Honestly, patching plaster is the worst. I tried to fix a spot in our dining room ceiling once and it took me three tries before it didn’t look like a lumpy pancake. I’m with you on keeping the old fixtures—there’s just something about that vintage glow, you know? Plus, not having to cut into the ceiling is a win for my sanity and my wallet.
In our kitchen, I went the budget route and used those LED tape lights under the cabinets. They’re not totally hidden, but if you stick ‘em up behind the lip, you barely notice them unless you crouch down. Not exactly “invisible,” but it gets the job done without drilling or patching. Dimmers are a must for me too. I actually found these cheap plug-in dimmer switches online that work with most lamps or strips. Way easier than rewiring anything.
I did see some folks on YouTube using picture rail molding to run wires for sconces or even little pendant lights, then painting it to match the trim. Looked pretty slick and barely touched the original plaster. Has anyone actually tried that? I’m tempted, but kind of worried about making it look “tacked on” instead of intentional.
I’ve also wondered if there’s a clever way to do more dramatic lighting, like a small chandelier or cluster of pendants, without needing to rewire the whole ceiling. My kitchen’s got this awkward nook that could use something more interesting than just a bulb on a cord… but then again, maybe I’m overthinking it. Anyone else get analysis paralysis with lighting choices? Sometimes I think I spend more time scrolling than actually doing anything.
Curious if anyone’s had luck with battery-powered options lately? The last ones I tried were pretty weak, but maybe they’ve improved. Trying to avoid running extension cords everywhere, but I’m not above a little DIY hack if it saves me from patching more plaster.
Totally get the analysis paralysis—lighting choices are weirdly stressful. I’ve stared at the same “inspiration” photos for weeks before actually buying anything. The picture rail trick is clever, and I’ve seen it look really seamless if you paint it to match, but I get your worry about it looking tacked on. Sometimes the “imperfections” end up giving a space more character anyway. Battery lights have gotten a bit better, but I still find them dim or needing constant recharging. I’d rather deal with a visible cord than patch plaster again, honestly.
I totally relate to the cord vs. plaster debate—sometimes I wonder if we’re all just picking our battles with these old houses. Have you ever tried running cords along the top of the baseboard instead of up high? I’ve seen it done in a few historic homes and it sort of blends in, especially if you paint the cord cover. But then again, maybe that’s just trading one “imperfection” for another.
Curious—do you think the character of a space is more about those little quirks, or is it worth going through the hassle to hide everything? I keep going back and forth. Also, has anyone found battery lights that are actually bright enough for kitchen tasks? I keep seeing ads for “super bright” ones, but I’m skeptical...
Honestly, I think those quirks are what give old places their soul, but I get why people want things tidy. I’ve run cords along the baseboard using low-profile raceways—if you paint them, they pretty much disappear unless you’re crawling around on the floor. Hiding everything behind plaster gets expensive fast, and if you ever need to upgrade wiring (hello, future-proofing), it’s a pain. As for battery lights, I’ve tried a couple brands that claim to be “daylight bright”—most barely cut it for chopping veggies. Has anyone had luck with rechargeable puck lights that actually last more than an hour or two?
Those quirks are half the charm, I agree. I’ve tried a handful of those rechargeable puck lights too—most of them are just glorified nightlights, in my experience. Even the ones with “high lumens” barely last through a meal prep session. Honestly, I think hardwiring is worth the hassle if you can swing it, but your raceway trick is a solid workaround. Sometimes you just have to pick your battles with these old houses.
