Amanda Nisbet Design via House of Turquoise
One of my primary goals when creating a home we’ll love is getting the lighting right. The right fixtures shape the ambience and help define personality and style — which is exactly what I’m excited about.
The shell of our new dining room is basically a blank slate. Beyond hardwood floors and a large backyard-facing window, there isn’t much architectural detail. That’s fine — with a few intentional choices it will develop its own distinctive look.
If you missed the post about our vision for a “classy breakfast room vibe,” check the ideas and inspiration on the blog. I’ll share the new chairs and a larger bench soon, too — they’ll help complete the space.
We plan to open the doorway for better flow and more light, add molding, and eventually refinish the floors. But one of the easiest and most impactful first steps is installing a statement light above the table.
Statement lights should do exactly that: make a statement. A fixture can either blend into the background and support the room, or it can stand out and give a space fresh personality. I’m partial to making a bold statement with a dining room light.
Unique fixtures can become part of your signature style, so choose something that speaks to you. It doesn’t have to be expensive — statement lights exist across budgets.
Case Indoor/Outdoor Copper Lantern in my old dining room
How do you pick a fixture that becomes part of your signature look? Consider the house, your personal style, and the space where the fixture will hang.
A statement light doesn’t need to follow a particular style, it just needs personality. In our previous dining room we started with a lantern. The copper top made it feel special and memorable.
Looking back at the room as it was when we moved in is a reminder that even awkward beginnings can become lovely rooms with the right changes.
For our new house we picked a light that supports our vision: a modern farmhouse coastal-island mix with a hint of casual glam. The fixture we found seems perfect for setting that look.
It’s already at the house, waiting to be installed — which I’m very excited about.
After an extensive search we found this one at RH Teen and knew it was the one. It’s gorgeous in person — the gray and white ombré wood beads feel fresh, and the size and shape are just right. It’s large enough to be a focal point without overwhelming the room. The price was higher than I first hoped, but I balanced it in the budget by saving in other areas, and it was still less than many other fixtures I loved.
This light is a true statement piece that will contribute to the look and ambience of our home.
This fixture will make the room more memorable and set the right mood — to me that defines a perfect statement light.
10 Great Resources for Statement Lights:
Wayfair, Joss & Main, Overstock, Birch Lane, Pottery Barn, World Market, Lowe’s, Home Depot, Wisteria, Ballard Designs, Barn Light Electric
Think about which fixtures reflect you. Look beyond conventional choices and find statement lighting that establishes your personal style.
Happy Monday!
More inspiration:
Lighting Sources in My {Previous} Home
Your Signature Style