Electrical Lighting Services for Pierce County Homes
Living in a 1900-1990 home often means living with lighting designed for a different era. Those lonely ceiling fixtures. The rooms with no overhead lighting at all. The dim corners where one table lamp struggles to illuminate an entire living room. It’s inconvenient and often inefficient.
Fortunately, Charlie’s Electric is here to help. has been brightening Pierce County homes since 2005. We have decades of experience upgrading older homes with modern lighting solutions, all at economical rates.
Call (253) 292-1878 to illuminate your home’s true potential.
The Lighting Challenges in 1900-1990 Homes
What We Hear Every Day:
“My living room only has outlets – no ceiling light at all”
“The kitchen has one dim fixture in the middle of the ceiling”
“I need 5 lamps just to read in the evening”
“My electric bill is crazy from all these old fixtures”
If that sounds like your home, you’re not alone, as lighting expectations and planning have evolved greatly over the years, necessitating changes. Let’s take a look at the lighting problems your home could be having, based on the era it was built in.
Era-Specific Lighting Limitations
1900-1959 Homes: Minimal by Design
- Single ceiling fixture per room (if any)
- No switched outlets for lamps
- Knob & tube wiring limiting options
- Dark kitchens with one central light
1960-1979 Homes: Builder Basic
- Cheap “boob lights” in every room
- No recessed lighting options
- Limited switching capabilities
- Energy-wasting incandescent only
1980-1990 Homes: Almost Modern
- Some recessed lights, poorly placed
- Track lighting that never worked well
- Limited dimming capabilities
- Still missing lighting in key areas
Modern Lighting Solutions for Older Homes
Recessed Lighting: The Game Changer:
- No more shadowy corners
- Clean, modern appearance
- Doesn’t compete with ceiling height
- Perfect for any décor style
Strategic Placement Matters
- Optimal spacing for even coverage
- How to avoid ceiling joists in older homes
- Task vs. ambient lighting placement
- Integration with existing fixtures
LED Retrofit Excellence Modern LED recessed lights offer:
- 75% energy savings over incandescent
- 50,000+ hour lifespan
- Instant full brightness
- Color temperature options
- Smart home compatibility
Kitchen Lighting
Under-Cabinet Revolution The #1 kitchen improvement our customers love:
- Eliminates shadows on countertops
- Makes food prep safer and easier
- Adds elegant ambiance
- LED strips last decades
Island and Peninsula Pendants
- Focused task lighting where needed
- Stylish focal points
- Adjustable heights
- Complements existing décor
Layered Lighting Design
Modern kitchens need three types:
- Ambient – General illumination
- Task – Focused work areas
- Accent – Aesthetic appeal
We design and install all three.
Living Spaces That Actually Live
Adding Ceiling Fixtures Where None Exist Countless older homes in Tacoma were built without overhead lighting in the bedrooms and living rooms, but we can fix this inconvenience in no time at all, as we specialize in fishing wire through finished ceilings while causing minimal damage to plaster and drywall. Moreover, we switch installation at proper locations and make sure new lighting doesn’t change your home’s distinct character.
Ceiling Fan/Light Combinations Perfect for Pierce County’s climate:
- Summer cooling without AC costs
- Integrated lighting options
- Quiet, modern motors
- Remote control capabilities
- Energy-efficient operation
Smart Switching Solutions Control your lighting like never before:
- Three-way switches for multiple entries
- Dimmer switches for ambiance
- Smart switches for voice control
- Motion sensors for convenience
- Timer switches for security
Specialty Lighting That Makes a Difference
Chandeliers and Statement Fixtures Your older home deserves elegant lighting:
- Proper electrical box reinforcement
- Weight-rated installations
- Dimming capabilities
- Period-appropriate options
- Modern interpretations
Art and Display Lighting Highlight what matters:
- Picture lights for artwork
- Cabinet lighting for collections
- Accent lights for architecture
- Adjustable directional options
Closet and Utility Lighting Often-forgotten spaces that need love:
- Code-compliant closet fixtures
- Motion-activated options
- LED efficiency
- Safe installation away from clothing
The Hidden Benefits of Professional Lighting Installation
Energy Savings That Pay for Themselves
Did you know that professional lighting installations can pay for themselves thanks to savings on energy costs? Let’s take a look at how:
LED Conversion Impact:
- 75% reduction in lighting energy use
- $200-500 annual savings typical
- Bulbs last 10-25 years
- Less heat = lower cooling costs
Example: 1970s Rambler Retrofit
- Replaced 45 incandescent fixtures/bulbs
- Monthly electric bill dropped $67
- Investment paid back in 18 months
- Home notably cooler in summer
Increased Home Value and Appeal
Real estate agents consistently report:
- Well-lit homes sell faster
- Buyers pay more for updated lighting
- Modern lighting suggests overall updates
- Dark homes feel dated and small
What our customers tell us:
- “I can finally see to cook properly”
- “My home feels twice as big now”
- “Reading is enjoyable again”
- “Guests always compliment our lighting”
Critical Considerations for 1900-1990 Homes
Electrical Capacity Evaluation
Before Adding Lighting, We Check:
- Panel capacity for additional circuits
- Existing circuit loads
- Wire gauge adequacy
- Grounding availability
Old wiring + new lighting loads = potential problems without proper evaluation
Code Compliance Requirements
Modern Codes Require:
- AFCI protection for bedroom lighting
- Proper box ratings for fixture weight
- Specific clearances in closets
- GFCI protection in wet locations
- Permits for circuit additions
We handle all code requirements seamlessly.
