8 Great Ways to Light Up Stairs
Illuminated handrails, hidden LEDs and linear step lights are among the best ways to stylishly light up your stairs
Chandeliers and grand staircases go together like wine and cheese, but the menu of ways to illuminate stairs has expanded dramatically in recent years. Designers now apply multilayered lighting approaches to most spaces, and stairs are no exception. Step lights, linear LED accents and other ingenious lighting tricks help to showcase staircases and make them safer to traverse. Read on to discover eight lighting strategies to make your staircases shine.
2. Treadlights
Concealing linear lighting within each individual tread may be the most beautiful and functional of all stair lighting techniques, but it is among the more difficult to detail and install. Lighting is often concealed in the nosing of each stair, such as in this staircase by Cerami Builders. Staircases illuminated this way can become focal points and sculptural while also providing great light.
Concealing linear lighting within each individual tread may be the most beautiful and functional of all stair lighting techniques, but it is among the more difficult to detail and install. Lighting is often concealed in the nosing of each stair, such as in this staircase by Cerami Builders. Staircases illuminated this way can become focal points and sculptural while also providing great light.
Floating staircases are also great candidates for treadlights. Linear LED strips are recessed into the underside of each step to cast light down below. This technique results in good stair illumination and can create sculptural patterns, as shown by this staircase by Finesse Built.
3. Illuminated Handrails
Lighting technology has been rapidly shrinking in size over the past decade, and that means we can put light just about anywhere. Lighting is now incorporated into the handrails of glass and cable railing systems but can be incorporated into wooden rails as well. In this minimalist staircase by Sam Crawford Architects, light is placed behind the wooden railing to illuminate the steps.
Lighting technology has been rapidly shrinking in size over the past decade, and that means we can put light just about anywhere. Lighting is now incorporated into the handrails of glass and cable railing systems but can be incorporated into wooden rails as well. In this minimalist staircase by Sam Crawford Architects, light is placed behind the wooden railing to illuminate the steps.
This ingenious design by Lucia Caballero Interior Design combines wood and light for an artistic result that elevates the staircase to a piece of modern sculpture. Illuminated handrails are also great outdoors around decks, porches and stairs and can be integrated into many different design styles.
4. Up-Down Lights
Up-down lights are a sleek, modern interpretation of more traditional wall sconces. Here, Mim Design placed black up-down cylindrical wall sconces above a black floating staircase. This approach cleverly coordinates with the black handrails and tile grout and pushes light down onto the stairs while also illuminating the underside of the stair run above.
Up-down lights are a sleek, modern interpretation of more traditional wall sconces. Here, Mim Design placed black up-down cylindrical wall sconces above a black floating staircase. This approach cleverly coordinates with the black handrails and tile grout and pushes light down onto the stairs while also illuminating the underside of the stair run above.
The design team at VictorEric took another approach with up-down sconces by adding these tiny versions that highlight the stacked stone texture of the wall at the same time they illuminate the stairs. Fixtures come in many sizes and countless finishes, making it possible to use them as a statement or to blend into more traditional homes.
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5. Backlighting
Backlighting stone or thin-cut wood veneer is an emerging trend that takes a little extra work to design and construct, but the effect is unlike any other. Here, Architectural Justice added backlit onyx panels to create a staircase that is as beautiful as it is functional.
Backlighting stone or thin-cut wood veneer is an emerging trend that takes a little extra work to design and construct, but the effect is unlike any other. Here, Architectural Justice added backlit onyx panels to create a staircase that is as beautiful as it is functional.
6. Hidden Lights
Extraordinary craftsmanship can now bring us staircases that float from floor to floor with minimal connections, and light in the right place can accentuate the drama. Light placed on the side of the stairs facing the wall “leaks” out from behind to call attention to the floating detail in this clean-lined staircase by Sisters in Sync. One note of caution: This light can be more sculptural than functional, and more light will be needed for safe travel.
Extraordinary craftsmanship can now bring us staircases that float from floor to floor with minimal connections, and light in the right place can accentuate the drama. Light placed on the side of the stairs facing the wall “leaks” out from behind to call attention to the floating detail in this clean-lined staircase by Sisters in Sync. One note of caution: This light can be more sculptural than functional, and more light will be needed for safe travel.
7. Step Lights
At the literal end of the day, a well-illuminated staircase can be just what is needed as you head off to bed. Sometimes, the simplest solution of all may be the best, and step lights were created just for this purpose. Here, horizontal step lights illuminate these modern stairs designed by Gregory Phillips Architects. Step lights come in many styles and finishes and can be incorporated into nearly every style.
At the literal end of the day, a well-illuminated staircase can be just what is needed as you head off to bed. Sometimes, the simplest solution of all may be the best, and step lights were created just for this purpose. Here, horizontal step lights illuminate these modern stairs designed by Gregory Phillips Architects. Step lights come in many styles and finishes and can be incorporated into nearly every style.
8. Illuminated Newels
We can light treads, risers, handrails and more, so why not newel posts? KJM Design Studio used steel posts with internal lighting in a prairie style for this traditional home in Detroit. The effect is similar to adding lanterns along a path and can be quite inviting and welcoming to guests.
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Browse stair and step lights
We can light treads, risers, handrails and more, so why not newel posts? KJM Design Studio used steel posts with internal lighting in a prairie style for this traditional home in Detroit. The effect is similar to adding lanterns along a path and can be quite inviting and welcoming to guests.
More on Houzz
3 Reasons to Hire a Lighting Designer
3 Ways LED Lights Have Leveled Up
Search for a lighting designer near you
Browse stair and step lights
The revolutionary aspect of LED technology is key to many new stair-lighting techniques such as linear step lights. A thin strip of LEDs can be recessed into the wall in aluminum channels or concealed in an architectural reveal like the team at MH Costa Construction did for this staircase. The resulting effect can be soft, glare-free illumination on the stair treads, just where you need it most.
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