Backlighted surface covering

A lighted surface cover, comprising:

• a surface covering including at least one surface layer having a first surface and a second surface;
• a base structure having a first surface facing the second surface of the at least one surface layer and a second surface opposite the first surface of the base structure, the base structure comprising a transparent or translucent material;
• and
• at least one light source disposed so as to illuminate at least a portion of the base structure with light energy such that at least a portion of the light energy passes through the at least a portion of the base structure and into the surface covering, wherein the at least one light source is embedded within the base structure;
• wherein the at least one surface layer of the surface covering comprises at least one void extending at least partially between the first surface of the surface covering and the second surface of the surface covering where the at least one void is configured to allow at least some of the light energy passing from the at least a portion of the base structure to pass through the at least one void and emanate from the first surface of the at least one surface layer of the surface covering to create a desired visual effect.