Introduction: Modern Indirect Multicolored Accent Light

Before I started this project I scoured the web for a similar light. When I couldn't find one, I decided to build this.  I like to fiddle with things but have very little construction experience. This turned out quite nice and looks store-bought but this project is straightforward and almost anyone should be able to manage it. Enjoy :) 

I consider this project to be very safe, however, if you do somehow manage to injure yourself I am not responsible. Follow these instructions at your own risk.  

Step 1: Get Materials

Once I had the materials I leaned them against the wall as a proof of concept. 

Materials:
6' x 1" x 12" board (purchased this size at Home Depot) ~ $12
5'4" x 2" x 4" board (cut from 8" by Home Depot) ~ $6
Gorilla Wood Glue ~ $8
White paint and painting materials ~ $40 (used primer plus high gloss oil-based paint, high gloss is nice but oil-based paint is a pain and a bit expensive)
LED lights (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0054U46Y2) ~$37
White Duct Tape ~ $4
2x 18" OOK Hangman metal wall brackets (mirror, picture and canvas hanger) ~ $30

Total: $137 (could be done for less)

Tools: clamps, levels, screw drivers, measuring tape

Step 2: Attach Boards

The 2" by 4" should be placed 4" from all sides. Use a heavy amount of Gorilla Wood Glue and clamp the boards together.

I used nails but they were too long and I had to remove them all. The glue is plenty strong enough to hold these boards together.    

Step 3: Paint It!

Once the glue is dry it is time to paint. For an extra modern look I went with an oil-based high gloss white paint. Oil paint is a bit of a pain and if building a second one would strongly consider using an acrylic based paint.  If you do go with oil-based paint be sure to get paint thinner.

I painted primer on the front and back. I only used the high gloss on the front and sides. If you do use oil-based paint make sure to get an oil-based primer.   

Step 4: Attach LEDs

The LEDs come with two sided tape. It is easy to accidentally pull the tape off the LEDs so be careful when removing the backing from the tape not to remove the tape.  Since the LEDs are longer than needed you can choose to cut them. I decided to double layer them on the top. This created a nice effect where the light coming from the top is brighter.  When attaching the LEDs make sure the cord ends up where you want it. To be safe start attaching the LEDs with the cord end. Make sure to attach the LEDs tightly around the corners.

A quick word about LEDs--since they are highly efficient they don't get hot so there is pretty much no fire risk from the LEDs.  

Step 5: Mount Light

Hanging this might be the hardest part. I found some nice metal brackets that are designed to hang large paintings. I attached one half of the brackets to the light and the other half to the wall. Then the light mostly just slides into place. I will add more details about the brackets.

These LEDs come with a remote which is powered using RF which means the RF sensor has to be exposed. I used white Duct Tape to attach the sensor so that it barely pokes out the backside of the front board. I also taped the small box used to power the RF sensor to the board.

I just let the power cord go down the wall but feel free to run it through the wall for a cleaner look.

A word about placement: if placed well the LEDs are not visible from any angle. For best results avoid walls with corners that bend away from the wall the light is on.  

I designed this with horizontal hanging in mind but with slight alterations this could be hung vertically or diagonally.          

Instructables Green Design Contest

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Epilog Challenge V

Participated in the
Epilog Challenge V