Light panels diffuse the glare of fluorescent lighting.
Ceiling light panels are clear or textured sheets that are used in drop ceilings to cover the fluorescent lighting tubes found in homes, schools and offices. Most of the panels are functional and practical, but to add to the appearance of your home or office, decorative panels are available, as well. Panels are available in standard sizes that fit the openings in most dropped ceilings, although you can trim most standard panels to fit odd-sized openings. Decorator panels are available in custom sizes and are cut to fit your dimensions.
Uses
Dropped ceilings are used in kitchens, basements and offices. The ceilings consist of metal frames with ceiling tiles and openings for light panels. For lighting purposes, two, 4-foot fluorescent light tubes are used for every 75 square feet of suspended ceiling. Light panels cover the light tubes and diffuse the light, softening the glare of fluorescent lights.
Standard Panels
Standard ceiling light panels are made of acrylic or styrene. The acrylic panels do not yellow over time like styrene panels do. Typical light panels have textures or pebble-like surfaces. Acrylic and styrene panels are available in standard sizes of 2 feet by 4 feet and 2 feet by 2 feet. Standard light panels for offices are also available in larger sizes of 3 feet by 5 feet and 4 feet by 8 feet.
Decorative Panels
Decorative panels are available to give the appearance of looking through a window or skylight. Scenes of the sky with clouds and balloons or the look of tree branches overhead are available. Other styles include stained glass effects, decorative glass or geometric designs that enhance the décor of a home. These light panels are available in standard sizes or they can be cut to fit your fixture. If decorative panels are cut to fit your opening, some of the art work or design may be lost, as these decorative panels are not custom made.
Cutting the Sheets
When ordering decorative ceiling panels, you give the company your dimensions and the sheet arrives ready to install. However, if you buy an acrylic light panel from your local building supply store, you may need to trim the panel to fit. Most stores do not cut the panels for you. When measuring the opening of your fixture, add ¾- to 1-inch to allow for support around the panel. You can cut the acrylic sheet with a scribing knife or a power saw with a blade designed to cut acrylic. A jig saw fitted with a fine-tooth metal blade is another option to get a smooth cut with no jagged edges. Place masking tape along the cut line before you cut to prevent breakage of this fragile material.
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