Staircase & Stairwell Lighting

{"type":"root","children":[{"type":"heading","level":2,"children":[{"type":"text","value":"How to choose staircase and stairwell lighting"}]},{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Stairwells are measured vertically, and that is where most mistakes happen. Work out the drop you need before you look at any fixture: measure from the ceiling to the floor of the lowest level, then subtract the clearance you must keep above the highest step or landing anyone walks on. What remains is the maximum fixture height plus chain. Multi-tier and cascade fixtures are made for exactly this, because they fill the vertical space without a single enormous shade."}]},{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Light the treads, not just the void. A tall cascade looks good from the entry but can leave the stairs themselves in shadow, so plan sconces along the stair wall or recessed step lights as well. Even light across every tread matters more than brightness, because a bright patch next to a dark one hides the edge of a step."}]},{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Keep every stairwell fixture on a switch at both the top and the bottom of the flight, and choose 2700K to 3000K so the light stays warm and easy on the eyes at night."}]},{"type":"heading","level":3,"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Placement"}]},{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Clearance: at least 7 feet, or 84 inches, from the highest tread or landing to the bottom of the fixture."}]},{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Wall sconces on the stair wall: center them about 60 to 66 inches above the tread nose directly below, and space them every 3 to 4 steps so light overlaps."}]},{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Step lights: mount 6 to 12 inches above the tread, on alternating sides if the stair is wide. Two-way (three-way) switching at both ends is required by the NEC for stairways with six or more risers when there is a habitable level at each end."}]},{"type":"heading","level":3,"children":[{"type":"text","value":"FAQ"}]},{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"How do I measure the drop for a stairwell chandelier?","bold":true}]},{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Measure from the ceiling to the floor below, then subtract 84 inches of clearance above the highest walking surface. The remainder is the longest fixture and chain you can hang."}]},{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"How will I change the bulbs?","bold":true}]},{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Plan that before you buy. Many stairwell fixtures are lowered on a winch or reached from the upper landing; if neither is possible, choose a fixture with a long-life integrated LED."}]},{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Should the stairwell fixture match the entry light?","bold":true}]},{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"It does not need to match, but keeping the same finish and the same color temperature stops the two spaces from reading as separate."}]}]}