The decision of how to place dining room lighting is the same as any other room in your home.There are three types of lighting: general, task and ambient dining room lights. It is a good rule of thumb to have three sources of lighting in a room, and a using the lighting as defined above will ensure your dining area can handle any type of activity.
In a traditional dining room decor setting, the chandelier (don't make the mistake of assuming this is a crystal studded showpiece!) or main light over the dining table can provide more than one source of lighting.
How? With these two magic words: Dimmer Switch! Put a dimmer on the main dining room light and you can go from soft and romantic to bright light with the simple turn of a dial!
In more informal and casual settings a ceiling fan with lighting can provide not only light but a light breeze for the dining area's occupants.
If your dining area multi-tasks, use desk or floor lamps in a sitting/reading/desk area for task lighting.
Track or can lighting is a fantastic and versatile source of light that can be used in a variety of ways with, you know... the dimmer switch!
Accent lighting adds an interesting touch, such as rope lighting hidden above a china cabinet, a simple floor light tucked behind a silk tree shining up to the ceiling, wall sconces dimly lit to provide subtle illumination in the evening, etc.
There are so many different types of lighting, then there are choices in style, finish, price point, etc. It can become a little overwhelming at times!
Here is a suggestion for you...shop from the comfort of your home with these fine online sources:
You'll be able to take your time, see all the selections in easy to find categories and no sales people shadowing you! Take a few minutes and see the vast selections available.
Your choices of the actual lights will depend on your decorating style, use of the room and budget. The choices and selections are endless...have fun!
Read more about:
Dining Room Colors
Dining Room Decor
Dining Room Accessories
Interior Decorating Styles

Here are some lighting and home decor resources:
Village Lighting has great lighting tips providing easy to understand information for today's lighting consumer. Village lighting offers lighting design assistance and on site consultations for today's discerning homeowner.
Southwest Lamps - Great Southwest Lamps, Great Selection Of Southwestern Style Table And Floor Lamps Plus Western, Casual And Iron Styles
Flickering Led Candles - Restaurant Lighting offers flameless battery operated candles that last FOREVER!! Our Battery Powered Flickering Flameless Candle produces the same flickering effect of a regular candle, but without a hazardous flame.
Rechargeable Candles - We offer a variety of environmentally friendly rechargeable products such as rechargeable candles, rechargeable tea lights, rechargeable flashlights and rechargeable outdoor balls at really affordable prices!!