Lighting Types
Stair Lighting
Stair lighting integrates illumination into or along staircases for safety and aesthetic enhancement, guiding foot traffic while creating dramatic architectural effects. Recessed lights in stair risers or treads cast subtle pools of light, defining each step without harsh brightness. This safety-critical lighting has become a design statement, transforming staircases into illuminated sculptural elements.
Modern stair lighting typically uses low-profile LED fixtures that virtually disappear during daylight while providing essential illumination at night. Lights can be installed in risers (vertical faces), treads (horizontal surfaces), or along handrails or side walls. Many systems include motion sensors and dimmers, automatically adjusting based on ambient light and movement. The result is safe navigation combined with sophisticated ambiance.
Key Characteristics
- ✓Illuminates stairs for safety and aesthetics
- ✓Recessed or profile-mounted LEDs
- ✓Defines each step with pools of light
- ✓Often includes motion sensors
- ✓Creates dramatic architectural effect
- ✓Low-profile, virtually invisible when off
Types & Variations
Recessed riser lights (one per step)
Under-tread lighting
Handrail integrated lighting
Side wall step lights
Strip lighting along stair side
Works Well With These Styles
Placement & Usage Tips
Install one light per step for consistent illumination—either in the riser face or under the tread nosing. Position lights off-center to one side rather than centered to avoid direct glare when descending stairs. Connect to motion sensors that activate when approaching stairs and include dimmer controls for adjustable brightness. Ensure sufficient light for safe navigation (approximately 50-100 lumens per fixture).
💡 Pro Tip
For the most sophisticated stair lighting, use warm white (2700K) LEDs with wide beam angles to create overlapping pools of light rather than distinct spots. This creates continuous illumination that feels intentional rather than obvious dots of light. Avoid cool white LEDs which feel institutional.