Design Question
What type of lighting fixture would you place over a Tommy Bahama glass dining table (48″) with black cushions, in a room that has alternating panels of wood and mirrors? Also, the room, although narrow, has no tables – any suggestions?
Design Answer
This is a very cool looking space! Your instinct about the lighting fixture is a good one – it doesn’t really suit the style or mood of the room. Because the dining area and your living room are virtually one space I would suggest that you select a chandelier or pendant lighting fixture that matches the color of the ceiling fan, if you pick something that is predominately made of metal. (I can’t really tell from the picture if it’s brass, gold or brown.) Due to the number of reflective surfaces in the room, I’d try to avoid anything with mirrors or a really shiny metal finish.
Something like the Landmark Lighting Cirque 3-Light Pendant would fit in with the current décor design. The shade, comprised of different circles of colored shells, brings another layer of texture into the room. It is casual yet has an air of sophistication.
Since the dining set is made of natural material like rattan, choose a lighting fixture that will complement the “coastal” or organic appearance of your dining table and dining chairs. Even though it’s specifically designed for the outdoors, the Shady Lady Outdoor Atmosphere Pendant would be ideal for your dining area.
As for your second question, I definitely would not add a coffee table; it would interrupt the flow and lines of the space, which I think are perfect – it’s inviting and comfortable looking. I would suggest nesting tables. They come in a set of at least two, typically three different sized tables designed to fit one underneath the other. The great thing about them is that they can be stored in one place, like at either the right or left side of the sofa, and moved around the room as needed. Again, selecting nesting tables like the Hillsdale Pompei Nesting Occational Tables continues to add organic materials to the living and dining areas.
Hope these suggestions have been helpful.
Keep sending me your design questions, and especially if you’re asking for advice regarding wall color, tips on rearranging a specific room etc., include pictures if you can.
