interesting.Bertram100 schrieb:
Otherwise, I use a portable arc lamp that usually stands next to my reading chair.Good idea. Yes, we also want to get one of those; you can move it around as needed.chrisw81 schrieb:
A ceiling-mounted light fixture will always provide sufficient overall illumination, whereas a low-hanging pendant light usually only offers localized lighting. I understand that. But don’t you think you might be overcomplicating the issue of “balanced lighting” when you say “just move out” and try to adjust your one lamp accordingly? It’s not like, as you said, that one side would have “no light” at all.
Here’s another tip: install a hook 50 cm (20 inches) away from the light connection point, and then you can reposition the lamp along the cord for evening use.