Table light decorations

Choosing the best table lights for your home

The most important thing to consider when selecting table lighting for your home is the same thing we recommend for most shopping adventures—buying what you like best! That said, there are some practical considerations to make in choosing tabletop lighting that matches your style and your needs.

Consider the size of your table when choosing table lights

Our decorative table lamp and lantern styles are on the smaller side by design, but you’ll still want to be mindful of how much space you have to work with, especially if you’re setting an elaborate holiday table. If you already have your table linens, glassware, dinnerware and flatware on hand, consider a ‘practice run’ where you set the table as you plan to for dinner. Make note of how much space you have to add in table lights, and whether there will be room for only a centrepiece or an individual table light at each setting.

Determine if table lighting will be purely decorative or a functional light source

In many scenarios, an overhead pendant light or other existing lighting fixture will serve as the primary light source in the dining room. If that rings true for you, you won’t have to give as much consideration to the specific placement of each table light—or how much light it actually gives off. However, if the light from a decorative table lamp will be an important aspect of the overall illumination of a room, where you place the lights and how bright they are will matter more. 

It’s also worth considering that while you might typically use a ceiling light or floor lamp for meals, you might prefer softer, cozier table lighting for the holidays. After all, it’s easier to focus on the good food and company gathered around the table when you can’t see the mess waiting for you in the next room!