[carmbruster]

To preserve the width of my aisles, I am building sconces inside my columns (as opposed to mounting a sconce on the column or wall). My columns are rectangular in cross-section (6"X10" external) and fixed to the wall. There will be a light inside the column with cut-outs or windows at the top (front and two sides, ~ 8" tall) for the light to glow through some sort of diffuser and perhaps filigree. The top of the column will have crown and dentil moldings applied resulting in the top 6"-8" of the column being dressed up with wood work (8' ceiling btw). From about 38" off of the floor to 50" will be a surround speaker. As such, this detail needs to go somewhere between the speaker and the crown detail. Four questions:


1) How high should I make the sconce?


2) Recommendations for a diffuser (so the entire cut-out is evenly illuminated and you won't actually see the bulb).


3) Recommendations for dressing this up (i.e. putting filigree in front of the diffuser, etc.)


4) Lessons learned?

 

[BasementBob]

I haven't figured lighting out yet.

Here's my current idea for a sconce light.
http://www.bobgolds.com/SconceLight.JPG

 

[carmbruster]

Quote:

Originally posted by BasementBob I haven't figured lighting out yet. Here's my current idea for a sconce light. http://www.bobgolds.com/SconceLight.JPG

So, would you mount this at the very top of the column? Any ideas of what to use for the diffuser or glass?

 

[BasementBob]

Quote:

Any ideas of what to use for the diffuser or glass?

I figured I'd just make a trip to home depot. They should have something translucent that I could cut to fit. The problem is finding something heavy enough that it won't rattle.

I haven't really thought it out. It was just an idea.

One of the problems I'm obviously concerned with is heat/fire. If a normal bulb is used, it has to be changeable and have airflow for heat -- surounding it by gypsum seemed like a good idea, and there's already gypsum on the wall and ceiling.


This is something I was thinking of for the front two columns (which do not have speakers in them, so that leaves room for more brightness).
http://www.bobgolds.com/SconceLight2.JPG



Obviously buying a CSA rated appliance is safer than DIY in wood - so I'm considering that too.

 

[Staffy]

Lowes has some wall sconces that only stick out 3 inches.. maybe you can modify them to work in your scenario (only 24$)

http://www.lowes.com/lkn?action=prod...90-GL3155-NKCP


they are super thin!

 

[carmbruster]

Quote:

Originally posted by BasementBob I figured I'd just make a trip to home depot. They should have something translucent that I could cut to fit. The problem is finding something heavy enough that it won't rattle. I haven't really thought it out. It was just an idea. One of the problems I'm obviously concerned with is heat/fire. If a normal bulb is used, it has to be changeable and have airflow for heat -- surounding it by gypsum seemed like a good idea, and there's already gypsum on the wall and ceiling. This is something I was thinking of for the front two columns (which do not have speakers in them, so that leaves room for more brightness). http://www.bobgolds.com/SconceLight2.JPG Obviously buying a CSA rated appliance is safer than DIY in wood - so I'm considering that too.

I looked @ HD & the diffusers they sell for dropped ceilings w/ flourescent lights. They seemed too thin & too translucent. Would like something heavier as you mentioned ... maybe signage material for a backlit application. I am sure it exists, but am having trouble finding a supplier. I am working on a column design that still gives access to replace lights - making the middle third of the column so that it can slide out with moldings fixed to the middle third to cover up the seams. My light will be mounted so tat it points down, letting me reach up into the column to replace it. Was also thinking about using 1 or 2 of those hot-dog shaped lights that are used to illuminate paintings.

 

[carmbruster]

Quote:

Originally posted by Staffy Lowes has some wall sconces that only stick out 3 inches.. maybe you can modify them to work in your scenario (only 24$) http://www.lowes.com/lkn?action=prod...90-GL3155-NKCP they are super thin!

Very nice...and ultra low profile -- will keep in mind for the staircase. Unfortunately my columns are only 9.5" wide and I think these sconces are wider.

 

[Staffy]

Turn em sideways then