Design Safer Stairs and Halls With Universal Lighting Strategies
See how lighted handrails, stair treads and more can make navigating inclines and passages easier for all ages
On any remodel or new build, special consideration should be given to lighting hallways and stairs. Navigating stairs can be a challenge for people of all ages, for different reasons. Poor or diminishing eyesight afflicts some of us later in life, for example.
Note: While not all of these photos include the universal design approach to lighting, the essence of the information can be transferred to a universal design home plan.
Note: While not all of these photos include the universal design approach to lighting, the essence of the information can be transferred to a universal design home plan.
Stair or step lighting is a great addition to your lighting design plan. This type of lighting is another example of visual cueing — helping people get from point A to point B with a light path.
Recessed wall fixtures are another option for stair lighting. This example shows a combination of both riser and wall lighting. In this case the dark risers help someone ascending the stairs gauge the riser height.
Recessed wall fixtures are another option for stair lighting. This example shows a combination of both riser and wall lighting. In this case the dark risers help someone ascending the stairs gauge the riser height.
Recessed wall fixtures are placed low on the wall to light the floor area here; they're great for stairs and hallways. Stair lighting can serve as great night lighting, too.
Wall lights should be on the handrail side, since the eye will focus toward the light, and the hand-brain connection should not confuse the individual using the staircase.
Wall lights should be on the handrail side, since the eye will focus toward the light, and the hand-brain connection should not confuse the individual using the staircase.
Lighting can also be included in the stair riser. This is particularly helpful when someone is descending stairs, as it helps create contrast between one dark tread and another.
Lights under the nosing of each tread help illuminate the tread below. This is an effective additional lighting option for stairs — there's no glare, and it provides discernable contrast from one step to another.
Lights under the nosing of each tread help illuminate the tread below. This is an effective additional lighting option for stairs — there's no glare, and it provides discernable contrast from one step to another.
The combination of handrail and nosing-tread lighting in LED format creates a complete visual cueing experience here, with great contrast from step to step. Combined with general lighting, a setup like this should alleviate any anxiety about navigating the stairs.
Some LED systems can be combined with a stair lighting controller to become even more interactive, as seen here in a custom installation by Titan Homes. The idea is that when infrared beams are interrupted or triggered by motion, the bottom or top step will light up, and then each subsequent step will light up as someone either ascends or descends the stairs. After a preselected amount of time, the lights will automatically turn off.
This would also be a good option for lighting hallways, encouraging an individual forward with a light path to follow.
This would also be a good option for lighting hallways, encouraging an individual forward with a light path to follow.
Lighted rails can also be used in single-level homes to increase safety in hallways; they can be combined with a motion-activated controller.