Stair lighting

Why choose recessed stair lighting?

With recessed stair lighting, you install small spotlights in the wall next to the stairs. The fixture sits flush with the wall, so nothing sticks out: you see a small cover and the light on the step. This is more pleasant than a single lamp at the top of the stairs, because you are not looking directly into the light, and it looks tidier than a light strip or a surface-mounted light.

The spotlights in this collection work directly on 230V and are mounted in a standard recessed box. You therefore do not need to hide a separate driver or transformer behind the wall. The same spotlights are also perfect for use as wall lighting in a hallway, corridor, or bedroom.

Will it fit in my wall?

The spotlight is always mounted in a recessed box, not loose in a sawed-out hole. That is immediately good news, because such a box is already in the wall in most homes.

• Hole size Ø68 mm. The standard sawing size for recessed boxes and ceiling boxes in the Netherlands.
• Installation depth 39 mm. Deko-Light recommends 60 mm of installation space behind the wall. In our own test, the spotlight also fit in a standard 50 mm deep ceiling box, including the wiring behind it.
• Screw holes at the standard size. The mounting holes of the spotlight match exactly with those of a standard ceiling box or recessed box. You can therefore screw it right in. Brackets, springs, or attachments are not necessary.

In a drywall or partition wall, you install a hollow wall box. In a solid wall, you drill a 68 mm hole and insert a recessed box. If plastering or carpentry work is still being done, just let the electrician install standard boxes at the desired height. Special mounting hardware is not required.

There is already a recessed box in my hallway. Can I use that?

Then you are almost there. A box from an old wall lamp, a capped-off box in the hall, or a ceiling box that has never been used: the screw holes of the spotlight fall exactly on the existing screw points. Remove the cover or old fixture, check the wires, install the spotlight. No hacking, no new conduits, no repairing plasterwork.

Check two things before you order: is there actually a box in the wall (and not just a hole with wires in it), and what wires are inside. The latter determines which version you need. Read below to see how that works.

What wires must be in the box?

These spotlights are class I: they are earthed. The following must be present in the box:

• Phase (brown or black), or a switched wire if you want to operate the lighting with a switch
• Neutral (blue)
• Earth (yellow-green)

If there is no earth, which occurs on lighting circuits in older homes, then this spotlight is not suitable. That is not a formality: for class I, the earth is part of the fixture's safety.

I only have a permanent phase, no switched wire

Then you cannot operate the spotlights with a wall switch. In that case, choose the version with motion sensor. It is continuously under power and switches itself on as soon as there is movement. So you don't need to pull a switched wire or break open any conduits. In an existing situation, this is often the fastest and cheapest solution.

Each spotlight has its own infrared sensor with a range of 1 to 3 meters. After the last movement, the light remains on for approximately 3 minutes.

Switching or dimming?

• Switched wire present: a regular switch is sufficient. If you want more ambiance, replace it with a phase-cut LED dimmer. The version without a sensor is dimmable.
• Only permanent phase: the sensor version. This is not dimmable, but you can choose between 2W and 4W using the power switch.

How many spotlights do I need and at what height?

• Number: count on one spotlight per three to four steps. For an average staircase of 14 to 16 steps, that is 4 or 5. One spotlight illuminates more than just the step below it: the beam covers about a meter of the staircase.
• Denser rhythm: if you want it sleeker and more uniform, go for one spotlight per two steps. Nice for an open staircase that is in view, but brighter and more expensive. One spotlight per step creates a continuous line of light and is mostly seen in designer staircases.
• Height: approximately 20 to 30 cm above the step. This allows the light to fall beautifully over the walkway without shining into your eyes.
• Turn or landing: definitely place one at the bottom step, one on the landing, and one at the top step. That is where people are most likely to miss a step.
• Looping: possible. You can easily connect multiple spotlights to one line.

If you are doubting between two quantities, start with the lowest. The light from these spotlights is generous for a stairwell, certainly with a wide light beam. You can always order an extra spotlight later.

Which light pattern do you choose?

Each spotlight comes with an interchangeable cover, and that cover determines how the light falls:

• Wide light beam. Fans out over the full width of the step. The most chosen version.
• Narrow light beam. A focused beam downward, calmer and more subtle.
• Glass, diffuse light. Frosted glass that makes the spotlight itself glow softly. Orientation light instead of a beam.

The cover is on the front and can be changed later without removing the spotlight from the wall. View all separate covers for the Alwaid Pro and Alwaid Pro Motion, available in white and black. Please note: the covers of the Pro and the Motion do not fit each other.

Not just for the stairs

These same recessed wall spotlights work well in a hallway, corridor, basement, or bedroom. Anywhere you want low, directed light without a lamp sticking out of the wall. With a glass cover, it becomes a subtle night light along the floor.

Not sure?

If you are unsure about the box in your wall or which wires are in it, ask your installer or contact us. Connecting to 230V is work for someone who knows what they are doing; we are happy to help you choose the right model.