Rules for choosing the lighting of the stairs to the second floor in a private house
Today, two-level houses are very popular. The staircase in such a room should be comfortable, safe and reliable. It is important not only to pay attention to the materials, quality and design of its manufacture, but also to properly arrange the lighting of the stairs in a private house to the second floor. Its construction, the general design of the house, the lighting and the preferences of the owners influence the choice of lamps.
Features of the choice of lighting depending on the type and material of manufacture
Staircase lighting can consist of several identical lamps or be a combination of different devices. Among the main requirements for them:
- safety and comfort when climbing stairs;
- good lighting of the entire structure and its small elements;
- uniformity of light distribution;
- compliance with the level of general lighting in the house;
- the correct direction of the rays of light sources;
- correct calculation of the power of the lamps.
TREE
In private houses, wooden stairs are the most popular. This is due to a number of advantages of the material:
- respect the environment;
- the ability to fit into the interior;
- the ability to perform any turns;
- the presence of wood with a different pattern;
- a wide range of breed prices.
A wooden staircase is able to add comfort to the house, harmonizes with a fireplace, a stone wall and other wooden elements.
The disadvantages of the material include its flammability, tendency to dry out and squeak, fragility.
Light sources in warm yellowish tones that emphasize the texture and color of the material are well suited for wooden stairs.
Metal
Metal stairs are the second most popular option, as they are durable, reliable, do not lose their appearance over time, do not deform. Depending on preferences and material possibilities, steel, aluminum, bronze, cast iron and other materials are used for stairs. They are painted or left with their natural color and texture. Metal is often used in combination with wood. Cool white light sources are selected for illumination.
Plastic
Plastic steps are used both outside and inside the house. These ladders can be of any shape. They are made to order, often combined with metal or wood. Material strength is high, all colors, reliable fire resistance. The material does not rot, is not susceptible to fungal infections and is resistant to moisture. For plastic stairs it is worth choosing fixtures in a modern style, with a laconic look and shape.
Glass
The glass staircase looks light and airy.Such designs are extremely rare. Most often, glass is used only for the parapet or in combination with wood or metal.Glass for steps is a strong and durable material, does not bend, withstands heavy loads and is easy to clean. Despite this, in private homes the material is not often used. The neon lighting is impressive as a design highlight.
To walk
Such stairs are installed in houses where there is a lot of space, since they consist of several flights (flights) and rotating platforms. The crafting material can be anything. Their size is easy to calculate, taking into account that the angle of inclination of the flight of stairs should be 45⁰. Lighting should be evenly distributed along the entire length of the structure.
Screw
If there is not enough space, use a spiral staircase. It can contain 1.5 m². Mr. The structure is a rack to which the steps are fixed helically according to the screw thread principle. The advantages of the screw design include compactness, low cost, a variety of types and designs of the device. Among the disadvantages is the difficulty of climbing large things along it. Luminaires are placed on a stand or other parts.
on the bolts
Thanks to the original design, the staircase on the bolts looks light and transparent. The steps seem to float in the air and seem very fragile. Despite this, the design is reliable and robust. The structure can withstand a lot of weight due to the fact that everything rests on a support beam, which is fixed to the ceiling, floor or wall with metal rods. The staircase lighting on the bolts is installed in the steps.
Lighting methods
A staircase is a decoration of the house, so the lighting should highlight it favorably. Of the used light options are often used:
- flooding - lamps are placed on the ceiling;
- orientation - the light is directed to the steps;
- decorative - to create an atmosphere.
The lighting can be switched on both automatically and manually.
Automatique
This stair lighting control mode is convenient. This can be done in several ways:
- as a result of touching a specific area of the structure;
- respond to movement, the sound of a voice or a clap of hands.
The light can be turned on immediately at full power or softly, gradually increasing the intensity.
Motion sensor
The device reacts to any movement in the room. As soon as a person approaches the stairs, the light turns on. Half a minute after inactivity, the sensor turns off the lighting.
Timer
It is set to automatically illuminate the stairs at the same time. The timer is programmed to work during the period when the family is at home - in the morning, before work or in the evening, after.
Load or touch sensor
The device is triggered after touching handrails or steps. Light extinction occurs when there is no load for a period of time.
sound sensor
The acoustic switch is very practical for lighting the stairs. It can respond to applause, ringing of keys, or footsteps. As soon as the sensor response threshold is exceeded, it lights up. After a short time after the sounds have disappeared, the lighting switches off.
Wireless
The most comfortable stair lighting option is wireless. It assumes self-contained types as a power source - batteries, accumulators.
