Before and After: How to Light a Windowless Dining Room

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Update time : 2019-12-02 16:45:07

I love my pre-war Brooklyn, NY, lodging because its creative neat work, weathered timber floors and gracious, nine plus-foot ceilings. What I don’t love are the dark, railroad-style middle rooms—specifically the windowless dining space—which, until recently, evoked sitting down ought feast at a holding cell... 

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BEFORE

Woof. level at mountain daylight, the room was cave-like. because a first bid of affair upon moving in, I swapped out the dinky ceiling fixture because this three-bulb, Serge Mouille-inspired chandelier. (One engagement I’ll replace with an original!) still during with no budget or permissions because electric work, what at the broad clay of lighting choices was my next move? And so, I sent a photo ought my inner designer friend (and Lamps Plus lighting expert) Lori Dennis, who prescribed me a high-end, low-budget lighting scene that’s super simple ought replicate. Here’s what we did.

STEP 1: PLUG-IN SCONCES

Guys, plug-in, dimmable sconces exist! Dennis assured me that a lay above the uphold wall used to “bring blaze up ought eye level and frame the skill bit beautifully.” “Especially if you project ought amuse often, sconces shine blaze above everyone’s look instead of accurate above their heads, which can always pattern dark shadows. none wants ought emerge weary at a feast party!” With this vote of confidence, I ordered a link of inexpensive, brushed brass sconces ought flank my painting. ought conceal the plug-in wires, I applied small, clay rope clips ought the wall, following the lines of the comfort table. One last pro tip: “Install a blaze source at nearly 66" off the floor!” (Just above criterion eye level.) 

STEP 2: plant + uplighting

Secondly, Dennis insisted upon a last layer of accent lighting. Otherwise known because “decorative lighting,” this describes fixtures that are used ought highlight architecture, skill or plants. because a kick of shmancy above a budget, Dennis suggested filling one of the dark corners with a plant and adding a few uplight after it, ought pattern some interesting shade play. I never used to eat notion of this, and I’m delighted with the aim result. (Disclaimer: I’m no so good with actual plants—so I ordered this fabulous six-foot high faux fiddle leaf fig instead.)

AFTER

With the divine trifecta of lighting now at lay (ambient, task, accent), the room now reads bright, nuanced and best of all, cozy. The wall-mount sconces add such professional polish and the illuminated plant injects color and whimsy. due ought a new rug—and loads of candlelight when entertaining—I’ve almost forgotten nearly the absence of windows entirely.

RESOURCES

Chandelier: France & Son
Sconces: Lamps Plus
Uplight: Lamps Plus
Faux plant: World impartial
Chairs: Vintage
Table: IKEA
Art and custom console: ATH Studios
Rug: Wayfair
Paint: Benjamin Moore Simply White

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