The presence of two floors in a private house involves the installation of stairs. As a rule, in addition to the function of connecting floors, this element can also become a spectacular accent in the interior. This review will discuss how to choose the right staircase lighting in the house, and will also reflect the main problems that may arise at the stage of its installation and design.
Features
In the construction and design of transitions between floors, many factors must be taken into account. The main requirement is that the ladder should provide the maximum degree of security. Here it is necessary to take into account such moments as the width and height of the steps, finishing materials, the angle of inclination of the flights of stairs, durable comfortable fences. To ensure the safety of movement, lighting also plays an important role. In addition, the backlight should fulfill a decorative function and be in harmony with the general style of decoration. Lighting of these interfloor crossings can be equipped in various ways using special lighting devices.
Types of stairs
What can be the lighting of a staircase in a private house? There are several types of designs. Stairs vary in manufacturing material and design features. Depending on these factors, you should choose the appropriate backlight.
Consider the main types of materials from which stairs can be made.
Wood and stone
So what is their feature? For many years, these natural materials have been considered the main solutions that can be used for the construction of stairs. High-quality wood is certainly considered traditional for Russian architecture. This material has virtually no competitors. It can be used to build exterior and interior stairs.
Stone has been used for many centuries as the main material for the construction of stairs in European countries. The features of this raw material subsequently determined the interior and exterior architectural styles.
Today, stone is rarely used in its pure form. It is mainly used for facing brick and concrete stairs. The tree also does not give up its positions. Designs can be made entirely of it. In addition, wood is used for facing steps.
As for the stylistic performance, the wooden stairs will go well with the classic interior. They are also suitable for houses decorated in the style of country, ethnic, chalet and the like.
How to choose the right lighting stairs made of wood? It should be borne in mind that wood belongs to the class of combustibility G4. For this reason, care must be taken to ensure that the electrical wiring is well insulated. To illuminate a wooden staircase, it is necessary to select lamps that do not heat up. Low current systems are best suited for this purpose. For example, it is not recommended to use familiar incandescent lamps to illuminate wooden structures, since even at low power they are unsafe due to the high heating temperature.
Specialists recommend additional processing of the wood used in such structures with special flame retardant solutions. These substances make the material resistant to high temperatures. This helps to significantly reduce the risk of fire from overheating.
Metal
What is its feature? Metal stairs have a rich history. Recently, they are not in high demand.
This is easily explained by a number of reasons:
- metal structures are heavy;
- differ in the high cost of installation;
- have not the best performance characteristics;
- may be traumatic.
Today, variants made entirely of metal are rarely used. Usually, owners of private houses prefer combined designs, for example, in combination with glass or wood. Such solutions are suitable for rooms decorated in a minimalist style, as well as for classic interiors. In the latter case, designs made by forging technology will look especially good.
Lighting stairs made of metal is usually arranged by the use of external lamps. You can also use simple wall sconces.
When installing combined structures, it is worth remembering the combustibility of materials. For example, when heated, some types of plastic can melt and release toxic compounds. Metal is a good electrical conductor. Therefore, the issue of creating special insulation is especially important.
Next, we will take a closer look at the main types of stairs.
Marching stairs
What are they like? Designs of this type are considered the simplest. This is the option usually chosen for installation in a private house. A staircase, depending on the height of the building, can have one or several marches. Using such designs is quite convenient. Types of lighting can be used absolutely any.
Spiral staircases
In rooms of a small area, it is often impossible to use a full-fledged marching structure. It will be advisable to install a spiral staircase here. It is more compact. If desired, it can easily be placed on an area of 1.5 square meters.
The steps in such a ladder are fixed in a spiral, according to the principle of screw thread. This name is connected with this. Screw designs have a number of disadvantages. However, arranging a backlight for such a staircase is very simple. It is possible to fix lighting fixtures on one axle post. Such a lighting system can be organized after the arrangement of the stairs.
Staircase
This type of design looks airy and weightless. Steps are fixed in just a couple of points. On the one hand on the wall, and on the other - on the pebbles (special racks located between the steps).
These stairs have no risers. This makes them transparent. Such designs help maintain maximum natural light in the room. This quality is especially important for modern minimalist styles, in which the priority is to preserve free space.
Steps in the stairs of this type can be made of any materials. The frame used to fix them is usually made of metal. The lighting of the stairs to the second floor in this case can be placed in the wall.
There are also other types of stairs in which all the elements described above are combined. For example, the transition between floors in a staircase of two marches may have instead of the platform several steps made according to the spiral principle. The type of construction is determined by such factors as the area of the house and the style of the interior.
Types of lighting
What does it happen? Lighting the stairs to the second floor can become a wonderful decorative decoration of the hall or a small hallway. The backlight will help highlight all the aesthetic aspects of this design. The inclusion of lighting fixtures or individual sections of the stairs can be carried out both in manual mode and automatically. As a rule, the staircase lighting control system is included in the functions of the "smart home" system. However, it can be installed separately on a specific section of the stairs.
Auto switch
How can I arrange staircase lighting? A motion sensor mounted on the steps will help simplify the operation of lighting fixtures. They can function in different ways.
Some sensors react to movement in the room, others - to touch some element, others work from a voice command or pop. At the same time, staircase lighting can only work in one mode. You can provide several degrees of intensity or a smooth on and off.
Special equipment
Depending on the mode of operation, the automatic staircase lighting system may include various devices. In order for the backlight to turn on when a person appears, a motion sensor is required. The light when using such equipment will go out on its own after a certain period of time. Usually it is 20-25 seconds. In cases where it is required to turn on the lighting of the stairs in the house at a certain time, a special timer is suitable. It can only be set for morning or evening hours.
Another way to organize staircase lighting is by using touch sensors. They will start to be activated only if they are exerted by an external load. This means that the light will turn on when someone puts his hand on the railing or begins to move up the stairs.
How else can staircase lighting be arranged? In a private house, special sound sensors can be used. They respond to a pop or voice. When triggered, such systems include staircase lighting.
Combined systems are often used, including motion, time, and load sensors. For example, the backlight can be turned on constantly from 19:00 to 23:00, and the rest of the time is turned on only when the motion sensors are triggered. This approach will help significantly reduce energy consumption.
Wireless backlight
Many owners of private homes today are interested in how to equip staircase lighting. Photos of ready-made options raise many questions. For example, is it possible to design a system so that it works from autonomous power sources?
Among consumers, the LED Stair-5 wireless stairway lighting system has gained great popularity. It includes two motion sensors, five lighting fixtures and instructions. The kit is tuned to a specific signal frequency, so it does not require additional adjustment. The modules are powered by simple batteries. One set when using high-quality batteries is enough for about a year of work.
Such staircase lighting has many advantages:
- There are no electricity costs.
- You can use the backlight even if the house is disconnected from the power supply system.
- The backlight due to the presence of light sensors will only turn on in the dark. This helps to conserve battery power.
- To install such a system, you do not have to ditch the walls.
- Anyone can handle the installation of the kit. This does not require special skills. Lamps can be fixed directly on the steps themselves, or using double-sided tape on the wall.
Conclusion
How to arrange lighting stairs in the house? Photos of ready-made options, recommendations for choosing a lighting system, types of devices used - all these aspects were considered in this review. The choice of lighting is largely determined by such factors as the design of the stairs, the area of the room and the financial capabilities of the owners of the house.