The advantages of such a system include:
- no charges for electricity bills;
- the presence of lighting during a power outage;
- simple installation that does not require special knowledge and works with increased voltage;
- system safety - the impossibility of short-circuiting or turning on the electrical wiring;
- soft and comfortable light for the eyes.
Regular network
Driving mains powered lighting requires in-depth knowledge of electrical engineering, discretion and the ability to use tools. Prepare lighting fixtures, wires, sensors, backlight controllers, tube or cable boxes in advance. At work, it is worth sticking to the plan:
- Make an electrical diagram.
- Purchase the required number of lamps.
- secular communication.
- Install the backlight.
- Connect to the network.
In the absence of the necessary knowledge and skills, the wiring and communication work for the lighting of the stairs should be entrusted to a specialist.
What lamps can be used
Lamps most often use LED, halogen, neon lamps, differing in the degree of safety, power and efficiency.
Halogen
Soft, bright glow and economy distinguish halogen lamps from other types. During operation they can become very hot. This reduces their safety, especially when installed on wooden stairs. Halogen lamps are very sensitive to voltage surges and overheating is common for this reason.
Neon
Lamps of this type do not irritate the eyes with their light, give diffuse uniform illumination. Their lifespan is much longer than halogens. On stairs, halogen lights can only be identified if the steps are strong enough not to bend under the weight of walkers. Even the slightest mechanical pressure can damage neon lamps.When installing, the design of the backlight protection box should be considered.
LEDs
The indisputable advantages of LEDs include:
- a variety of bulb shape, lamp power, lampshade, base type;
- low heating during operation;
- efficiency is an order of magnitude higher than conventional lamps;
- long period of use due to the large inherent resource.
Light source options
To achieve full-fledged illumination of the transition between floors, luminaires are placed both on the elements of the stairs and on the walls, ceilings and other surfaces. Light sources differ in brightness, location and appearance. Most often for these purposes they are used:
- ceiling lighting;
- built-in point light sources;
- LED strips;
- apply.
Lighting tapes and tubes
These models have a number of undeniable advantages over other light sources. They are inexpensive, easy to install, durable and safe. Before buying, you must take measurements, because the tapes and tubes are sold by the meter. For installation you need sensors, wire, controller. LED light strips are placed in handrails, steps or in a box on the wall. Shades of light are chosen based on preferences and the color of the stairs.
Projectors
Small light sources are elegant and efficient. They are located in different places:
- on the wall - before it was tiled to hide the wiring;
- in steps - placed in drilled holes, mounted during the installation of the staircase;
- to the floor - screwed after installing the transition or glued to the finished base.
Wall lights
Sconces can qualitatively illuminate the flights of stairs. They are hung on brackets, hiding the wiring in the wall covering or under the bays. If this is not possible, a decorative cable channel will help. Due to the fact that sconces provide powerful lighting, their number can be minimal. One by one and a half to two meters is enough. All wall lamps must have a switch or sensor, thanks to which the ignition will take place as you move. The variety of sconces allows you to choose the perfect option for any type of staircase and general style of the house.
Chandeliers
High ceilings, large spaces, bulky stairs require lighting with a chandelier. It should be in harmony with the general style of the house, emphasize its beauty and features. The connection cable is hidden in the ceiling or taken out in the attic. In large houses, multi-tiered cascading spiral chandeliers are installed that can illuminate not only the staircase, but also the place around it.
Combined
The ideal lighting option is a combination of several types of devices: point - for steps, wall - for the entire space. Simultaneous use of LED strips and a chandelier is possible. In this case, the inclusion must be carried out as needed in automatic mode.
How to install LED light strips with your own hands
It is not at all difficult to install LEDs on the stairs yourself. It needs:
- Cut the ribbon into pieces.
- Observing the polarity, attach the connectors and wires to the edges.
- Clean the tape attaching surface.
- Remove the protective film from the strips.
- Attach yourself to a permanent location.
- Hide wiring, sensors and other equipment under the stairs.
- Place the power supply and controller in the box.
- Connect to the network and perform a power-on test.
Examples of ready-made solutions
As a material for a wooden staircase, wood, logs, plywood, semi-logs and chipboard are used. Thanks to the imagination and entrepreneurship of users, transitions of stairs appear, consisting of pallets, a profile, a corner and blocks. Stainless steel and concrete are chosen as the material. Regardless of the material, type and shape of the installed staircase, it must be reliable, beautiful, organically fit into the interior of the house.