Correctly chosen lighting plays a big role in the design of an apartment or a country house. Light helps to zone the space and highlight certain areas in the interior. Small light sources - spotlights and LED strips - are increasingly replacing classic lighting with chandeliers and wall sconces.
The purpose of such lighting is, if necessary, to supplement the overhead light, and when the light is off, outline the space of the room (or a separate zone in it) for better orientation. In addition, if all other light sources are turned off, a very unusual effect is created. Spot lighting helps you find your way in the dark and one of the best places to use it in your home is stairs.
Various options for lighting stairs
The illumination of the staircase area, in addition to the aesthetic function, also performs a purely utilitarian task - to illuminate the steps in such a way that you do not have to go up or down the stairs in the twilight. No one needs unnecessary injuries and bruises, and it is very easy to stumble on the stairs, especially for guests on their first visit to the house.
To organize additional lighting of the staircase space will help:
- hanging and mortise wall lamps, lamps, sconces;
- spotlights mounted on the surface of risers or in walls;
- halogen, neon, LED lamps;
- LED tubes and strips, miniature lamps;
- any light sources under the steps, if the design and type of stairs allows;
- additional LED skirting boards.
Let's consider the main options in a little more detail - they all have their own "twist".
Lamps: halogen and neon
Halogen lamps have a bright and slightly harsh light. When placing them to illuminate stairs, the light should be directed downward evenly or at an angle. Upward facing lights will dazzle when walking up stairs.
Halogen bulbs are easy to install, but there are two important things to keep in mind. Such light sources:
- they get very hot, so it is not recommended to mount them on wooden stairs;
- are very sensitive to power surges and may fail.
Neon lamps give a smoother diffused light and can also be used for installation under stairs. But they look much more impressive in plastic or acrylic cases under the railing. Or even instead of a railing.
In this case, the protective case is not only aesthetics, but also the necessary safety. Neon lamps are very fragile in design.
Spotlights
They have a completely different appearance and can be installed:
- directly in the steps of the stairs from the outside or inside;
- on the riser or protruding part of the step from below;
- on the wall (mounted) or in the wall (mortise)
Due to the variety of shapes, it is one of the most affordable options. They can be installed above each step or after several.
LED tubes and strips
Another versatile way to illuminate a staircase is with LED elements. Compared to other options, they have a lot of advantages:
- small size and extreme flexibility;
- low power consumption and the ability to run on batteries;
- a huge number of styles and colors;
- low cost.
Due to the possibility of autonomous operation from batteries, they will save a minimum of light in the house, even with a complete power outage. And the ability to change colors using a wireless remote control will revive the staircase with new colors.
Endless decoration possibilities
Of course, the best interior options come from combining different light sources. It is important not only to illuminate the space, but to create a harmony of color, light and shape. Then the design will be truly unique.
