Viewer Kathleen C. watched our segment with Brian Gluckstein on creating natural light in a window-less space and decided to give it a try herself (see photo). Here’s how she made her own faux window. Well done, Kathleen! (We also included the inspiration video below.)
I found a great old window frame with the glass intact (a salvage place or the ReStore would be a place to look). I refinished it and frosted the glass (on the back) with 3-4 coats of spray glass frosted coating.
Because I couldn’t imagine how to use fluorescent bulbs that need to have a ballast, as Brian did, I decided to try a thin rope light with warm (clear) bulbs. I tacked these all around the window at the back, overlapping the excess.
Don’t puncture the tube. I used finishing nails and then just tapped them down enough to hold the cord. Then I hung it on the wall using anchors for drywall. I finished it off with an extendible curtain rod and 2 panels of sheers.You need to plan your window near an outlet so there is a minimum amount of cord showing. It was a great project and I had so much fun planning and making it. Good luck!
Kathleen C