Working with Existing Architecture
Respecting Your Home’s Character:
- Matching trim and finishes
- Hiding modern wiring properly
- Preserving architectural details
- Custom solutions for unique spaces
Real Lighting Transformations
Dark Kitchen to Culinary Paradise (1962 Ranch)
Before: Single 60-watt fixture, dark counters Solution: 6 recessed LEDs, under-cabinet strips, pendant over sink Result: “It’s like a completely new kitchen!”
Living Room Without Lights (1948 Craftsman)
Before: Five table lamps, extension cords everywhere Solution: Period-appropriate ceiling fixture, switched outlets Result: Clean, bright space respecting home’s character
Master Bedroom Makeover (1985 Contemporary)
Before: Dated ceiling fan, harsh lighting Solution: Quiet fan with LED light, bedside dimmers Result: Comfortable retreat with perfect ambiance
Investment in Brighter Living
Lighting Installation Pricing
Basic Fixture Installation: $200-400
- Remove old fixture
- Install new fixture
- Test and adjust
- Basic switch included
Recessed Lighting Package: $150-250 per light
- Professional placement
- Minimal ceiling damage
- LED trim included
- Dimmer compatible
Complete Room Transformation: $1,500-3,500
- Multiple fixture types
- Switch upgrades
- Circuit additions if needed
- Design consultation
Kitchen Lighting Overhaul: $2,500-5,000
- Recessed lighting
- Under-cabinet system
- Pendant installations
- All switching/dimming
Financing Available
- Transform your lighting now
- Low monthly payments
- 0% interest options
- Quick approval process
Here’s Why You Should Consider Us for Your Electrical Needs
Experience in Older Homes
✓ 42 years working with challenging wiring ✓ Plaster and lath expertise ✓ Creative solutions for limited access ✓ Minimal damage techniques perfected
Complete Service Approach
✓ Design consultation included ✓ Energy efficiency calculations ✓ Fixture selection assistance ✓ Post-installation adjustments
Quality That Lasts
✓ Commercial-grade components ✓ Proper installation techniques ✓ Warranty on all work ✓ Long-term relationship
“First of all, Thank you Brian for trusting us to be your electrician. It was our pleasure updating your outdated panel and hooking up your car chargers.” – Charlie’s team response to a review
Common Lighting Questions
Can you add lights without tearing up my ceiling? Yes! We use specialized techniques to fish wires through existing spaces, minimizing damage. Small patches are usually all that’s needed.
Will new lighting overload my old electrical system? LED technology uses so little power that we can often add significant lighting without new circuits. We always evaluate capacity first.
Do I need permits for new lighting? Depends on the scope. We handle all permit requirements and ensure code compliance.
Can you match my home’s vintage style? Absolutely. We source period-appropriate fixtures or recommend modern interpretations that respect your home’s character.
Bright Ideas for Every Room
Living Areas
- Layered lighting for flexibility
- Dimmers for ambiance
- Accent lighting for artwork
- Task lighting for reading
Bedrooms
- Soft, adjustable lighting
- Bedside controls
- Closet illumination
- AFCI-protected circuits
Bathrooms
- Vanity lighting for grooming
- GFCI-protected fixtures
- Exhaust fan/light combos
- Night light options
Hallways & Stairs
- Safety-first illumination
- Motion sensors
- Three-way switching
- Emergency lighting
Special Offers for Lighting Projects
FREE Lighting Design Consultation With any lighting project over $1,000
LED Conversion Special Convert all fixtures to LED and save 20% on labor
Bundle Discount Combine lighting with other electrical work for maximum savings
See Your Home in a New Light
Don’t let another day pass in the shadows of inadequate lighting. Your 1900-1990 home has incredible potential, it just needs the right illumination to shine. Charlie’s Electric combines decades of experience with modern lighting technology to transform how you live in your home.
From simple fixture updates to complete lighting redesigns, we approach every project with the expertise your older home demands and the care your family deserves.
Schedule Your Lighting Consultation Today
Call: (253) 292-1878
Email: joshua@pugetsoundelectric.com
Ask About Our Room-by-Room Lighting Assessment Discover your home’s full lighting potential
Serving University Place, Tacoma, Lakewood, Steilacoom, Fircrest, and all of Pierce County
Charlie’s Electric – Illuminating Pierce County Homes Since 2005
Licensed, Bonded & Insured • License #CHARLEL797MP
Master Electrician with 42 Years Experience