Can anyone point me to information about valance lighting? I'm
interested in the sort that run parallel to a wall, close to the
ceiling, and throw indirect light on the ceiling, as well as washing
the wall below the valance.

I see these in many discussions of lighting, but I can't find any
information on how they are built. Are they fabricated on-sight from
standard construction materials? Are they prefabricated and simply
mounted on the wall?

wrote in message
oups.com...
Can anyone point me to information about valance lighting? I'm
interested in the sort that run parallel to a wall, close to the
ceiling, and throw indirect light on the ceiling, as well as washing
the wall below the valance.
I see these in many discussions of lighting, but I can't find any
information on how they are built. Are they fabricated on-sight from
standard construction materials? Are they prefabricated and simply
mounted on the wall?

You will get 7000-plus hits if you google for "valence lighting", in quotes.
You might get some ideas there. I have used 110v low wattage rope lighting,
obtained on the internet by the foot, for washing walls and dark spaces over
the kitchen cabinets. They use this stuff on movie theater aisle floors, as
an example. Thin fluorescents may also be used. Both require placing
electrical receptacles near where the lighting will be.

I see these in many discussions of lighting, but I can't find any
information on how they are built. Are they fabricated on-sight from
standard construction materials? Are they prefabricated and simply
mounted on the wall?

In short, YES!
And with every conceivable light source. The ancient Vikings used a
long fire-pit down the middle of their halls. But I digress...

All of the above are used at various times. For general information
look at pre-made valances and coves by searching lighting makers
websites. Start with www.lightsearch.com. It is a professional's site
but you can find who makes this stuff - Yes, there are dozens of
makers.

From those fixtures you can see what works and either buy it or build
something similar.

Otherwise ask a lighting designer to suggest a method based on your
needs. I (and many others) will be happy to detail one of the many
approaches.

Richard Reid, LC
www.luminousviews.com