Creating a Modern Dining Room

It's no secret that dining room décor often sets the tone for the rest of the home. As one of the home's designated social/ entertaining areas, your dining room's style says a lot about you! If you're looking to create a modern/ contemporary vibe throughout your home, consider a modern dining room.

There are so many modern lighting options on the market today, it can be difficult to pinpoint the perfect one. Here are a few ideas to creating a modern lighting scheme in your dining room!

Drum Pendants. Drum Pendant Lights are making their way into modern dining rooms everywhere, in lieu of the traditional chandelier. These sleek fixtures are slightly more informal, and available in countless patterns, materials, and finishes.

 If you can't decide between a chandelier or pendant, there are several "hybrid" designs available that look wonderfully unique in the dining room. This "Tuxedo" chandelier by Uttermost features the elegant, sloped arms of a chandelier, shielded by a drum shade.

Metallic Finishes. Metallic finishes, like Chrome and Nickel, lend a sleek modern touch to timeless chandelier and sconce designs. If you love the commanding look of a chandelier but crave a more modern look for your dining room, consider a metallic finish.

For dining rooms that are adjoined to kitchens, keep in mind that brushed silver and brushed nickel finishes work particularly well with stainless steel appliances.

Buffet Lamps. Table lamps on your buffet offer instant gratification, and contemporary designs can dramatically enhance your modern dining room! Use them to illuminate a sleek mirror or a prized piece of modern art.

 For more ideas you can incorporate into your modern/ contemporary dining room scheme, see Designer Lighting Trends for Fall 2010.

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