Stair and Step Lights

Probably the easiest way we know of making your home feel more elegant is stair lights. Stair lights have the potential to make a dull space look so much more intense. Not only that, they are super practical, lighting your way so that you don't trip!

If you wonder how you can use stair lights to add more drama to your space, look no further.

How To Choose The Right Stair Lights

First, you need to consider the architecture of your space. Is it rustic, contemporary, transitional, and so on? This will help you determine what kind of stair lights to buy.

For example, a Scandi-style home will benefit more from minimal LED step lights in colors like gray or black, whereas coastal architecture would be best combined with earthly colors like green or brown and low color temperatures (e.g., 2700 K).

Let's see exactly how to choose the right ones for you.

What is the ideal size for stair lights?

In general, the diameter of the stair light does not matter. You can go with something more sleek or something more intense. This depends on your personal preferences, so don't be afraid to experiment! Now is the time to get creative.

Just make sure that it sufficiently lights up two steps, which is true for all of our stair lights.

Where to place your wall mount stair lights

Wall-mounted stair lights, also known as stair wall lights, are connected to the wall instead of on the steps. These should be mounted about 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) above the step. This ensures a wide enough angle so that the light can illuminate two steps at once.

Start by placing one above the first and last step, and then move towards the middle, two steps at a time.

Color of stair lights

You have two options regarding color:

One is to use the same color as the wall behind them. This is a classy and discreet choice that is forever elegant.

The second is to use a popping color that adds contrast and creates a more dramatic staircase.

Thankfully, our wide selection of the best stair lights in the market has got you covered.

Brightness

Brightness is measured in lumens. The higher the number of lumens, the brighter the bulb.

For each step light, you need about 200-400 lumens.

Inside our collection, you will find information about the lumen output and the wattage, which measures energy consumption, of each light.

Color temperature of step lights

Color temperature determines how blueish or yellowish the light is. It is measured in Kelvins, with higher color temperatures (4000-5000 K) being more blue and lower color temperatures (2500-3000 K) being more orange.

Low color temperatures (2500-3000 K) have the following advantages:

• They create a warm and relaxing environment
• They have reduced glare so they are easier on the eye
• They highlight classic and rustic architectural features better
• They make colors look more vibrant

These are best for residential pathways, garden steps, and patios where a warm, intimate atmosphere is preferred.

Neutral color temperatures (3000-4000 K) have the following advantages:

• They provide a balanced lighting scheme
• They offer good visibility without being too harsh
• They are very versatile, so they can be used pretty much anywhere

Neutral temperatures are best for general outdoor lighting, pathways, and steps where a clear, neutral light is required without creating too stark an environment.

High color temperatures (4000-5000 K) have the following advantages:

• They provide crystal-clear light that improves visibility by a lot
• They are perceived as more bright than they actually are
• They can create contrast and add intensity to a space
• They are more energetic and can highlight contemporary architectural features

These temperatures are best for commercial settings, public pathways, and areas where high visibility and security are important.

LED step lights

We always recommend going for LED lights as they are way more energy-efficient than their counterparts.

LEDs:

• have a very long lifespan (up to 50,000 hours or 14 years with a 10-hour daily use!)
• come in dimmable options
• are available in a variety of colors and
• can be motion-activated (see below).

They are also very environmentally friendly producing up to 80% less greenhouse gases than incandescent bulbs.

Motion sensor stair lights

Installing motion-activated stair lights is an excellent idea that goes well beyond basic lighting schemes.

The benefits of using motion sensors with your LED step lights are:

• You save energy as they are not on all the time
• They are more convenient as you don't have to reach for switches
• Your bulbs will live longer
• You increase security, especially outdoors, as the step lights will switch on in case of sudden movement
• They are versatile with many customization options

Indoor step lights

You can use indoor step lights to replace clunky scones or overhead lighting. Step lights look a lot more dramatic and inviting. For indoor use, we suggest choosing some of our smaller, more discreet step lights.

That is because you don't want to draw too much attention away from your other light sources but you still want them to be a stunning piece used for task and accent lighting.

