What do you call the lighting that uses those long tubes and is in those big rectangles

Question

I have some in my kitchen! They are soooo ugly.lol

Is there any way to get cute covers or do we have to use those plastic looking light filter covers?

What are the covers called?

can I paint the metal boxes.

Mine are not mounted in the ceiling!

they hang out yuck!

I would love to use plexi glass and paint it something unique.

Answer 1

Fluorescent lights are inexpensive, rather than trying to find different diffusers, you might replace the fixture. Maybe another kind of light like track lighting, it would dress up your kitchen.  

Answer 2

Yours' sounds like and old box flourescent. These are quite outdated. Try a modern version. The new ones will have electronic ballasts and either T8s' ot T5s'. More energy efficiant than the old T12s' that you probably have in yours. It might be cheaper to replace yours if you buy the inferior ones sold at the big box stores. Search American Flourescent for affordable to the upper end ones from Prudential Lighting. I would suggest staying with a Flourescent fixture and supplimenting with other lighting(ie Recessed or Track). The kitchen needs the most light of any room in the home so it is important to get the most light from a fixture( and the best quality of light which a flourescent has ) possible. Consult with a lighting professional to get the most from your purchase.  

Answer 3

flourescent

Answer 4

Fluorescent lighting in the kitchen is very out of date so it's actually better if  you replace the entire fixture. Home Depot or Lowes can help you pick the right one for your space.  It would be better for resale purposes as well.