Lighting recommendations
When choosing the type of backlight, several features are taken into account:
- First of all, you should pay attention to the length of the descent. The longer the flight of stairs, the more light is required.
- The devices should emit a calm light that will not blind the person and irritate the eyes.
- The power consumption should be economical as the backlight assumes frequent use.
- You need to take care of safety and install an autonomous type of lighting that will work on a battery or accumulator in the event of a power outage.
- The luminous flux should not create shadows and distort the configuration of the steps.
What kind of lighting can I use?
Highlight the main lighting options.
Automatic backlight
Thanks to this option, the operation of light sources is greatly simplified. Smart backlighting with motion sensors, load or switching on due to a voice command and a clap, can have one mode with the same intensity or smoothly trigger on a timer with a certain time delay.
In the dark, the sensors react automatically and each stage is illuminated sequentially. By adjusting the control controller, you can set any parameters, for example, set the glow to the desired brightness level, and also select the speed at which the backlight will light up and fade out. Staircase lighting at night doesn't have to be very dynamic.
Wireless lighting system
A profitable option that operates on an autonomous power supply. This system includes motion sensors and lamps tuned to the desired frequency. The work of the composite modules is carried out by ordinary batteries.
Standard wired system
The installation of a traditional wired system requires certain skills, so it is best to seek professional help.
First of all, a competent drawing up of a wiring diagram is required, then all the elements of the circuit are acquired and the surfaces are prepared in order to lay the cable. An ordinary concrete surface can be gouged, and in lumber or log houses, wires are laid in cable channels and special corrugated tubes.
Staircase lighting options
Popular types of lighting fixtures.
Point lighting stairs
The devices are mainly built into the wall, near which the flight to the second floor is located. The installation of such bulbs is provided even before the start of finishing the wall plane.
Spot illumination of steps or a riser is considered convenient.To install floor lighting, they purchase spotlights and attach them to the surface of the steps using self-tapping screws or a self-adhesive base. The main advantage of this type of luminaire is the ability to change the direction of the luminous flux.
LED Strip Light
It features an adhesive base, which can significantly speed up and facilitate the installation process. The LED strip can have a variety of colors. The most common is considered to be warm or cold white light.
Due to the flexibility and free variation of the length of the LED strip, a wide scope opens up for the implementation of original ideas. This type of lighting is installed under the steps, under the stair railings, or embedded in a box on the wall.
Chandelier over the stairs
The luminaire, harmoniously combined with all interior details and wall cladding, will favorably emphasize the surrounding design.
When using this type of lighting, the cable for connecting the luminaire is hidden in the ceiling. A pendant chandelier is capable of creating high-quality lighting even for a two-flight staircase. Very often, in spacious houses, a cascade chandelier is installed. The light bulbs are suspended at different heights, providing an even light for the entire lifting structure.
Wall sconces
Staircase lighting in the form of wall sconces illuminates a fairly large amount of area. In the event that it is not possible to make wall chasing for wires, the plane is equipped with a cable channel.
The sconces can be combined into one electrical circuit and a general switch can be installed. If a motion sensor is connected, it will be possible to achieve automatic switching on of wall lamps.
Combined lighting
The use of several light sources is an excellent option for a flight of stairs to the second floor. For example, in order to organize only the illumination of the steps, they can be equipped with spot or linear lamps. Sconces are used to illuminate the entire space. Lighting devices can be switched on both together and separately.
What is the best lighting arrangement?
Examples of placement of light sources.
Staircase lighting on steps
The lighting of the steps is selected according to the style of the stairs and the interior design of the cottage. For such lighting, it is better to prefer devices that have a soft glow that will not strain the eyes and form bright shadows.
For the installation of lighting, holes are made in the steps and the wiring is removed. The bulbs are placed in different ways in each step or through one.
Lighting with wall lamps
It is advisable to place the sources at the level of a person's standard height not too far apart. Thus, it will be possible to achieve even lighting of the stairs and avoid darkening the steps.
In terms of color and design, lighting fixtures should be in harmony with the style of the staircase and the general interior of the house.
Ceiling lighting
The upper illumination is considered if the ceiling plane has a height of at least 3 meters, since such an arrangement of lamps visually conceals the area.
For the ceiling, it is better to choose lamps that have several spotlights with a diffused versatile luminous flux. Devices that create reflected or downward light will fit well into the staircase space.
Decorative lighting for handrails
Thanks to the illumination of the railing, it will turn out to give the fence a shine and visually make it easier. For decoration, they prefer LED strip, which adds exquisite charm and even a certain mystery to the stairs.
Choosing lighting for the type of stairs
Depending on the material and design features, the spans are divided into several types.
A type | Better lighting | Photo |
---|---|---|
Spiral staircase | For a flight with steps with a spiral arrangement, ceiling lights or fixtures with attachment to the central pillar are suitable. |
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Marching staircase | Such staircase structures are considered the most comfortable and convenient for installing any type of lighting. |
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Material of steps and stairs | ||
Wooden ladder |
The wood structure is highly flammable, so it is important that the electrical wiring is insulated. The span should be supplemented with low-current systems and lamps with bulbs that do not heat up. |
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Metal ladder | Since this material conducts electricity well, all cabling is equipped with flexible insulation. Such a staircase looks original in the design of outdoor lamps in the form of a chandelier or sconce. When choosing lighting for a combined structure with plastic elements, you also need to take into account their flammability. |
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Staircase with transparent steps | Acrylic or glass are used in the manufacture of transparent steps. As a backlight, the end side of the steps is equipped with a screen that allows you to achieve the glow effect. |
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Concrete staircase | The best option for a concrete staircase is side lighting installed fifty centimeters above the plane of the steps. With a sufficient height of the structure, a ceiling chandelier is installed. |
Features of the choice of lamps for illumination
Lamps have their own characteristics and characteristics. The use of neon, halogen and LED bulbs is the traditional solution.
Neon products have a soft, diffused glow that fits perfectly into tight staircase spaces. This type of lamp is durable, but at the same time sensitive to mechanical stress. Therefore, a reliable protective case should be provided for them.
Halogen has a brighter luminous flux, which leads to strong heating. Therefore, these models are not recommended for use for wooden flights.
LED bulbs come in different shapes, colors and power levels. LEDs are energy efficient, have a long lifespan and stay cool.
How to make step illumination with your own hands?
Step illumination device assumes two power supplies. The first is used to maintain the correct voltage balance, and the second in order to build the circuit into the household network.
Step-by-step instruction
In the attached instructions, all stages of connecting the staircase lighting are sequentially painted. Therefore, any beginner can cope with the installation.
For self-assembly, you will need to use tools in the form of a profile for tape, screws and a screwdriver. If there are projections on the steps, the LED tube is attached using an adhesive backing. Otherwise, you will need to apply an installation profile.
- Cut the tape to the desired width.
- Mount the profile on the steps using 4 self-tapping screws.
- Attach the open LED strip to the profile.
- Close the tape with a special insert that acts as a protection and anti-slip element.
- Mask wires under skirting boards or steps.
- Connect the power supply unit, stabilizing and controlling device.
- Close the circuit to the switch.
Video tutorial
An illustrative video example of the installation of staircase lighting.
Beautiful design ideas
A new look to the surrounding space will be given by multi-colored LED lighting of the stairs.This design technique will create a unique and inimitable atmosphere in the interior of the house.
An unusual solution is to decorate the stairs with a garland, lanterns or candles that can be lit only if necessary.
Photo gallery
Lighting allows you to highlight the staircase in the house and turn it from a functional element into an original decorative structure.