Chandeliers for stairwells - interesting solutions + tips for choosing appliances

In modern interiors, it is customary to pay special attention to details, in particular the lighting of staircase structures. And, it should be noted, this is a very important point, because we are talking not only about the aesthetic side, but also about safety.

Therefore, when choosing a chandelier for a staircase, you need to remember two nuances - decorativeness and comfort when climbing.

Good to know!
The lighting of the staircase should be bright enough so that a person walking along it can freely navigate in space, but, at the same time, soft and diffused, not forming additional shadows.
Best of all, if the stream of light is directed from above to the person moving along the ladder.

Varieties of stair lamps

Below we will look at lighting fixtures that are commonly used on stairs.

All of them can be divided into three large groups:

1. Ceiling;
2. Wall-mounted;
3. Local.

Let's take a closer look at each of the types.

Ceiling, long or flying chandeliers

Long chandeliers for stairs work for several flights of stairs at once, so they are sometimes called "span". The length of these items is quite significant - about 1-3 meters. Most often they are equipped with special chains for hanging, but it is better, of course, if the mounts are as close to the ceiling as possible. In this case, the upper platform will receive sufficient lighting, like the entire ladder as a whole.

Typically, such chandeliers are hung over the front staircases, which, as it were, "hold" the entire interior of the lower floor. And the light should emphasize this role, focus on the staircase structure.

In addition, ceiling appliances may be the only option if the staircase is located in the middle of a large hall or living room and its flights do not touch the walls. But, it should be noted that the price of spiral chandeliers is very high and not affordable for every Russian family.

Advice!
Design experts do not recommend using conventional chandeliers here.
Due to their short hangers and poor power, they will not be able to effectively illuminate the lifting structure to its full height.
In addition, these chandeliers are not "commensurate" with the stairs, and therefore "get lost" both when viewed from the upper and lower floors.

A long chandelier for a staircase can be in the form of a luminous column or a cascade, decorated with pendants made of glass and other material. Less commonly used are classic palace-style ceremonial items, with exquisite shades, crystal spheres and other whimsical décor.

The design of "flying" chandeliers is extremely diverse: from pretentious classics to laconic hi-tech, from delightful "bouquets" of floristry to incredible forms of the modernist direction. Such a lighting fixture can be matched to the interior, made in any style. However, this must be done competently and thoughtfully. If you have any problems with choosing a long chandelier, then it is better to consult a specialist.

Wall sconces

The second type of lamps that are successfully used on stairs is wall sconces. By the way, they are the most common, as they harmoniously fit into any staircase structure and make it possible to flexibly approach lighting thinking.

The modern market offers wall models made in a wide variety of style solutions - rustic, Provencal, baroque, minimalism, techno style and so on. Shades made of glass, crystal, pyrex, polycarbonate, silicone and other materials slightly muffle and diffuse the light flux.

On a note!
The most impressive wall lamps look like a set from one collection, and not one of different model lines.

When choosing wall products, it is important to remember that they do not get out of the general style of the house. In addition, pay attention to how this or that model will look from above: for example, dust quickly accumulates on lamps in the form of open quarters of a sphere, which immediately catches your eye. And often wiping them is rather difficult.

You also need not only to correctly select the sconces themselves, but also the place for their installation, so that the person climbing the stairs does not touch the products. The operating instructions assume a mounting height slightly higher than human height, that is, approximately 1.8-1.9 meters.

Local lighting fixtures or "be careful - steps!"

Stair lights of this type are used for illumination of the steps of the stairs in order to maximize the safety of the ascent along it. As a rule, they perform the function of additional or emergency lighting, as well as decorative.

Such illumination focuses on the construction of the ladder, emphasizing its dynamism and in the most advantageous light demonstrating the finishing material (strict stone, noble wood, etc.).

Local devices can be mounted in one of four ways:

1. On the wall, just above the steps, the luminous flux is directed downward.

   

2. Under the steps, so that the light falls on the riser and bottom support.

3. Into the steps themselves... But, it should be noted, this is not the best solution - the ladder becomes a kind of "runway". More importantly, recessed luminaires get very hot, and it becomes not so comfortable to climb the steps barefoot.

Attention!
Built-in models must be IP 66 or IP 65 marked to ensure they are protected from dust and water.

4. Another interesting illumination option, appropriate if a cable fencing system is provided on the stairs, is the installation of lamps directly on the cables... Their free movement along such threads makes it possible to place light sources in the most suitable places for this.

Useful tips for choosing staircase lighting

Of course, it is necessary to buy a chandelier, sconces or built-in appliances for stairs, based on the general design of an apartment or house. However, this is not the only criterion that should be considered when choosing lighting stairs in the house.

Another important nuance is the ceiling height.

• Rooms with high ceilings, although good, but there are times when the ceiling needs to be visually "lowered" (such a situation can arise, for example, in narrow long rooms). The easiest way to do this is with proper lighting. For this purpose, a "flying" chandelier above the stairs, from 1 meter long, on a leg, cable or chain is the best fit. Ideal options for high ceilings are products with lampshades that cast uneven shadows, or classic models that create beautiful play on the walls, as well as modern chandeliers with their light directed towards the floor. Such lighting fixtures leave the entire ceiling in the shade. And if the ceiling is poorly lit, then it visually "goes down".

• As for low ceilings, which, on the contrary, require "lifting", then the use of overall, vertical chandeliers is contraindicated here - they will only visually "press down" the total space, I will make it even smaller, and the ceiling is "lower". But inconspicuous flat shades will come in handy.

Or you can completely abandon hanging light sources, replacing them with a large number of wall sconces. In this case, the luminous flux must be directed strictly upward, so that the visual effect of a high ceiling appears.

Output

Organization of staircase lighting is an interesting and exciting task! We would say, a real "treasure" for the implementation of design ideas and the most daring ideas. In addition, modern chandeliers of the widest range of materials, shapes, textures and colors contribute to this in every possible way. (see also article Staircase lighting with LED strip: implementing an unconventional approach)

Everything rests only on human fantasy. So don't be afraid to experiment! And in the video presented in this article, you will find additional information on this topic.