T R wrote:

Hi, finishing our basement and we would like to put in a "fake window", i.e.
a recessed section of the wall with lighting behind it, a diffuser, and some
blinds over it.

I wonder if anyone has done this or seen this done before and has ideas on
constructing it. I am thinking of two flourescent lights, a diffuser panel
so that the light is relatively uniform, and some blinds or shades over
that.

What are some things I need to consider such that this is done up to code
and does not pose a fire risk? I am thinking that of the 100W or so used by
the lights, the vast majority of it will be dissipated as heat since these
things will really not throw off that much light.

Thanks T.

Sounds interesting. How about using undercounter halogen lamps, or rope
lights strung around the perimeter, and hidden behind moulding? Rope
lighting can be cut at 18" marked intervals to shorten, so you don't
have to string 25' of it round and round the perimeter, unless you want to.