Feast your eyes on this roundup of illuminating inspo, from antique chandeliers to statement pendants

A Sputnik-style fixture draws the eye up in this dining room by Goesling Group. Photo: Ryan McDonald

As romantic as candlelight dining sounds, it’s simply not practical (way too much wax!). The best dining room lighting ideas are thoughtfully planned: They take your actual eating habits, furniture proportions, room structure, and budget into consideration. They weigh the benefits of pendant lights vs. chandeliers vs. flush mounts and wall sconces, not to mention bulb type.

Lighting, it turns out, gets pretty involved—which is why we’ve tapped interior designers from around the country for their brightest ideas. And though the considerations are complex, modern lighting can be just as romantic as the candlelight option.…