I’d skip the foam wraps under fabric—those things can actually trap more moisture if your pipes sweat, and then you’re right back to mildew city. When I did something similar, I just left a wider gap around any pipes or ducts, maybe 6-8 inches. Not as seamless visually, but way safer and you barely notice once the lights are up. If you really want to disguise them, maybe try painting the pipes a dark color so they blend into the shadows? Worked for me in my old place.
Painting the pipes a dark color is a solid trick—I've done that in a couple basements and it really does help them disappear, especially with dimmer lighting. Curious, are you planning to run any new wiring or lighting fixtures along those pipes? Sometimes tucking LED strips behind or near them can add a cool effect, but you have to be careful about heat and access for repairs. How are you handling the lighting for your fantasy vibe?
I’m with you—dark pipes are a lifesaver for making the ceiling fade away, especially in those moody basement setups. I’ve tucked LED strips behind pipes before, but I learned the hard way that you don’t want them too close to anything that gets even vaguely warm... melted plastic is not a fantasy vibe, unless you’re going for “dragon attack aftermath.” For that magical feel, I like to use indirect lighting—think wall sconces or even faux torches (battery-powered, so no wiring nightmares). A few hidden spotlights aimed at textured walls or hanging fabric can really sell the whole enchanted tavern look.
Funny you mention melted plastic—I once had to replace a whole section of PVC because someone thought “warm” pipes weren’t a big deal for LED tape. Ever tried using dimmable bulbs in those faux torches? I’ve found it helps control the mood, especially if you want to switch from “tavern” to “wizard’s study” without swapping fixtures. Curious if you’ve run into any issues with battery-powered lights running out at the worst times...
That PVC story hits close to home—I've definitely underestimated how much heat some of those “low temp” lights can put out. It’s wild how fast things can go sideways if you’re not careful. Dimmable bulbs in faux torches are a game changer, though. I did the same thing with some sconces in my last basement project, and it made switching between “chill” and “full-on D&D night” way easier.
Battery-powered lights... yeah, those can be a pain. I remember hosting a movie night and halfway through, half the “stars” on my ceiling just faded out. Now I keep a stash of fresh AAAs nearby. It’s not perfect, but it beats running wires everywhere, especially if you’re renting or don’t want to tear up drywall.
You’re definitely on the right track mixing up your lighting—those little tweaks make all the difference when you want that fantasy vibe without having to redo everything for each mood.
