Sick of Ugly Fluorescent Covers? DIY Lighting Upgrades

That dated fluorescent lighting in your kitchen just makes the whole room seem dingy and dark. The plastic covers have probably turned yellow and brittle over the years, doing more to hide the light than diffuse it nicely. Luckily, replacing those eyesores is an easy, affordable project you can tackle in an afternoon.

New fluorescent light covers will make your kitchen brighter and give it a whole new modern look. Read on to learn when it's time for an upgrade, how to pick the perfect replacement covers, and simple steps for DIY installation.

When Is It Time to Replace Fluorescent Covers?

Here are some signs that the lighting in your kitchen could use a little TLC:

• Yellowed, stained, or cracked lenses
• Covers that no longer diffuse light well, leading to glare
• Fixtures that buzz or flicker when turned on
• A kitchen that just feels darker and drearier than it should

Replacing worn covers benefits your kitchen in a few ways:

• Brighter, whiter light makes the space seem bigger
• Reduced glare helps make cooking and cleaning easier on the eyes
• New covers are more visually appealing and modern looking
• Freshens up the look of an older kitchen quickly and affordably
• Lets you adjust light temperature for task lighting or to set the mood

Choosing New Fluorescent Light Covers

The first step is to measure the existing fluorescent fixtures in your kitchen to ensure you get replacement covers that fit properly. Standard sizes are 24" x 48" rectangular panels or 14" diameter round covers. Take notes on the current bulb shape, wattage, and temperature as well to maintain the same brightness and light color.

Basic plastic diffuser panels are inexpensive, lightweight options available in white or silver finishes. For a step up, consider:

• Acrylic or prismatic lenses that soften glare and evenly distribute light
• Decorative panels that cover large sections of ceiling with embedded accents lights
• Frosted panels that diffuse light in a softer glow

DIY Installation Guide

Prep the Fixture

Start by turning off power to the kitchen lights at the breaker box for safety. Remove the old fluorescent light covers, discarding them or recycling if possible. Use a mild cleaner and rag to clear dust from the fixture so the new covers seat cleanly.

Install the New Covers

Snap rectangular diffuser panels securely into the edges of the frame, centering them evenly from end to end. Round lens covers twist and lock into grooves around the circular frame. For large decorative ceiling panels, look for a hanging rail system that secures them in place much like a drop ceiling.

If minor wiring is needed to connect new covers, like attaching a plug or connecting a ballast cover, follow the included directions carefully and match colors. If you're unsure about working with wires, move to the next step!

Enjoy Your Bright, New Lights!

Once everything is securely installed, restore power and test the lights. Verify the new covers are seated tightly with no gaps or flickering. Enjoy your newly bright and refreshed kitchen lighting!

When to Call an Electrician

If the idea of dealing with any wiring spooks you, it's best to call in a professional electrician. They can handle any necessary rewiring as part of the fluorescent cover replacement. Electricians can also safely install decorative ceiling panels that mount into the infrastructure rather than just dropping into existing frames.

When scheduling an electrician, they'll need the make and model of the light fixtures and some photos of the setup. Expect to pay $100-250 for light cover replacement. Improved visibility and peace of mind are worth the investment if you'd rather not DIY electrical.

While you're replacing those old fluorescent covers, it may inspire you to reimagine the lighting throughout your kitchen. Beyond the main ceiling fixtures, consider adding:

• Pendant lights over a kitchen island for task lighting
• Under cabinet lighting to illuminate countertops and help reduce eye strain
• A light rail with integrated fixtures running below the cabinets
• Recessed can lighting for accent and mood lighting

However vibrant and efficient new fluorescent covers alone can brighten up your cooking space. Just switching out a dated plastic panel for a modern, glare-reducing lens cover can provide a facelift for less. With a simple afternoon DIY project, you can have a kitchen that feels new again.