Instead of Skylights

Question

i just reroofed my home and removed two skylights from a vaulted ceiling. instead of sheetrocking the 2X4 squares in I thougt putting some kind of lights in on a dimmer would be different. that's as far as I have taken the idea but would like some ideas. the vaulted ceiling was built with 2X6 rafters, insulation then sheetrock with textured finish.

Answer

Hi Raymond,
I assume you're going to feed the lighting cables between the rafters to the switch and electric supply. If you are going to do it yourself you should first check the building regulations in your area, but there shouldn't be a problem if you're planning to use low-voltage. If using transformer(s), do remember to put them in a place that is easily accessible and not a fire-risk; also ensure that the dimmer switch is "intelligent" i.e. compatible with the transformer.
That said, you've asked for ideas, so here are some for you to consider:-

• cover the openings with sheetrock and install simple spots
• use a plain or patterned opaque material (e.g. fiberglass) to cover the openings and diffuse simple lights behind
• ditto but with patterned/multi-colored lights behind
• use a transparent cover and make shapes with LED rope lights (these normally come with a controller for a variety of display settings)
• or why not put in flat screen TV and display the sky of your choice!