Choosing Stair Lights to illuminate dark spaces

Choosing Stair Lights to illuminate dark spaces
June 16, 2022

When it comes to our homes, we regard them to be our sanctuaries, a place where we feel protected from the outside world. But what happens when hazards stem from your own home? Having installed burglar, smoke, and fire alarms may give you the impression that your property is risk-free, but if you haven't taken care of the stairway areas' illumination, you can't really call it risk-free.

It is a little-known fact that our bodies have adapted to the gap between our stairs' steps, and we develop a consistent 'rhythm' when walking stairs. It has been demonstrated that altering the distance between steps without warning might cause people to trip.

In many instances, however, a "normal walking rhythm" will not be sufficient to assure the safety of the individual mounting the stairs. For example, folks who are new to the space or who have poor vision may not see barriers on the stairs. This is where stair lights come to shine.

Effective staircase lighting can transform any stairway from a dreary and potentially hazardous area to a safe and aesthetically pleasing architectural structure. Stair lights are both aesthetically pleasing and practical, as they can brighten steps, walkways, and corridors both indoors and outdoors.

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Basics of stairwell lighting

Regarding the lighting of your staircase, there are two initial considerations:

• Where should I position the lights on my staircase?
• What kind of lighting should be utilised?

The answers to these questions may vary dependent on your staircase's design and your desired outcome. For instance, if you want to hang chandeliers over the staircase, consider a height that does not fall below 7 feet to prevent injury - no one wants to smash their head on an overhead light. If the available space prohibits hanging lights, choose flush, recessed lighting instead.

Typically, stair lighting uses the nooks, crannies, curves, and edges of your staircase to disguise the LED fixture and create a textured lighting system. Based on the desired appearance, lights may be mounted either horizontally on the treads or vertically into the riser of your stairs

Whether a staircase consists of a few steps or an elaborate spiral, excellent lighting can make a huge difference. Incorporating staircase lighting requires considerable design, notably if the lights are to be integrated into the stairs itself.

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Choosing Stair Lighting in New Zealand

Types

Compared to alternative staircase lighting solutions, recessed step lights are tidier and more minimalist. Their features provide a feeling of opulence to the room, blending in well with the stepping. Surface-mounted lights give the same functionality without the need of surface-drilling.

Replaceability

Regardless of the endurance of the outdoor step lights, they will degrade over time. Thus, it is essential to select stairway lighting that will be readily accessible in New Zealand for years to come. Consider solutions that are readily replaceable and can be reintegrated into the specified space with minimal effort.

IP Rating

This enables users to assess the quality of the light. Selecting lights that meet or exceed New Zealand's IP65 standard guarantees that they are durable and of excellent quality.

Preferred Colour

To increase the overall aesthetic attractiveness of the design, use a hue that compliments the surrounding environment. The whiter hues are good for elevating moods and the overall ambience, and they also increase visibility, which is an essential safety element. Using a step sensor light is an efficient approach to save electricity.

Size & Shape

In New Zealand, stair lights are available in several sizes and shapes. Both vertical and horizontal installation is possible. Numerous lights are compatible with ordinary power outlets. There are several opportunities for creativity with stair tread lights due of their adaptability.

100 lux is adequate lighting for staircases and stairwells. The glare from windows and lighting fixtures should be reduced in these locations. High illumination levels may seem unnecessary in outdoor environments where there is low surrounding ambient illumination.

The on/off switches for lighting control are historically rooted. This may be replaced by motion, presence, and sound sensors. Using these sensors, stairway illumination can be activated. However, it is strongly suggested that the space should not be completely dark, even if the stairwell is not being utilised.

Our building experts have been helping kiwis build their dream homes. We work closely with you to understand your requirements, and we work hard to exceed your expectations. So, whether it’s stair lights or an underfloor TV lift, you can count on us!