Crown molding
running around the top of a room adds character and beauty to a room. Backlit crown molding is more dramatic because the trim detail hides the light source. Backlit crown molding can also work to highlight a focal point. You can invert the molding to let the light wash down the wall, perhaps underscoring a special wallpaper or paint technique. Or you can create a short run to illuminate special paintings, photographs or art pieces. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Locate the studs in the wall and how far down from the ceiling you want to place your crown molding, somewhere between 3 and 12 inches. Remember, don't place the molding against the ceiling to allow the light to wash up to the ceiling.
2. Decide whether you want to hard wire the rope lighting you will use for illumination. This means adding an outlet to the area where the light roping will receive power. Make sure the outlet is associated with a switch so you can easily control the rope lighting.
3. Install a supporting strip of wood at the height you want to place the crown molding. Because you will not be able to nail the molding to the ceiling, this wood strip stabilizes the molding.
4. Fasten the crown molding to the supporting strip by nailing into the bottom of the molding, just below the strip, and into the middle of the molding, through the strip. Try to hit the studs.
5. Lay the rope lighting on top of the supporting strip, just behind the crown molding. Plug it into the outlet.
6. Secure the rope lighting with clips provided by the lighting manufacturer. Only use clips that the manufacturer approves in order to avoid a fire hazard.
Tags: rope lighting, crown molding, supporting strip, Backlit crown, Backlit crown molding, crown molding, light wash