DIY Lights for Stairs

Recessed Lighting or Moveable Lights

• Recessed lighting or moveable lights can be used on the stairs to create dramatic effects. Recessed lighting is installed in the ceiling in a small can that sits above the surface of the ceiling. Strategically installing recessed lighting will create focus in certain areas on the stairwell. Moveable lights allow you greater flexibility, allowing you to change the focus of the lights depending on the mood you wish to have in the home.

In-Stair or In-Wall Lights

• Another option is to install lights inside the walls, or inside the steps. Wall lights can be placed on the wall right next to the step. Using motion sensors will turn the lights on and off, following the person up and down the stairs. Fiber optic lights installed in the front of the stairs are long lasting, but are best installed on stairs where access to the underside of the stairwell is possible.

Colors

• Play around with the light colors to create different effects. Soft yellows or whites are standard and will illuminate the colors present in the stairwell, while blues or reds can complement wall paint colors.

Switches and Wiring

• Wiring your lights properly is essential. Adding a three-way light switch to the stairs allows you to turn the lights on and off either from the top or the bottom of the stairs. This requires fishing the wire through the wall using a reel device, available from your local hardware or electrical store. Adding dimmer switches to the lights will allow you to control the intensity of the light on the stairs, giving you greater flexibility with the mood the lights provide. Check your local building regulations for wiring guidelines.