Tips
for lighting stairwells
By Randall Whitehead, IALD, Residentiallighting.com
Q: Randall, I still see electricians and
architects placing recessed cans in the middle of stairways.
It is very difficult for homeowners
to replace the lamps once they burn out, even using long poles
designed for that purpose. On a number of occasions, I have seen
the base
of a lamp broken off in the socket after using one of these devices.
As a lighting designer and electrician myself, I always recommend
that a hanging fixture be used instead or to use a can or two at
the landing of the stairway for ease of lamp replacement. Is this
the best way to light these areas?
A: This is a very good question
that hasn’t been asked before
in this column. I do see this situation all the time, and it
is not the best way to light the stairs. Just as they do in hallways,
recessed
downlight fixtures tend to make the space seem narrower than
it
actually is.
Like you have suggested, I prefer hanging
fixtures or wall sconces, which are much easier to reach for
maintenance
purposes. If the
stairway is narrow, use an ADA-approved wall sconce (there
are plenty out
there, and all project 4 inches or fewer from the wall) or
one that is actually recessed into the wall, such as Belfer Lighting’s
Reflex Series. Pendants hanging from chains or cords work well
for sloped ceilings.
You could also use step lights, although
I do feel that they can be too commercial looking. But if your
customers prefer
this option,
install them at 12 to 18 inches on center above the stair
tread and 3 to 4 feet apart.
A few recessed adjustable fixtures
(located above the landing for easier relamping) could be directed
toward art and add
visual interest
to what is normally a pass-through area. In fact, the stairway
is a great spot for illuminated family photos. I would
start with the
baby pictures at the bottom of the stairs and then work
your way up chronologically to the present day: Maybe people
won’t
be so surprised by what you look like now once they have
seen all that
you have been through.
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