When decorating our dining rooms, many of us focus on the big-ticket items like tables and chairs. But, these aren’t the only must-haves worth considering. Dining room light fixtures are just as necessary and can make a significant difference in your space—adding contrast, cohesion, or even a pop of show-stopping drama.

So, don’t just stick with the dining room light fixtures you’ve inherited. Instead, spend some time thinking about what your space needs, and snag a fixture or a combination of fixtures that delivers it. To help you get started, we’ve rounded up 8 stunning dining rooms and light fixture ideas worth stealing from each of them.

01 Mount Lights Along Your Wall

Ceiling-mounted lighting is a popular choice. But, if your dining room table is tucked away in a corner, you may be able to use wall-mounted lighting, instead. Mount a row of sconces that span the length of your dining room table. Just make sure they jut out enough to offer you the light that you need.

02 Mix and Match Your Pendants

Modern Brass Glass 3-Light Multi Chandelier - Elegant Glass Chandelier with Adjustable Height and Brass Finish - Ideal Dining Room Lighting and Stylish Dining Area Light Fixture

If you want to play with multiple light fixtures, layering pendant lights can be a great option. And remember, those pendant lights don’t have to match. By combining three pendant lights that look similar but just a little different, you can craft a space that feels dynamic but harmonious.

03 Add Contrast With a ChandelierCrystal Raindrop Elegance Rectangular Chandelier - Faceted-Glass Crystals and Rain Drop Display for Dining Room and Living Room Lighting

A glam chandelier may seem out of place in a rustic dining room, but it may be just the thing you need to bring your space together. Remember that lighting can add either contrast or cohesion, so consider which one your space needs, and snag an option that delivers it.

04 Invest in a Small but Mighty Fixture

If your dining room is filled with natural light, you may not need a massive fixture. Instead, you might be best served by a small, targeted spotlight that adds a touch of visual interest to your space. An arc lamp could do the trick, or you could spring for a long-arm sconce that extends off the wall to hover over your table.

05 Add Texture With a Beaded Shade

Coastal Elegance 2-Tier Handcrafted Beaded Chandelier - Elegant Design with Handcrafted Wooden Beads for Dining Room, Living Room, and Sitting Room Lighting

Beaded lampshades aren’t the kind of thing you see every day. But, they can make a playful addition to your dining room, bringing texture, surprise, and fun in equal measure.

06 DIY Your Own Statement-Maker

If you want a chandelier that no one else has, consider crafting your own. Stock up on a few classic globe lights, then, cluster them together using a heat-safe rope.

07 Cluster Several Globe Lights

Adjustable Glass Shade Chandelier - Statement Piece with Glass Shades and Metal Canopy - Versatile Dining Room Light Fixture for Dining Area or Dining Room

You’re not limited to just one light fixture. By hanging several globe lights in a cluster, you can mimic the look of a chandelier without splurging on one massive showstopper.

08 Keep Your Entire Space in Mind

Dimmable Bronze Glow Chandelier - Candelabra-Inspired with Forged Iron and Dimmable Lights - Traditional Design Perfect as a Living Room Chandelier or Modern Hanging Light Fixture

Open-concept spaces are all the rage these days, and if you’re navigating one, be sure to zoom out during your design process. Don’t just look at your dining room—look at your dining room and everything around it. By choosing a chandelier that mimics the fixtures in your kitchen, you can keep your home feeling cohesive while creating a visual designation between the two rooms.