You can buy stair lights and use them on your staircase wall, on each step, or even on a corridor wall!

Outdoor step lights

Outdoor step lights should be more functional than aesthetically pleasing. Or should they? Our wide selection combines style with functionality, as we make sure that each piece is unique and caters to your needs.

Low color temperatures (2700-3000 K), so more yellowish lights, attract fewer bugs and are easier on the eye. LED lights, which don't heat up at all relative to incandescent bulbs, are ideal for outdoor stair lights.

You might also want to make sure that your step lights for outdoor use are waterproof/splashproof. We provide this information under each of our products.

How to light your stairs without electricity

There are two options to light your stairs without electricity: battery-powered or solar lights. Let's check out their pros and cons.

Battery-powered stair lights

Battery-operated stair lights can be used when wiring is complicated or impossible, especially in indoor areas.

Pros:

1. Battery-operated step lights are easy to install since they do not require any wiring or connection to a power source.
2. They can be placed anywhere, including indoors, shaded areas, and places without direct sunlight.
3. They can be easily moved to different locations as needed.

Cons:

1. Batteries need to be replaced or recharged periodically, which can be inconvenient.
2. More maintenance is required compared to solar lights.
3. The disposal of used batteries can have a negative environmental impact.

Solar Step Lights

Solar step lights are an excellent choice for sunny outdoor locations, as you just install them and let them be!

Pros:

1. Once installed, they operate without any ongoing costs, as they do not require batteries or electricity.
2. Generally, solar lights require minimal maintenance apart from occasional cleaning of the solar panels.
3. Our solar lights come with built-in sensors that automatically turn the lights on at dusk and off at dawn.
4. Solar step lights use renewable energy from the sun, so they reduce the carbon footprint and environmental impact.

Cons:

1. Their performance depends a lot on the amount of sunlight available, which can be problematic in shaded areas or during cloudy/rainy weather.
2. Solar lights can be more expensive initially compared to battery-operated lights.
3. They have limited placement options due to the need for sunlight.
4. The quality and durability of solar panels can vary, and they may degrade over time, reducing efficiency.

How to install stair lights

It is best to contact an electrician to help with the installation process. We don't advise you to do any complicated wiring yourself.

Materials Needed:

• Your preferred step lights from our selection
• Power drill
• Screwdriver
• Measuring tape
• Pencil
• Screws and anchors
• Electrical tape
• Wire connectors
• Voltage tester
• Junction box (if necessary)
• Extension cords (if necessary)
• Batteries (for battery-operated lights)

1. Planning

We already saw where to place your stair lights and how to space them. So, start by determining the number of lights you need and measure the staircase to ensure even alignment.

2. Turn Off Power (for wired lights)

Turn off the power supply to the area where you will be working to ensure safety and use a voltage tester to confirm that the power is off.

3. Mark Light Placement

Use a pencil and measuring tape to mark the positions where each light will be installed. Ensure that the marks are even and align with your design plan.

4. Prepare the staircase

Drill holes or cut openings where the lights will be installed, based on the type of lights you are using. Install anchors if you are mounting lights on the wall.

5. Install lights

Wired lights:

• Run the wiring from the lights to the power source
• Connect the wires using wire connectors and electrical tape
• Install a junction box if necessary for the connections
• Mount the lights in the designated spots
• Secure the wiring with cable clips or conduit to keep it tidy

Battery-operated lights:

• Attach the lights to the designated spots using screws or adhesive strips (depending on the product you have purchased)
• Insert batteries and test the lights

Solar-powered lights:

• Mount the solar panels in an area that receives ample sunlight
• Connect the solar panels to the lights
• Attach the lights to the designated spots
• Test the lights to ensure they work

6. Connect to power supply (for wired lights)

• Ensure all connections are secure and properly insulated
• Turn the power back on and use a voltage tester to check for proper power flow
• Connect the lights to the power source and test them

So there you have it! Your complete guide to stair lights for indoor and outdoor use. Have fun browsing our wide selection of the best step lights you can find.