Illumination device for simulating channel letters

An illumination device generally comprises a housing, a light source, and a scattering member. The housing includes a base portion and a side wall, which collectively defines an interior cavity with an open end having a predetermined shape. A light source is positioned within the interior cavity, along with an electric connecting member adapted to connect the light source to a remote power source. A scattering member having substantially the same predetermined shape as the open end of the housing is positioned adjacent the light source at the open end of the interior cavity. The scattering member has a light-emitting surface and is composed of a material which causes light entering the scattering member to be directed through a portion of thereof before being scattered and emitted, such that a substantially uniform light pattern is perceived along the light-emitting surface of the scattering member in the predetermined shape.