Stair Lighting: The Complete Guide to Mounting Heights, Spacing, and More

Brighten up your living spaces and hallways with lighting that exudes both style and safety. In this guide, we'll take you through the ins and outs of choosing the perfect lighting for your staircases, hallways, and even bathrooms. We’ll also cover mounting heights and spacing for these lights. So, let's liven up those steps and create a warm and inviting ambiance in your home!

Shedding Light on Safety

Factors to Consider When Purchasing Stair Lighting

Stairs are an integral part of many homes and often define the shape of your home. Stair lighting primarily serves a functional purpose, so safety should be your top priority. Look for lights that provide sufficient illumination to prevent accidents and provide clear visibility on each step. Opt for lights with appropriate brightness levels and a wide beam angle to evenly light the entire staircase.

Choosing Low-Glare Options

Glare can be a real annoyance and safety hazard. Look for stair lighting with hidden LED diodes that minimizes glare, providing a comfortable and clear view of each step. This approach ensures a well-lit staircase without any harsh lights confusing your eye and obstructing your path.

How Far Apart Should My Stair Lights Be Mounted?

Mount the first stair light above the bottom most stair and the last stair light over the top most stair, so they will also spread light onto the landing. If your stairs have a middle landing, install two stair lights, one on each wall, to light it. From there, measure between and place a stair light every third stair or roughly 300-400mm apart. If your favorite stair lights have a narrow beam, consider using more lights to give an even light by mounting them every second stair.

What Height Should I Mount My Stair Lights?

Mounting your stair lights at a height of 200mm – 300mm above the middle stairs that you are illuminating will provide an even light.

Stylish Options for Illuminating Every Step

Whether your home exudes modern minimalism or classic charm, there’s stair lighting to suit every style. Choose fixtures that seamlessly integrate with your interior design, enhancing the overall aesthetics of your staircase.

Consider whether you want to have the ability to dim or control the brightness of your stair lights. This feature can create different moods and atmospheres depending on the time of day or your personal preference. Some stair lights come with built-in dimming capabilities, while others can be integrated into smart lighting systems or a sensor, so you don’t need to wake everybody else in the house up by turning on a heap of hallway and staircase lighting.

Innovative Solutions for Hallways and Bathrooms

Remember, stair lights aren’t confined to staircases alone. They have the power to transform hallways into inviting spaces and add a touch of serenity to your bathroom oasis

Hallways—Low Glare Lighting Option with Style

Transform your hallways into welcoming spaces by installing stair lights along the walls. This low-glare option not only guides your way but also adds elegance to your corridors. This less intense option to hallway lighting can help you enjoy a warm and inviting path that ensures both safety and style. Stair lights in hallways can be placed further apart, usually every 2-3 meters. Safety isn’t as much of a concern on a flat surface, and a mixture of light and shadow looks great.

This is a great place to incorporate a smart control system or a sensor to activate the lights at night.

Bathrooms—Nightlights for Peaceful Ambiance

Create a serene atmosphere in your bathroom by incorporating stair lights as nightlights. Install them near the baseboards or vanity to provide a gentle glow for late-night trips. No more fumbling for light switches in the middle of the night!

Incorporate a dimmer on these lights to enjoy a spa-like experience or indulge in a peaceful bathing routine in the tranquil illumination of your stair lights.

LED Strips: A Functional and Stylish Alternative

Let’s explore some innovative ways to take your stair lighting to the next level. LED strip lights are versatile enough to take advantage of the nooks, crannies, and edges that are part of your stairs. This eye-catching option can transform the look and feel of your staircase.

Mounting LED Strip Lights Under the Handrail

For a sleek and modern touch, consider mounting LED strip lights under the handrail. This method not only illuminates the steps but also adds a subtle glow that highlights the architectural beauty of your staircase. It’s a subtle yet stunning way to make a statement. You can use slim LED extrusions mounted into a rebate in your handrail or make the job even easier with our custom handrail system that includes space for an LED strip and wiring.

Installing LED Strip Lights Under the Lip of the Stair

Looking for a more discreet lighting solution? Installing LED strip lights under the lip of each step creates a soft and diffused glow, enhancing visibility and providing a unique look. The floating look of each stair will create a level of safety as each stair is lit, making a clear guide for using the stairs.

We have a range of slim aluminum extrusions and LED strips for this exact task. These extrusions can fit under the lip of the stair with minimal fuss and no need for an extended overhang.

Congratulations! You now have the knowledge to select the perfect lighting for your staircases, hallways, and bathrooms. Remember, safety comes first—illuminate your stairs with low-glare options and consider proper mounting heights and spacing. Don’t forget to embrace the aesthetics and create an ambiance that reflects your unique style throughout your home.

If you have any questions or need further guidance, our team is here to assist you. Embrace the versatility of stair lights and let them illuminate your home with comfort, style, and safety!