It would be nice if all old homes came with cool, authentic Midcentury Modern pendants or vintage chandeliers dripping in genuine crystal. In reality, we often inherit the poorly aged mass-market bargain buy of yesteryear. 

And that’s to say nothing of where these fixtures are installed; lighting design was much more limited long ago. 

Whether you’re prepping for a remodel or upgrading your home design in phases, lighting is key. Keep reading as we discuss what’s wrong with the lighting in old homes and how to fix it. 

What is the most unflattering lighting?

Overhead fluorescent lighting is by far the most unflattering type of lighting. In many cases, it is both so harsh and so cool-toned that it washes out people and objects under its glow. If its tone is such that it creates a greenish or bluish hue on skin, it can make imperfections stand out much more.

The placement of any lighting, including fluorescent, can also cast shadows at unfavorable angles. As we continue, most overhead lighting is the culprit in unflatteringly lit rooms. This doesn’t just impact the way people look. The appearance of our materials, from fine stone and polished brass to rich hardwood, can be robbed of its beauty under outdated lighting. 

Are you up to code?

Old homes aren’t poorly lit on purpose. Electrical capacity was different, as were lighting technologies like bulbs. Add that to the dangers of aged wiring, and your first steps are clear. 

Reach out to an electrician and see if your electrical panel and existing wiring need updating. Discuss your plans to increase lighting and adjust the placement of fixtures. A good electrician can also help you take advantage of a few strategies we discuss below. 

Tips for upgrading lighting in old homes

One thing older homes tend to lack is task lighting. Because of previous limits to electrical capacity, sufficiently lighting a room often meant going ultra-bright overhead.

But in addition to covering the ambient/task/accent layers we’re all familiar with, consider the following.

Take the temperature

One of the benefits of lighting your home in 2025 is that we have greater access to energy-efficient LED lights in various color temperatures. The Kelvin color temperature scale can help us decide what we need for each room.

For instance, color temperatures of 2000K to 3000K are most flattering. This is a soft white with a bit of warmth in the light it throws. Go 3100K+ for areas where you need more brightness, like the kitchen. But beware; once you exceed 4000K, you are treading into unflattering waters. This lighting is useful in places like hospitals.

Start with recessed downlights

As mentioned, lighting in old homes can look bad due to harsh overheads. Recessed downlights are so popular now because they help eliminate the shadows that the old type of lighting would create.

The genius isn’t just in color temperature. It’s in the highly strategic arrangement and spacing of each light. When professionally planned and installed, these downlights reduce glare and shadows.

Illuminate corners with lamps

This is a very simple tip that everyone who owns an old property should swear by. Dark corners in older properties are common. They shrink the space. 

In most living areas, make lamps your source of task lighting. They’re easy to install on your own and can be very design-enhancing.

Keep a decorative fixture or two around for character

Consider choosing fixture styles inspired by the home’s original period to maintain some of its character.

Expertly-spaced downlights don’t mean the period chandelier you sourced has to go. In the photo example above, you’ll find:

  • Minimal downlight

  • Natural light filtering in

  • Lamps brightening corners

  • A traditional decorative fixture over the focal point

That’s a quadruple-layer strategy that can be staggered to appear flattering any time of day.

Consider smart features

Here’s something a lot of people forget to tell you. Once you add the ideal amount of Kelvins in just the right tone, with the mathematically-plotted, perfectly even downlight you’ve been hotly anticipating…it may look way too bright. Not bad, but a drastic switch-up from the old. 

Smart technologies let you alter the brightness and even color of your lighting. This helps enhance safety and convenience, as well as tailoring lighting to the occasion. Plus, it’ll give your eyes room to adjust. 

Play up to reflective surfaces and windows

Banish blinds more often for a welcome injection of natural light. Stainless steel appliances or decorative mirrors help the sun bounce around for an even more flattering ambiance. 

When your reflectives sit across or diagonally from natural light, it helps diffuse it for a softer look without harsh glare.

Let the Designery shed more light on your vintage property

How will new lighting fit into the rest of your remodel? Get more out of coordination and planning with The Designery. Careful upgrades and phased renovations are no sweat for us. Book a free consultation with a professional designer for more.