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.

Unfortunately, I can't offer any advice regarding your idea. But I would
love to know how you end up constructing this and the outcome. I live in a
very dark condo and have been looking for ideas on how to brighten up the
ol' dungeon. In searching for ideas I came upon this website called
backyardview.com and they offer fake window scenes, using real window
frames, though these are not lit.

Best of luck!


"T R" wrote in message
...
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.

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.

"T R" wrote in message
...
: 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.
:
Home Depot has decorative window film... Our neighbors across the street
utilized the 'Clouds' on their garage door windows... backlighting something
like this would be attractive (IMO)... Other styles are available...

Couple of URL's to get you going
http://tinyurl.com/4lovz
http://tinyurl.com/6e3nk

Each 2'x3' sheet runs about $20.00 -

"Self-adhering. Provides privacy. Trim to fit, apply in minutes. Illuminated
by daylight or room light. Easily removed, no adhesives."

Don't discount those wallpaper wall murals, available in a wide variety of
sizes and pictures. We utilized a 'Mediterranean' mural, bordered by faux
columns and arches in our small master bedroom.
http://www.nctimes.net/~pray/images/Bed1.JPG
Is unfortunately the only pic I have online. You can see the mural on the
left side. Columns and arches accent both the mural and window... Photo
taken near the end of the room redo. If anyone desires to see pics of the
finished room (window treatment, wall decoration, etc) email me at
prayfamily at sbcglobal dot net...

I know I didn't answer your safety related issues.

Rick