Amanda Nisbet Design via House of Turquoise
One of my top priorities in shaping a home we truly love is getting the lighting right. Proper lighting creates the right ambiance, and the right fixtures can define personality and style for a room — which is exactly what excites me most.
At the moment, our new dining room is largely a blank slate. With hardwood floors and a large backyard-facing window, it has good bones but little in the way of architectural detail. That’s fine — we’ll layer in character over time and give the room its own personality.
If you missed my post about pursuing a “classy breakfast room vibe,” you can see the ideas and inspiration I used to shape that vision. I’ll be sharing the new chairs and a larger bench soon too — they’re going to look great in the space.
Eventually we’ll open up the doorway to improve light and flow to the kitchen and add architectural touches like molding and refinished floors. In the near term, though, one of the simplest ways to transform the room (besides new seating and paint) is to install a statement light above the table.
Statement lights should do exactly that: make a statement. A fixture can either blend in and quietly support the decor or stand out and bring a distinct personality to the room. I’m partial to bold dining room lighting — it’s a fast way to give a space character.
Unique fixtures can become part of your signature style, so pick something that speaks to you. A statement light doesn’t have to be expensive — you can find memorable options at every price point.
Case Indoor/Outdoor Copper Lantern in my old dining room
How should a light make a statement? Choose a fixture that suits your home, reflects your style, and works with the proportions of the space. It doesn’t have to conform to any one trend — it just needs character.
In our previous dining room, we started with a lantern. I loved the copper detail; it made the room feel unique and memorable. A fixture like that can anchor the space and set a mood immediately.
Looking back at how that room first looked is a good reminder that rooms evolve. Seeing the before makes me confident this new house will come together too.
For the new house, we found a light that suits the vision: a blend of modern farmhouse and coastal island style with a touch of casual glam. The fixture we chose feels right for that mix and will help define the overall look.
It’s already here, waiting to be installed — which is exciting.
After a long search we found the perfect fixture at RH Teen. It’s stunning in person: gray and white ombré wood beads give it a fresh, coastal-meets-modern feel, and its size and shape are just right. Big enough to be a focal point without overpowering the room. The price was higher than I first hoped, but I balanced it by economizing in other areas and realized it was still less than many others I loved.
This piece will play a major role in the room’s look and atmosphere. It’s the kind of light that makes a space memorable and sets the right mood — exactly what a statement fixture should do.
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 what light fixtures feel most like you. Look beyond the obvious and choose lighting that helps define your personal style and sets the tone for your home.
Happy Monday!
More inspiration:
Lighting Sources in My {Previous} Home
Your Signature Style