The backlit panel is an original and interesting solution in the interior of almost any complexity and style. This option of a bright accent is much bolder, and at the same time interesting, it is perfect for eliminating a too neutral, pastel or muffled project. However, it can be made at home with your own hands, although the idea will be extremely difficult, painstaking. Given the huge variation in the materials used to make the backlit panels, the abundance of options for choosing bulbs and color solutions, this interior element can be called universal, and at the same time in demand.
What is such a decor project?
The panel is a light canvas covered with plastic, fabric or even paper, which acts as a screen. Behind it are light bulbs that create the very picture. A glass panel with backlight is already a project of higher complexity, providing for delicate work with matt material. If independently made options often do not differ by the presence of a bas-relief, then custom-made ones are a real work of art.
Hand of the master in every detail
Various details and elements are abundant on the screen, and light only complements the picture, making it a real masterpiece. Such backlit panels are usually embossed, detailed and very beautiful. However, the basis of any such element remains the “screen", which is the most complex and difficult part to complete. Otherwise, as can be seen in the photo, the backlit panels resemble the LED structures used in lighting multi-level ceilings.
Varieties and differences
Accurate and verified classification does not exist. Some believe that backlit panels are available exclusively in one version, while others believe the opposite. However, based on a number of classifiers, several subgroups can be distinguished, namely:
- Depending on the screen material. The panels are illuminated based on fabric, Whatman paper, glass, paper and matte plastic used for stretch ceilings.
- Location In this case, the role is played by the fact where exactly the element will be fixed. If it is a panel with backlighting on the wall, then its dimensions will be appropriate, if it is on the window, then the specifics of the work change dramatically.
- Stretcher. Used slats made of wood, profile, plastic. In addition, there are frameless panels, which are thick glass fixed with dowels on the wall, as well as several LED strips.
- The complexity of the work. Here a lot depends on the presence of additional decor elements directly on the panel itself with backlight. More complex, voluminous work with the illumination of each detail is difficult to do at home and requires the involvement of craftsmen, which will cost more.
As you can see, there are a lot of options. This should also be added the difference in the number and power of LEDs, their color design. But this is a matter of taste. A glass panel with backlight can be either simple and concise, or more complex, multi-level. The same goes for plastic or wood structures.
Better option
It cannot be said unequivocally that one or another version of the backlit panel is more acceptable for a particular interior. The designer decides everything in discussion with the manager and the customer. In some cases, it is appropriate to completely abandon this element in favor of other decisions, for example, if there is little space. In addition, it is important to consider such factors:
- Location and availability of children in the room. If a bulky glass panel falls to the floor, this will be a complete disaster, while, for example, fabric or plastic can be easily fixed even by yourself.
- Functional purpose of the room. A paper panel should not be hung in a room where the microclimate assumes constantly high temperatures and humidity, plastic should not be in direct sunlight.
- General design style. In cool minimalism, you should not have a bright, colorful, for example, pink panel with backlight in the form of flowers. Here a strict geometric pattern with a white or pale yellow accent in the design is much better.
Of course, the choice of a solution in the design is everyone’s business, but still it’s worth it to treat the process with all possible responsibility.
Recommendations for integration into the interior
There are several options for how not only to make a panel with lighting with your own hands, but also to fit it into the interior as harmoniously as possible. In particular, the following recommendations should be considered:
- The color scheme should flow from the general style in the room. Such an element should not be a contrasting opposition to the main idea, but should complement it. Art Deco will "love" the backlit panel and the bright plastic screen, while minimalism will "prefer" cooler, more restrained tones and, of course, glass and metal.
- Location The panel should complement the main interior, but not contradict it. Therefore, it is better to place it, for example, on an empty wall in order to somehow smooth out the "roughness".
- Union with other elements. In this case we are talking about harmony. If the pattern on the panel repeats the ornament on the wall, complements it or forms an independent continuation, then the element is used as efficiently as possible.
In this matter, it will always be useful to resort to the help of a designer.
Do it yourself
A backlit panel can be done at home and with your own hands. As mentioned above, this project is quite time-consuming and requires considerable skill, but in general it does not differ in complexity. The key task for the master is the choice of material and building up experience in working with small parts. For the first test of the pen, it is better to use a cloth and a wooden subframe. In addition, you should prepare: glue gun, whatman, thick cardboard or paper, a few nails, a hammer, an office knife. In short, the process looks like this:
- pull the canvas on a stretcher, remove all folds and bumps;
- to fix the "screen" so that it holds "tightly";
- apply a stencil or a self-created drawing of an ornament on a Whatman paper;
- in finished form, cut ornaments from cardboard or thick paper;
- make several layers, if necessary, for the volume;
- fix the backlight on the subframe along the perimeter and hang it on the wall.
Yes, this option is not the most beautiful, but quite interesting and definitely better than just a bare wall.
In the dry residue
The panel with LED backlighting looks quite interesting in any design. From such a "picture" it is quite possible to make an original night lamp or just a decorative element. If the master has experience in working with small parts, then a more or less professional option can be done with your own hands, and in a short time. LED backlight panels, in addition, will cost inexpensively, which is sometimes important for repairs carried out independently.