Good call on the textured lampshades and sconces. I've done something similar in my own place—older homes can be tricky with lighting, and sometimes it's less about brightness and more about how you diffuse it. I agree that clarity is key in workspaces or kitchens; nothing worse than squinting while chopping veggies or reading recipes.
One thing I've noticed outdoors, though, is that overly bright LEDs can sometimes attract more bugs, especially in warmer months. Have you had any issues with that? I ended up going for slightly warmer bulbs outside just to keep the insects at bay, but indoors I'm totally with you on balancing brightness and diffusion.
Anyway, sounds like you've found a solid solution that works well for your space. Always nice when a simple tweak makes such a noticeable difference.
I've noticed the same thing with bright LEDs outdoors—bugs seem to love them. I switched to warmer, amber-toned bulbs and it made a huge difference. Have you tried citronella candles or plants like lavender or lemongrass nearby? Curious if that helps at all...
"Have you tried citronella candles or plants like lavender or lemongrass nearby?"
Citronella candles never did much for me, honestly... but planting lemongrass near my patio seemed to help noticeably. Also switched to warmer bulbs last summer—bugs dropped off big time. Worth a shot.
Citronella candles never worked for me either, seemed more like decoration than anything else. Lemongrass was decent, but honestly, the biggest difference came when I put in a ceiling fan outdoors. Bugs hate moving air, apparently. Also had good luck with peppermint oil diluted in water—just sprayed it around the seating area every couple days. Smells nice too, and it's cheaper than buying those candles all summer.
Warm bulbs are a good point though... hadn't thought about lighting color affecting bugs before, might have to try that this year.
I tried citronella candles too, but honestly, they were mostly just mood lighting for me. What really helped was installing some string lights with warmer bulbs—noticed fewer bugs almost immediately. I also second the fan idea; when I put a small oscillating fan near my patio seating, the mosquitoes practically vanished. Might give peppermint spray a shot next... sounds easy enough and I wouldn't mind the smell either.
