A Guide to Stairwell Lighting And Creating Lighting Effects

When it comes to your home or business, lighting matters. One of the ways to light stairs is to choose stairway lights. LED step lights can serve many purposes, from creating a mood to making a space safer. There are many things to learn before deciding on fixtures for your home or business. Below, we will explore what putting lights in stairs in the home can do for the space.

 

What Is a Stair Riser Light? 

Stair step lights are lights that are installed in the stair risers. This is the area of a step that faces upward and thereby faces you as you walk up them. This type of light is usually small enough to fit into this short vertical section of the stairs.

The main purpose of stair riser lighting is to give the stairway some ambient light while also making it easier to navigate the staircase. This type of lighting isn’t meant to be the main light source and instead simply helps set the mood of a space. You can use this to your advantage to create a truly unique atmosphere while enhancing safety all at once.

 

Benefits of LED Step Lights 

There are many reasons why adding LED stair tread lighting is a good idea. It is growing increasingly popular both in homes and in businesses because of it. Below are just a few reasons why you should consider adding some stair tread lights to your space:

 

  • INTRIGUING ADDITION TO A STAIRCASE. Stair riser lights add ambience and a bit of mood to the staircase area that you can’t get with a single light on the landing.
  • ENHANCES SAFETY. Stair step lighting shines a light on the steps themselves, making them easier to navigate in the dark.
  • INEXPENSIVE TO RUN. Since stairs lighting uses LED bulbs, you get to enjoy the benefits that LEDs bring. They use little energy, which can save you a lot of money on your energy bills.
  • LONG LASTING. Stairway lights use LED bulbs, which are known to last for a minimum of 20,000 hours before you have to replace them.
  • SAFE TO USE. Lighting up stairs with LED lights won’t run the risk of them getting too hot to the touch. This is important if you are treading indoor stairs barefoot, as you won’t want to knock into hot bulbs to do so.
  • MORE EFFICIENT. LED lights need less maintenance than other lights due to their long-lasting nature. You won’t have to get down on the floor and replace them every few months if you use LEDs.
  • ECO-FRIENDLY OPTION. Stairwell lights with LED bulbs are gentler for the environment. This is not just because they are more energy efficient; it is also because most LED lights tend to be recyclable as well.

stairway LED step lighting

How To Choose the Best Stairway Recessed Lights

Below are some things to consider when considering staircase lighting ideas:

 

  • SIZE OF THE FIXTURE. Be sure that the stair riser lighting you choose is small and compact so as not to become a tripping hazard.
  • HIGH QUALITY. It is worth it to spend a little more to ensure you are getting premium quality lights that can withstand being on all the time and in such a high-traffic area.
  • Much like sculptural lighting, you’ll need to make sure the lights match the overall design scheme of the house or office.
  • DURABLE FINISH. Since the staircase landing lights and riser lights both have the potential to get knocked into and kicked, you should choose lights with a durable finish that won’t be damaged within a short time.

 

How To Fit Stair Riser Lights 

Fitting a stair riser light into a step is a fairly straightforward process. The steps for this can be found below:

 

  1. Measure the step and the light itself. Figure out where the light will go on the step to ensure that it is centred where you like it.
  1. Mark an area on the step where you plan to cut the hole out to install the light.
  1. Cut this hole using a hole saw that is of the correct size.
  1. Connect the mains supply to the light, which an electrician should have already fed through the area.
  1. Slip the LED transformer/driver into the hole.
  1. Slot the light into the hole by using the spring clips found on either side of the light. This will keep the light held in place behind the step.

 

The process above is for wooden steps. You can complete the same steps for concrete, but you will need an installation tube that will fit into the concrete hole instead. This tube will serve as an anchor that will keep the light held in place.

 

Can You Use LED Step Lighting Outdoors?

The outdoor space is a place you should pay as much attention to as you do the interior, especially when it comes to nighttime lighting. Fortunately, outdoor step lights are suitable as long as you get the correct type of lighting. LED outdoor step lights are similar to the stair tread lighting indoor locations use, but they will require a different IP rating.

IP ratings, or Ingress Protection ratings, judge whether the light is protected from moisture and/or solid objects. The first digit in the rating indicates protection against solid objects, while the second indicates protection against moisture. It is important to know which IP rating you will need for your lights. This is especially true of outdoor lights due to their exposure to dirt and moisture.

 

First Digit – Solids

0  –  No protection against solid substances

1  –  Protection against solid substances greater than 50 millimeters in size

2  –  Protection against solid substances greater than 12 millimeters in size

3  –  Protection against solid substances greater than 2.5 millimeters in size

4  –  Protection against solid substances greater than one millimeter in size

5  –  Protection against dust in small amounts

6  –  Protection against dust and deposits of all kinds

 

Second Digit – Moisture

0  –  Not protected against any moisture

1  –  Protected from moisture damage from dripping water

2  –  Protected from moisture damage from dripping water when it is tilted 15 degrees

3  –  Protected from moisture damage from spraying water

4  –  Protected from moisture damage from water that splashes

5  –  Protected from moisture damage from simple water jets

6  –  Protected from moisture damage from powerful water jets

7  –  Protected from moisture damage from immersion in water as deep as one meter

8  –  Protected from moisture damage from immersion in water under pressure deeper than one meter

 

To protect garden step lighting from the elements outdoors, you will need lights that have an IP65 rating or better. This will protect outdoor step lighting from mud and dirt being kicked by your shoes. It will also spare it damage from rain, snow and other such weather.

