How to light a staircase

Short answer: The most common method is small LED lights recessed into the wall about 30–40 cm above the step, on every step or every second step. LED strip under the treads looks striking but needs a profile and a driver. Sensor models light only when someone passes. At home choose 2700–3000 K with downward, glare-free light. Plan the wiring before plastering.

Wall light or LED strip?

• Wall light: Easy to clean and replace, the first choice in most projects.
• LED strip under treads: The treads seem to float, but a channel for the profile is needed. See types of LED strip and cove lighting.
• Ceiling spots: General light for the stairwell, but light from above throws your shadow on the step, so combine them with step lights.

Height, spacing, light

• Height: About 30–40 cm above the nosing is common.
• Spacing: One per step gives the most even result; every second step also works.
• Direction: Downward, away from the eyes when descending.
• Colour: 2700–3000 K at home; 3000–4000 K in shared areas.

These are common practice values. Escape routes also need emergency lighting, which step lights do not replace.

Sensor stair lights

• Individual sensors: Each light has its own, as with most of our sensor models.
• Two sensors, whole run: Sensors at the top and bottom light the full stair, usually with LED strip and a controller.
• Radar: Can detect movement outside the line of sight; see the motion sensor guide.

Examples from our shop

Our stair lights category has 38 models, including Molled sensor models:

• Step series (MOL9102, MOL9104, MOL9106): 1.5 W, metal body; round, oval and square output, adjustable light colour.
• Vektörel series (MOL9015, MOL9018): 1 W; MOL9015 has a radar sensor.
• Vetra series (MOL9081, MOL9084): 3 W, square and round, downward light.

Planning during construction

1. Mark the steps and light positions.
2. Fit boxes and conduit before plastering.
3. Connect to a lighting circuit protected by an RCD.
4. Keep drivers of low-voltage lights accessible.

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