Illuminate your dining table like a pro – height, distance, lumens & Kelvin with examples

Summary: Hang the pendant light approximately 60–75 cm above the tabletop , plan for 1,000–2,500 lm (dimmable warm white 2,700–3,000 K) depending on the table size, and ensure glare-free screening or dim-to-warm for an evening atmosphere. For long tables, two or three smaller pendant lights usually work better than one oversized light.

Quick check (for the impatient)

• Height above table top: 60–75 cm (from top edge of table)
• Distance to table edges: 25–40 cm
• Light color: 2,700–3,000 K (warm white), CRI ≥ 90
• Total lumens: 1,000–2,500 lm (depending on table size, see table)
• Dimming: Mandatory (trailing edge/phase control, smart dimmer or dim-to-warm)
• Multiple pendulums: center distance usually 60–80 cm

1) Height & Position: this is how the light hangs correctly

• Standard height: 60–75 cm above the tabletop. Lower = more comfortable, higher = more light.
• Edge distance: 25–40 cm from the table edge to ensure that no one looks into the screen.
• Multiple pendulums: arrange evenly centered along the table's longitudinal axis; typical center-to-center distance 60–80 cm.
• Very high ceilings (>2.7 m): use longer suspension; the 60–75 cm above the table remain.

2) How many lumens do I need above the dining table?

For a cozy dining table, approximately 150–300 lux is ideal on the table surface. Depending on the table size and luminaire efficiency, this results in the following practical lumen ranges (total luminous flux of all pendants combined):

Note: Dark table surfaces absorb light, so choose the higher lumen range. If using multiple pendants, divide the lumens evenly (e.g., 2 x 700 lm instead of 1 x 1,400 lm).

3) Kelvin, color rendering & dimming

• Kelvin: 2,700–3,000 K (warm white) = cozy. Dim-to-warm (e.g., 3,000 → 2,200 K) creates a candle-like atmosphere when dimmed.
• CRI: ≥ 90 for natural colors of food, wood and fabrics.
• Dimming: Always use a compatible wall dimmer or smart dimmer. This allows you to achieve 100% brightness for work and 30% for dinner.

4) One light or several?

• One pendulum: effective for round/square tables or L ≤ 160 cm.
• Two pendulums: the all-round solution for 160–200 cm length.
• Three pendant / linear lights: from ~200/220 cm length for even illumination.

5) Glare-free & optics

• Shades/diffusers: frosted glass, lenses or prism-structured covers prevent direct view into the LED.
• Cut-off angle: the “lower” the light source is, the less glare when sitting.
• Style: Round pendants → cozy, linear profiles → modern/smooth, shades → soft & low-glare.

6) Three example setups (concrete & practical)

Example A – 160 × 90 cm table

• Solution: 2× pendulum Ø 30–35 cm
• Height: 65 cm above table
• Distance: 65–75 cm between the pendulums, 30 cm to the edges
• Lumen: ~600-800 lm each (total 1,200-1,600 lm)
• Kelvin/CRI: 2,700–3,000 K, CRI ≥ 90, dimmable

Example B – 180 × 90 cm table

• Solution: Linear pendant light 100–120 cm
• Height: 65–70 cm
• Lumens: 1,400–1,800 lm (downlight can be combined with soft uplight if necessary)
• Kelvin/CRI: 2,700-3,000 K, CRI ≥ 90, dim-to-warm ideal

Example C – Round table Ø 120 cm

• Solution: 1× pendulum Ø 40–50 cm
• Height: 60–65 cm
• Lumens: 1,000–1,400 lm
• Kelvin/CRI: 2,700-3,000K, CRI ≥ 90

7) Common mistakes – and the quick solution

• Mounted too high: dazzles when sitting → lower to 60–75 cm.
• Not enough lumens: Check the table, if necessary select a second pendulum or a higher lumen level.
• Hard shadows: use a diffused shade, a larger pendant or a linear light.
• Not dimmable: retrofit a suitable dimmer/power supply or use smart bulbs.

8) Purchase checklist

• Have you noted the room and table dimensions (L x W, ceiling height)?
• 1, 2 or 3 pendulums / or linearly fixed?
• Total lumens selected according to table (dimmable)?
• Kelvin 2,700–3,000 K, CRI ≥ 90?
• Do you want glare-free (diffuser/shade) & dim-to-warm?

Interested in specific product suggestions? We recommend the right pendant lights, including dimmers and installation tips. Just get in touch: Request advice or browse our pendant lights directly.