Cover fluorescent lights

11 years ago

I found decorative fluorescent light panels online but they are so expensive - $90 each and I need 3 of them! At that price I might as well buy a new lighting fixture which I'm hoping to avoid if possible. Any ideas how to replicate without breaking the bank?

Featured Answer

apple_pie_order

11 years ago

The previous owners in a house I lived in decorated acrylic sheets much as you show, but in a more forgiving floral pattern. They did a very nice job because they were very, very precise. My suggestion is that you get three plain sheets, put them up for a week or month and then decide if you want to DIY or spring for the $90 ones.

Or consider replacing the fluorescent fixtures with some thing new, sooner or later. If the fluorescent fixtures are older, they will need new ballasts eventually unless they have already been replaced. Labor for replacing ballasts can run up considerably, making replacement of the whole fixture instead even more attractive. Sometimes it is a DIY job.

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Comments (9)

apple_pie_order
11 years ago
Photos? Size and shape? The plain white plastic panels are less than $20 or so for standard 48" office fluorescent size. THey can be cut to fit.
kristencj65 thanked apple_pie_order
kristencj65
Original Author
11 years ago
This is the panel I'm interested in - it is 47-3/4" X 23-3/4" and costs $90. The ceiling recess in my kitchen is 4 feet by 6 feet, so I'll need 3 of these panels to cover it. I'm considering trying a DIY project with acrylic sheets, lead paint and acrylic paints...
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kristencj65
Original Author
11 years ago
Currently there are prismatic acrylic sheets (one of them broke) covering the fluorescent light now. Not horrible, but not very pretty...
User
11 years ago
The big box stores will have a variety of sheets suitable for many styles. They are a very easy DIY and inexpensive too.
kristencj65 thanked User
kristencj65
Original Author
11 years ago
The acrylic sheets at my local Lowe's and Home Depot are crackled glass, prismatic, checkerboard...but simple clear ones! Frustrating...
User
11 years ago
My hardware store has clear acrylic panels, I'm not sure how big they come because I needed just a small piecefor a small fixture. They cut it to size for me. Anyway, that might work with the decorative film that's sold for windows at HD or Lowe's.
Jordan Lee
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
USASkypanels offers decorative light panels for a lot cheaper! They're only about $35-$40. And they are made with 100% acrylic so you wouldn't have to worry about wear and tear. They have a wide selection to choose from OR you are even able to make a custom panel with your own image. I would definitely recommend USASkypanels to anyone!
Andrea Williamson
7 years ago
I wish I would have seen this message a few years ago. Apollo DesignScapes are a great, affordable solution for your fluorescent ceiling lights. Visit www.apollodesignscapes.com. For purchases of 4+, the per unit price on decorative films are $25 and shipping is free!