With a long room like yours, I would recommend thinking about how you will use the different 'zones' of the room - so for example you may want something soft above the couch, enough to read by but also enough to relax under with a glass of wine in the evenings whereas over the table you may need something brighter for the kids to do their homework (or whatever your lifestyle lends itself to). Where possible I always recommend LED lighting - they are capable of producing both warm and cool light colours and can even be used in accent lighting. They are also very popular for their energy efficiency and they give off almost no heat which is an added safety feature.

Thanks all. I love Cool, Calm, Collected - it's only a suburb away from where I live... their prices are normally $$$, but they have beautiful stuff. I actually already have that West Elm light fitting in my stair case! (How embarrassing) - I love it (and they actually have it in brass in the USA but not here). Whoever suggested light in the box, thanks, I don't think I've seen that site before. I quite like this one from there: http://www.lightinthebox.com/american-creative-personality-living-room-dining-room-villa-art-pendant_p4587353.html?pos=ultimately_buy_2&prm=1.3.5.0 The search will continue! And I will still curse some of those US website for their beauties :P

How close is the dining room to the kitchen? Is it an open plan area? Some pictures would help.

Though I don't know for certain, I think the cotton/linen shades are removable. I wasn't able to determine this by my searches. This could easily be confirmed by making an enquiry to supplier before purchase. Alternatively, a handmade one could be made removable by making shade slightly larger than frame and making ties.