Low level led wall lighting - stairway step lights shining on stairs

Can You Connect Step Lights to a Sensor Switch?

Stairwell wall lighting and stair ceiling lights such as stair pendant lights are versatile in the ways you can turn them on and off. One of the ways to do this is to connect them to a sensor switch.

There are two types of sensor switches: motion sensing and photocell sensing. Both of these options are good for safety and money saving alike; they will only turn on when you need them, instead of running unnecessarily all of the time. Generally speaking, any staircase can benefit from having motion sensing or photocell lights in some regard.

 

What Is a Lighting Movement Sensor?

Light motion sensors do exactly what they say on the package—sense motion. When movement is detected, they will turn the lights on. Once movement is no longer seen, the lights will switch back off.

 

What Is a Photocell Daylight Sensor?

Photocell sensors pay attention to light levels instead of movement. These lights will turn on at sunset and turn off at dawn. In this way, they are only going to remain on long enough to shine a light when needed and not a second longer.

There are different types of photocell sensors, such as plugins, and that is the type most commonly used in homes. They operate single lights depending on when you need them instead of controlling a larger system, like the ones streetlights use.

 

How Long Will Stair Step Lighting Last?

Since stairwell wall lights use LED bulbs, you can expect that they will last for years to come. Since LED bulbs last longer than halogen bulbs, you can expect them to last a minimum of 20,000 hours.

LEDs use far less energy, so you can enjoy not only a longer life but also lower energy bills. If you use LED lights for ten hours every day, you can expect LED lights to serve you for around a dozen years.

 

How Does LED Stairway Lighting Compare to Older Types of Light Sources?

When you look at this against the average lifespan of halogen bulbs at only a 1,000-hour lifespan, the difference is clear and abundant. Not only this, but LEDs output most of their energy as light with little to no heat output. Traditional bulbs do the opposite; they output most of their energy as heat with far less light coming from them.

 

How Many Recessed Lights Should You Put in Each Step?

Deciding on how many LED stair riser lights to put in your steps ultimately comes down to personal choice. Even so, the general guidance is that you add two lights to each step and spread them out evenly. This will ensure light shines across the entire step without looking crowded or bulky.

A wider step may need more lights, but this, too, comes down to personal preference and how bright or dark you want it to look.

 

What Other Lighting Can You Use to Complement Recessed LED Stairway Lighting?

There are a few ways you can accent the stairway lights in your home:

 

  • PENDANT LIGHTING. If you have a tall staircase with a lot of empty vertical space beside it, a large and dramatic stairs pendant light can help fill it in without getting lost in all of that space.
  • WALL LIGHTS. Along the walls on the sides of the staircase, you can add some stylish wall lights for stairs and landing. If you want to keep the area low profile, you can add wall lights with a wall washing effect. This will contribute gentle lighting without disrupting the ambience of the staircase lighting.
  • UP AND DOWN LIGHTS. One type of wall washer light you can choose is what is called an up and down light. As their name suggests, they shine illumination up and down the walls. This creates an artistic look that can bring the light of the stairs upward and enhance their look.
  • ILLUMINATED HANDRAILS. Lighting up the railing of the stairs can lead the eye upward, make the stairs safer to navigate and complement the lighting on the steps.
  • LIGHT UP NEWEL POSTS. For outdoor stair lighting, you can install lighted newel posts. This will break up the stair area from landing to landing and make it more visually appealing.

 

Where Can You Use LED Step Lights in Commercial Applications?

There are many places where you can install lights in commercial settings:

 

  • AROUND HOTEL RECEPTION DESKS. This will draw the eye toward the main area of the lobby where guests will need to go.
  • HOTEL STAIRWAYS. The stairways need to be well-lit for weary travelers, and there is no better way to do that than with step lights for their tired eyes.
  • HOTEL ROOM SKIRTING BOARDS. Line the perimeter of the hotel room with a soft, ambient glow to make it a memorable stay.
  • HOTEL BARS. Lining the base of the hotel bar with small step lights can cast an atmospheric glow and shows guests where they need to go.
  • STAIRWAYS IN OFFICES. Make the steps easier to navigate for your employees with stair lighting placed here.
  • RECEPTION DESKS IN OFFICES. Make the reception area feel warm and welcoming by providing lighting around the reception desk.
  • AROUND COUNTER BASES IN SHOPS. You can make your shop areas look more inviting and modern with lights around the bases of the counters.

