What is the best way to light a staircase?
High-quality lighting of the steps is what absolutely all stairs need, regardless of their design and location in the residential interior. However, unlike rectilinear connecting structures between floors, their screw counterparts require much more attention when solving the «light» issue.
The fact is that the very design of the spiral staircase with its spiral rise and the specific type of steps that expand from the base to the end implies a certain caution in use. Of course, strong handrails and wide steps will provide those who like to move quickly from floor to floor, but it is better not to risk your health by creating a mysterious twilight when climbing.
On the stairs located in the window space, the lighting problem is solved by itself during the day. In all other cases, when using such a structure, as well as a standard wall-mounted one, it is necessary to include additional lighting.To do this, you can use both sconces and wall lamps, and a standard chandelier installed strictly above the stairs. However, the latter option is only good for a one-way staircase, on which there are no intermediate platforms. In any case, the entire lighting system must be installed in such a way that it can be turned on both at the upper and lower levels.
Another way to solve the problem is to illuminate the steps using lamps located in the riser area (the vertical part of the step). This lighting option is mainly suitable for spiral staircases located in the center of the room, away from walls to which a beard or other device can be attached. The lamps located in the risers will not only illuminate the structure itself, but also a significant part of the lower room, performing the function of a sconce, floor lamp or other device.
However, the screw structure can become not only a source of additional lighting, but also an excellent way to decorate certain shortcomings of the room. The fact is that literally all spiral staircases located not on the load-bearing wall, but in the center of the room, inevitably become the center of the spatial composition, drawing attention to themselves. Having installed an original and extremely modern «screw», you will not only successfully connect the space on different levels, but you will also be able to hide certain architectural errors. After all, such a structure inscribed in the center of the space requires a change in the lighting composition, and the new lighting will plunge into a reliable twilight, which does not suit you and will favorably highlight all the advantages of the house.