Fluorescent lights are a common type of lighting found in many homes, offices, and public spaces. While fluorescent lights are energy-efficient and long-lasting, some people find the bright, cool-white light to be harsh or distracting. If you’re looking for ways to soften or cover fluorescent lighting, there are several options available.
Why Cover Fluorescent Lights?
There are a few main reasons why you may want to cover or diffuse fluorescent lighting:
- Reduce glare – The diffuse, scattered light from covered fluorescents is less likely to cause glare or eye strain.
- Warm up color temperature – Fluorescent lights emit a cool, blue-tinged light. Covering them can filter out some of the blue wavelengths, making the light appear warmer and more natural.
- Dim brightness – Covering fluorescents can reduce their light intensity, useful if they are too bright for the space.
- Improve ambiance – Covered fluorescents provide a more soft, ambient glow instead of harsh illumination.
- Hide unattractive fixtures – Covering up plain or dated-looking fluorescent troffers can make them less conspicuous.
The optimal cover depends on your goals, whether they are reducing glare, warming up the tones, or just making the fixtures less visibly obvious.
Light Diffuser Panels
One easy way to cover fluorescent lights is by installing light diffuser panels. These translucent plastic panels fit into the troffer or frame that houses the fluorescent tubes. The panels are typically made of acrylic or polycarbonate.
Light diffusers work by scattering the light so that the direct source is no longer visible. They make the lighting more indirect, reducing glare and softening shadows and contrasts. The diffused light is also warmer and less harsh than direct fluorescents.
Diffuser panels are inexpensive and come in various grades from basic white translucent to “prismatic” styles that feature a rippled surface for extra diffusion. They can be installed using the existing troffer frame or independently using suspension cords or clips. Standard 2×2 ft and 2×4 ft troffer sizes are available.
Advantages of Light Diffuser Panels
- Inexpensive solution
- Easy “drop-in” installation
- Soften and warm lighting
- Reduce glare and eye fatigue
- Brighten up space by diffusing light
Disadvantages of Light Diffuser Panels
- Can reduce overall light levels
- Won’t work with all troffer housings
- May turn yellow over time
- Can accumulate dust and dirt
Pendant or Surface Mount Fixtures
Rather than covering up fluorescent troffers, another option is to replace them altogether with pendant or surface mount light fixtures. This allows you to customize the look and lighting effect for your space.
Pendant lights hang down from the ceiling, whether over a kitchen island, dining table, or any other area needing focused task lighting. Styles range from minimalist globes or cylinders to decorative fixtures with cloth shades or colorful glass elements. Using multiple pendants provides warm ambient lighting.
Surface mount fixtures attach directly to the ceiling. Flush mount lights have a low profile, while semi-flush mounts hang down several inches to a foot. Surface mounted ceiling lights come in all different looks including drum shades, lantern styles, or LED panels. They provide general ambient lighting.
The benefit of these fixtures is that their appearance and lighting can be customized, unlike basic fluorescent troffers. Using dimmable LED bulbs gives you flexibility in the light level. The main downside is the higher cost compared to simple diffuser panels. Professional installation is also recommended.
Advantages of Pendant and Surface Mount Lights
- Customizable appearance
- Wide variety of styles
- Directional or ambient lighting
- Dimmable LED options
- Warm lighting color temperatures
Disadvantages of Pendant and Surface Mount Lights
- More expensive than diffusers
- Often requires professional installation
- Surface mounts may not work with all ceiling types
- Too many pendants can look cluttered
Suspended Ceilings
If you want to fully cover fluorescent troffers, another option is installing a suspended ceiling system. This creates a new ceiling surface several inches below the structural ceiling. The space in between can house recessed lights as well as HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems.
There are two main types of suspended ceiling grids:
- Lay-in – Tile drop into a grid of exposed metal T-rails and cross tees. Tiles lift up for access.
- Concealed – Grid clips to structural ceiling, hiding the rails. Tiles have pins that conceal the grid.
Common ceiling tile materials include fiberglass, mineral fiber, and metal. Tiles come in sizes ranging from 2×2 ft to 2×4 ft. Finishes span plain white, fissured, patterned, or perforated. Specialty tiles can provide noise reduction or humidity resistance.
The benefits of a suspended ceiling include a new clean appearance, easy access, and flexibility in lighting. The downside is the installation cost, loss of ceiling height, and hiding architectural details.