LED stairwell step lighting - stair riser led lights

Can You Use LED Recessed Step Lights on the Wall?

Recessed step lights can certainly be used on the wall among other places. These lights can be used to shine illumination across the stairway instead of installed directly into the steps themselves. It is a good way to add layered lighting to the area and make it more visually interesting.

 

A few ways to incorporate them into the walls include:

  • Installing hidden lights in the wall near the base of the steps
  • Installing recessed lights in the wall that wash over the treads
  • Installing recessed lights in the wall every few steps
  • Lighting up wall niches

 

Where Else in the Home Can You Use These Types of Mini Recessed Lights?

As you’ve seen, there are many applications in which you can apply step lighting. Though these lights are designed to fit in the small areas of steps, they are actually small and versatile enough that you can use them in a wide variety of other ways. From kitchens to living rooms to entertainment areas outdoors, here are some of the ways you can include step lighting in other areas of the home. Some ideas include:

 

  • Along skirting boards
  • Around the island in a kitchen
  • Along the base of cabinets as kickplate lighting
  • In any built-in furniture units
  • As floor-level lighting to add atmosphere in bathrooms, dining rooms and bedrooms
  • Installed in decks to create a path or to outline a perimeter
  • Along the walls at the tops of floating cabinets for a modern touch
  • Create a soft glow in cinema rooms or other entertainment areas
  • In any room where you want to add undeniable atmosphere and ambience

 

LED Step Lighting to Consider

 

  1. LSL002 Round 1 Watt Recessed LED Wall Light

lsl002 1 watt mini recessed indoor step lights

Installing the LSL002 Round 1 Watt Recessed LED Wall Light into the wall on either side of the steps will cast a glow along the top of the step itself. It emits light at a slight angle, covering a good portion of even wide steps.

It features a circular body that sits flush with the wall and shines 70 lumens of 3200k warm white light along the stair. The brushed aluminium finish makes it neutral enough to easily be incorporated into any space.

 

  1. LSL009 Round 1 Watt Acrylic Recessed LED Wall Light

LSL009 1 watt LED stair step lights

The LSL009 Round 1 Watt Acrylic Recessed LED Wall Light is a good option for filling in the dark spaces along the walls of the staircase. You can install as many as you wish and evenly spaced them along the wall to help lead the eye upward. It can also be used as low level lighting in certain locations in the home and is especially beautiful in hotel hallways. The 70 lumens of light offers a soft glow that shines through its diffuser and back onto the wall for an artistic effect.

 

  1. Halo Round 1 Watt Recessed LED Wall Light

lsl004 1 watt recessed LED stair lights

With the Halo Round 1 Watt Recessed LED Wall Light, you can complement the glow of the stair lights. This wall light washes illumination back against the wall, creating a more intriguing look. It can also help amplify the light of the stairs in a way that seems to draw the light upward from the bottom. From either side of the circular brush aluminium fixture, warm 3200k light shines back onto the wall.

 

  1. LSL707 3 Watt Recessed LED Wall Light With Movement Sensor

LSL707 3 watt recessed interior LED wall light with infra red movement sensor

If you want to take advantage of motion sensors, this LSL707 3 Watt Recessed LED Wall Light With Movement Sensor is an excellent choice. The sensor will turn the light on and off according to the movement that is detected in the area. This way, it will save you money by not having the lights constantly on when there is no need.

The light features a sleek square shape and comes in either black or white to suit the appearance of any area. It shines 170 lumens of 3000k warm white light.

 

  1. ODL041 1 Watt Square Recessed Black Outdoor LED Wall Light

ODL041 1 watt black outside step lights

Light up the outdoor staircases in your garden or your business with the ODL041 1 Watt Square Recessed Black Outdoor LED Wall Light. The light shines 70 lumens of 3000k warm white light, which is especially ideal for hotels. With its IP65 rating, you can be sure it is protected from the elements and won’t take on damage from getting dirt kicked against it.

 

  1. ODL701 3 Watt Round Black Recessed Outdoor Wall Light

ODL701 3 watt black recessed outdoor step light

The ODL701 3 Watt Round Black Recessed Outdoor Wall Light is a sleek, modern outdoor wall light that can add ambience to entertainment areas and staircases alike. It features a clean circular shape with a black finish that works well in any area regardless of colour scheme. This light outputs 300 lumens of 3000k warm white light, making it particularly useful for brightening up large, dark staircases.

 

  1. LDC880 Kit Of 9 X 1 Watt LED Plinth Lights

LDC880 kit of 1 watt LED kitchen plinth lights

Perfect for stairs but even better for kitchens, the LDC880 Kit Of 9 X 1 Watt LED Plinth Light will allow you to use mini recessed lights to their fullest potential. The small LED light is meant to line the kickplates of kitchen cabinets and islands, providing an outline and a soft ambient glow all at once.

The light is available in six metallic finishes for you to easily choose one that suits your kitchen space. In total, the lights shine 122 lumens of 3000k warm white illumination.

Shopping Basket
Scroll to Top