Brighten up your basement without the hassle and expense of installing regular windows. This simple method uses thin LED light panels in window frames to create the look of a beautiful new window.
Although you won’t see the outdoors, it’s an easy way to bring in light. Let’s have a closer look.
Tools & Materials Needed
You’ll need to do some minor electrical work to power the panels, but they come with a remote control, so there’s no need for an extra switch. Here’s everything else that you’d need.
- Drill/driver
- Drywall saw
- Miter saw
- Pocket hole jig
- Random orbit sander
- Table saw
- 1/4″ x 3/4″ Screen molding
- 14-2 NM-B cable
- 2’x4′ Tunable White LED Panel Light from superbrightleds.com
- 3/4″ x 48″ x 96″ MDF
- Paint
- Primer
- Remote control for LED panel
- Sandpaper
- Wood glue
Part 1: Intro & Building Your Frame
Say goodbye to the darkness and hello to the appearance of beautiful windows without splashing out on an expensive installation. With a touch of creativity and some basic tools, you can enjoy the benefits of a brighter space. Let’s go:
Step #1: Build the Window Frame Create the front and back frames from 3/4-inch MDF, both cut to the desired size for your LED panel. Use a manageable frame size (4in width as a guide). Assemble the front frame using glue and pocket screws. Make sure the lengths of some parts differ for overlapping joints.
Step #2: Rabbet the Back Frame
Cut rabbets on the back inner edges of the frame to allow the LED panel to sit flush. Attach the back frame to the front frame with glue and finish nails. Fill gaps at the top and bottom with glue filler strips if visible.
Step #3: Add Trim for Decoration Apply corner trim to the face of the frame using pine screen molding, attaching it with brad nails and wood glue. Sand the frame, prime and paint. Three coats is better than two, and two coats is better than one.
Part 2: Lighting
Step #4: Set the LED Light Panel Place a light bead of silicone in the rabbet and set the LED panel. If it’s already snug, skipping this step is fine.
Step #5: Run the LED Panel Wiring Cut a hole in the drywall for the wiring box, tap into an outlet, and run the NM-B cable to the hole. Turn off power, confirm with a voltage tester, and secure the cable with a clamp. Be careful.
Step #6: Power the LED Panel Connect the cable conductors to the LED panel terminals and secure the cable to the wiring box.
Part 3: Hanging the Blinds
Step #7: Hang the Window Using three-inch trim screws, attach the window to the wall studs.
Step #8: Fill Screw Holes Fill screw holes with putty or spackling, and sand it flush when dry. Prime and paint the window.
Step #9: Hang the Blinds Complete the illusion by hanging blinds inside the frame. Leaving them slightly open adds to the appearance of daylight.