Advantages of Suspended Ceilings
- Total coverage of old ceiling and fixtures
- Choice of tile materials and finishes
- Can integrate recessed lighting
- Access to above-ceiling space
- Improved acoustics
Disadvantages of Suspended Ceilings
- Expensive installation cost
- Reduced room height
- Covered up architectural details
- Tile grids can collect dirt
Stretched Fabric Ceiling Systems
A less common but attractive option is a stretched fabric ceiling system. These systems work by attaching a specialized polyester fabric material to a perimeter frame. The fabric is then stretched tight across the frame.
Fabric ceilings provide a clean, seamless appearance that hides fixtures and architectural irregularities. The fabric can be backlit around the edges for added effect. Lighting fixtures can be recessed between the fabric and structural ceiling.
Fabric ceilings require professional installation. The material is durable but not removable so access above is limited. Cost is also on the higher end but variable based on the size of the space.
Advantages of Stretched Fabric Ceilings
- Smooth, seamless visual
- Customizable sizes and shapes
- Backlighting effects possible
- Conceals ceiling irregularities
- Can recess lighting
Disadvantages of Stretched Fabric Ceilings
- Very expensive
- Professional installation required
- Limited access above
- Not removable or adjustable
Painted Ceiling
If you don’t want to cover the ceiling but just want to change its appearance, a coat of paint can provide a quick update. Painting the ceiling white or a light neutral color makes the space feel clean and airy. Matte or eggshell finishes help reduce glare.
For a bolder look, painting the ceiling black darkens the space and grounds the room. Contrast that with crisp white trim for an eye-catching two-tone scheme.
Painting the ceiling can be done as a DIY project if the basic prep work and painting technique is followed. Use painter’s tape to protect walls and consider priming first for the best adhesion.
Advantages of Painting the Ceiling
- Inexpensive solution
- Quick DIY project
- Changes ambiance of space
- Makes old ceiling appear fresh
- No special tools or supplies needed
Disadvantages of Painting the Ceiling
- Messy process with overspray
- Doesn’t cover fixtures or lights
- Darker colors can reduce brightness
- Preparation is key for good results
Reflective Films or Tint
Reflective films and window tints offer an easy, non-permanent way to change the look and lighting effect from fluorescent fixtures. Specialty reflective films can be applied directly to fluorescent tubes or diffuser panels. Light-tinting adhesives or spray tints attach to lenses or covers.
Reflective film contains tiny mirror-like particles that bounce light around. This diffuses the harsh glare of fluorescent tubes. Tinting achieves similar diffusion while also changing the color temperature of the light. For example, amber tint will shift cool white fluorescents to a warmer 2500K glow.
Tinted films and adhesives come in colored, metallic, or frosted looks. They are inexpensive and a quick DIY install. No need to remove fixtures. Some adhesive films are static-cling for easy application. The only downside is that the materials degrade over 1-2 years and need replacing.
Advantages of Reflective Films and Tints
- Inexpensive, temporary solution
- Quick and easy DIY installation
- Soften and filter light
- Change color temperature
- No fixture disassembly needed
Disadvantages of Reflective Films and Tints
- Temporary solution lasting 1-2 years
- Adhesives can leave residue on removal
- Too dark tints reduce light levels
- Metallic finishes may show hotspots
Comparison Table of Fluorescent Light Covers
| Method | Cost | Installation | Light Modification | Appearance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diffuser Panels | Cheap | Easy DIY | Diffuses and softens | Neutral light transmittance |
| Pendant/Surface Lights | Moderate to expensive | Often requires professional | New fixtures fully control lighting | Wide decorative variety |
| Suspended Ceiling | Expensive | Professional installation | Can recess new lighting | Tiles in finishes available |
| Fabric Ceiling System | Very expensive | Professional installation | Can backlight edges | Smooth, seamless appearance |
| Painted Ceiling | Cheap | DIY project | No lighting change | Color and finish options |
| Reflective Films/Tints | Cheap | Easy DIY | Diffuses and filters light | Colored or frosted films |
Conclusion
Fluorescent lights are a practical lighting choice but can feel harsh or visually unappealing. Luckily there are a variety of solutions to soften, cover, or replace the fluorescent fixtures. Light diffuser panels offer an inexpensive, easy-to-install option. For more customization, new pendant or surface mount fixtures can tailor the lighting. Reflective films provide a temporary colored tint. Or for a seamless clean look, stretched fabric systems entirely conceal the ceiling. With some creativity and effort, you can transform the feel of a space lit by fluorescent tubes.
