How to Illuminate an Indoor Stairway & Railing

Step and stairway lighting not only adds to your home's safety, it creates a warm, welcoming feel and turns basic and stand-out staircases alike into visual centerpieces. The lighting method you choose depends on the style you want to create, the construction of the staircase, and how much time and money you're willing to address. Solutions range from quick and temporary to full installation that involves some remodeling.

Instructions

- 1
  Run rope lights straight down the top of the rails and along the bottom, on either sides of the steps. This gives a festive, elegant touch and illuminates both the steps and railing.
- 2
  Install LED lights on the wall on each step. The ambient light softly lights the steps.
- 3
  Place sconce lighting at about eye level along the stairway wall. The bulbs should be bright enough to light the walkway clearly. Choose a sconce style that accents your decor.
- 4
  Install hanging lanterns or chandeliers above the steps to provide plenty of soft, warm light to draw attention to the staircase.
- 5
  Set solar lights on either side of porch or deck stairs. Place them as close to the rails as possible to illuminate both at once. Place tall lighting fixtures nearby, if necessary, to cast light on the railings as well.
- 6
  Install fiber optic lighting along the rails or at baseboard level, following the edges of the steps up all the way to the top.

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