Dining Rooms Lighting DINING ROOMS Many of the principles of lighting the reception room can also be applied to lighting your dining room. Dining rooms are all about subtlety, atmosphere and mood so ignore the temptation to focus too much light on the dining table. Decorative pendants on a dimmer can be hung over the table to create interest but focus any direct light onto artwork and walls, leaving the centre of the table free for more intimate candles.