Whether installed indoors or outdoors, step lights help you create a safe and well-lit space. They are available in a range of designs, finishes and shapes. They are also a great option for creating a visually pleasing ambiance and enhancing the design of staircases and corridors. When choosing the right stair lights, you should consider the following key factors: purpose, location, brightness, material and installation.
Purpose
Whether it’s illuminating an outdoor stairway to your patio or deck or adding safety to a commercial space, step lights create a welcoming glow and are an essential part of any landscape lighting system. Choosing the right stair light to meet your specific needs starts with understanding its purpose and location.
When used in homes, stair lighting is generally installed for functionality and to illuminate the path of foot traffic after dark. A tripping accident can be very dangerous, especially for the elderly and those with mobility issues, so ensuring stairs are well-lit to avoid these hazards is an important step in reducing accidents.
The brightness of the stair light should be high enough to highlight the steps, but not so bright that it becomes glaring and distracting. Choose a light with a lumen count of between 45 and 300 to achieve the ideal illumination for your space. Also, consider the fixture’s color temperature and if it is wet or damp rated. These factors will help you decide if the fixture can be used indoors or outdoors.
Location
When installed properly, stair lights can enhance both safety and the aesthetics of your space. They provide a soft wash of light that illuminates each step while avoiding shadows and overly bright streams of lighting.
While the exact placement of stair lights will vary based on the specifics of your landscape, there are some general guidelines that can help guide installation locations. When choosing a fixture, look for a model that is designed to be recessed into the riser of each step. This will ensure that your fixtures are not too low or too high and will offer the best balance of safety, functionality, and style.
Alternatively, surface-mounted stair lights can also be used, though they may not offer as much coverage and could create more shadows on the stairs themselves. Using a fixture that is designed to shine upwards will also make it difficult to see the surrounding steps as their lighting is shining directly into your eyes. Typically, the optimal height for stair lights is between 4 to 6 inches above each step to provide sufficient illumination while minimizing glare.
Brightness
Step lighting illuminates stairways to prevent accidents and hazards. It makes it easier to see each step and reduces tripping and missteps, especially in outdoor areas where people may be unfamiliar with the layout. It also enhances the aesthetic of your home and improves its curb appeal.
LED lights are the most popular choice for step lighting, offering optimal brightness and a long lifespan. They’re also more energy-efficient than traditional halogen or incandescent bulbs. They also have a more natural looking light and are available in a wide range of colors to match any decor.
Recessed LED steps are installed flush with the surface of the stairs and provide a sleek, minimalist look. They’re typically placed closer to the bottom of the riser or near the step nosing, which helps to evenly illuminate the stair and minimize shadows. Surface-mounted LED step lights are available in a variety of designs and finishes to complement different architectural styles. They’re often used in outdoor stairways, but they can be used indoors as well. They’re also wet rated, making them suitable for use around pools and water features.
Material
The material a step light is made of has a significant impact on its durability and aesthetics. Lights that are constructed from plastic or aluminum are less durable than those crafted from stainless steel and will corrode or discolor over time. While these fixtures are affordable, they don’t offer the same level of protection or longevity as those made from stainless steel.
Other considerations when choosing the type of step lighting you need include the power source and color temperature. Some lights require hardwired installation while others are battery- or solar-powered. Choose the power option that works best for your space and energy needs.
Whether installed indoors or outdoors, step lighting helps create a safe and well-lit space. With a variety of options, including recessed LED step lights, surface-mounted fixtures and LED strip lights, it’s easy to find the ideal fixture for your unique space. Contact us to learn more about our step lighting solutions, including Light Tape electroluminescent lighting products, for your commercial theater, auditorium or lecture hall venue. We can help you achieve a safe and visually appealing space for all your guests.
Installation
Step lights are available in a variety of designs, finishes, and shapes to complement different design styles. It is best to choose lighting fixtures that are compatible with your home’s design aesthetic and will integrate well with other outdoor elements. Review customer reviews and recommendations to get insights on the quality and performance of different LED step light options.
Recessed step lights are generally installed at the same height as the steps, which helps to illuminate the stair surface evenly and minimizes shadows. Surface-mounted step lights are typically mounted on the riser or side of the stairs, and can be placed near the top of the steps, at the bottom of the stairs, or in the middle.
When installing the lights, make sure to use low voltage wire, which is safer than line voltage, and that you leave a 6-inch loop of wire at each fixture location. When splicing the wires, be careful not to strip the insulation, and use dual-channel T connectors to avoid mistakes. Once all the step lights are connected to the main line, connect them to a PIR sensor using the same wiring process.
