"Sconces can be underrated, especially if you have open shelving or interesting backsplash tile you want to highlight."
Totally agree with this. We put in some sconces above our open shelving and honestly, it's one of those little details that makes a huge difference. They really highlight the tile and add warmth without feeling harsh or overly bright.
About those adjustable recessed lights you're mentioning—I actually installed some in our last remodel. They do help direct the light exactly where you want it, like toward artwork or countertops, but I wouldn't say they necessarily make things feel warmer by themselves. It's more about pairing them with the right bulbs (definitely go for warmer color temps like 2700K) and mixing in other softer lighting sources. Also, heads up: some brands have limited tilt angles, so double-check the specs before buying. Learned that one the hard way...
We've been debating sconces vs. recessed lights for our kitchen reno too. Our house is pretty old, so wiring can be tricky—did you find the sconces easy enough to install without tearing up walls? I'm leaning toward sconces because recessed lighting sometimes feels a bit modern for our space, but I'm worried about installation headaches...
"I'm leaning toward sconces because recessed lighting sometimes feels a bit modern for our space, but I'm worried about installation headaches..."
Totally get where you're coming from—old houses and wiring are like peanut butter and pickles; they just don't always mix smoothly. We went with sconces in our 1920s bungalow kitchen last year, and honestly, it wasn't as bad as I feared. We lucked out because the electrician managed to fish wires through existing holes without tearing everything apart. But I won't lie, there were definitely a few tense moments where I thought we'd have to sacrifice some plaster.
One thing that helped was choosing sconces with adjustable mounting plates, so we had a bit more flexibility in positioning them over existing junction boxes. Saved us from a lot of drywall patching and repainting nightmares. Plus, sconces really do add that cozy, vintage vibe—recessed lights can feel too clinical if you're trying to keep things authentic.
If you're still nervous about wiring chaos (and who isn't?), maybe consider plug-in sconces? I've seen some pretty slick setups lately—cord covers painted to match the wall color or cleverly hidden behind shelves or cabinets. Could be a solid compromise between style and sanity.
Hang in there—renos are always an adventure, right? At least you'll have good stories to tell later...
Have you thought about pendant lights instead? I get the appeal of sconces, but pendants can give you that vintage charm without the wiring headaches. We did a kitchen reno in an older property recently and found pendants easier to install—just used existing ceiling boxes. Plus, they offer great task lighting over counters or islands. Might be worth considering if you're still on the fence about sconces...
Pendant lights definitely have their perks, especially for task lighting, but I'd caution against dismissing sconces too quickly. I've found that wall sconces can create a softer, more ambient glow that's perfect for evening gatherings or relaxed mornings. Yes, wiring can be tricky in older homes, but there are some great battery-operated or plug-in sconces now that eliminate the hassle entirely. Might be worth exploring those options if you're after that cozy, layered lighting effect...
