[livinwell]

Does IKEA have anything to fix this yuck factor?

Calling all creative minds 

Calling all creative minds 

I don't have money right now to hire someone to close this, install recessed lighting etc. Can you think of anything inexpensive that I can do with this. Is there a color that I could paint the interior that will enhance the look? I could also paint the grids and get new panels. The others are yellowed. Any ideas or should I just leave it alone until I can afford to go all out?

[kelly]

Get new panels and paint the grids- while you might not love them, they can be unobtrusive and do provide good light. Freshening up can be good!!

[drlith]

Have you thought about doing something with rice paper or vellum? I'd take out the metal frame, replace it with a wooden frame, and glue rice paper to the frame.

[kelly]

drlith, that's a great idea!!

[splatgirl]

I don't think you need to close it.
1. Remove the grids
2. Remove the fixtures
3. Patch/paint, maybe in a neato accent color.
4. Convert existing wiring to one, two or three ceiling boxes as you see fit and put up inexpensive cable track lighting ala IKEA which will look like it belongs in that recess.
This really is a simple DIY if you spend an hour or two reading up on basic electrical and can remove/install fixtures yourself. Otherwise, it looks like just an hour or two for an electrician or handyperson.

In lieu of that, what about using fabric panels?

[livinwell]

Great ideas! Thank you all for the options.

drlith - I like the wood and rice paper option for its simplicity and that would upgrade the grids.

Kellybmw - that's where I was heading. I went to HD today looking for the panels and the closest store didn't have any nice ones.

Splatgirl - I actually am able to do the electrical. Ex DH is an electrician and taught me enough that I know what I don't know. Since my evenings, after work, and my weekends have been consumed with demo, cabinet building and now painting, I think I'm settling for the easier road.

Thanks again!

[createchaos]

i have seen fabric covers for flourescent lighting. it was on a sight that exists for people with sensitivities. the fabric is a non flammable for industrial settings, and was as easy an installation as magnets. the fabric was of a size to go over flor. lights with a nice bit of decorative hang, and had magnets on the two shorter ends to simply attach to the end of the light box/case. it came in a blue, green or lilac, and one three color mix.

[_mike_]

I'd go for the extra height -- open it up! To make it more dramatic, move the fixtures to the perimeter, behind a short 'L' panel so they throw light up into the raised ceiling for more diffused, indirect light.