How to use LACK shelves to create valance lighting

I did another small and simple hack. Using the IKEA LACK shelves, I created valance lighting for the bathroom.

I used the IKEA LACK wall shelves as the base to install shelves and then hid lights behind them.

This tutorial is also great if you just want to install floating wall shelves of any length.

IKEA items used:

• IKEA LACK wall shelves (110cm version) x 3

Other materials and tools:

• Plasterboards
• Laths
• Spirit level
• Dry wall screws
• Putty
• Electric drill
• Trowel
• Paint

Instructions for DIY valance lighting

1. First, determine the length of the valance lighting to be created and select a corresponding number of LACK wall shelves.

In the case shown here, we used three IKEA LACK wall shelves with a length of 110 cm each. The LACK shelves do not have to completely fill the entire length of the newly emerging valance light. Gaps are allowed and sometimes even useful.

2. After determining the height of the lighting, it starts already.

Mount the brackets of the LACK wall shelves on the wall. Use a laser level to make sure they align to each other.

3. After mounting the brackets, push the LACK shelves in and locked them in with screws.

Covering up the shelves

4. Then, cover the LACK wall shelves with plasterboard.

On the bottom panel, we glued the plasterboards and screwed them in as well. Just as a safety precaution, as the drywall screws do not hold well inside the LACK wall shelves.

On the top panel, this is not necessary and in the front, the screws tighten very well.

View from top of LACK shelves, covered with plasterboard

View from below

The front panel is designed as the valance lighting panel. In order to have an indirect valance lighting situation, we made the front panel a few centimetres wider than the LACK shelves.

View from below, showing the overhang of the front panel

The Finishing

5. In addition, we glued a stucco profile to the front. That initially creates a gap between the profile and gypsum board which is not tragic. The entire construction is later filled and sanded.

6. Depending on personal preferences, you can further outfit the new valance lighting to suit your room decor.

Here, you can choose whether you prefer a modern style or classic with stucco profiles. The limit is your imagination only.

DIY Valance Lighting complete

We used this valance lighting above our mirror as seen here.

7. Finally, wire up the strip lights to get your valance lighting.

It is a very cheap und useful hack.

See the full tutorial of the DIY valance lighting here.

~ by Benjamin Ferger

Take a look at my other hacks:

• The BILLY Project: A BILLY library like no other
• Probably the most beautiful IKEA farmhouse kitchen

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