Modern Lighting Ideas That Turn The Staircase Into A Centerpiece

In modern interior design, a staircase is always a focal point and is almost always accompanied by beautiful accent lighting meant to highlight its sculptural and exquisite design. This is a subject we’ve approached before, but with so many wonderful ideas to choose from, we just couldn’t stay away for too long so here are more designs for you to explore.

Glass staircase and lighting underneath or behind

Glass staircase and lighting underneath or behind
Glass staircase and lighting underneath or behind

A modern approach for a classical design. The hanging stairs are secured to the walls and the backlighted insertions take center stage, becoming the main feature. The selection of materials in this case is also very interesting: a combination of marble and metal.

Glass staircase and lighting underneath or behind

Backlighting can also be used in other ways. For example, this concrete staircase is illuminated only on one side and the bold shade of yellow with orange touches goes perfectly with the gray palette.

Glass staircase and lighting underneath or behind
Glass staircase and lighting underneath or behind

You might be tempted to think that the thin strips of light on the wall adjacent to the stairs is just a reflection of the light coming through the glass walls. It’s actually an artificial feature designed to complement the minimalist geometric design.

Glass staircase and lighting underneath or behind

Accent lighting can also become a part of the handrail’s design. Here you can see how it illuminates the wall and the staircase, offering a warm and pleasant glow. A great addition to this wood staircase.

Glass staircase and lighting underneath or behind

Love the way the thin strips of light get reflected on the staircase wall, creating an almost magical illusion. An interesting design which suits well staircases with solid walls and little or not natural lighting.

Glass staircase and lighting underneath or behind

Spiral staircase offer lots of opportunities in which to make their design even more spectacular. Emphasize their sculptural elegance with lighting fixtures embedded into the staircase walls. They follow the smooth curves and the sleek lines and maintain the design very simple.

Glass staircase and lighting underneath or behind

Of course, you can always make a statement the old-fashioned way: with a big, glamorous chandelier. In this case, it’s a wonderful choice because of the way the staircase splits in two, leaving an opening at the center for the dangling lights to work their magic.

Glass staircase and lighting underneath or behind

Then there are also the wall sconces which you can use if you prefer warm, diffuse light. It’s a good choice for staircases that also get illuminated through windows or skylights and the sconces only become the focal point at night.

Glass staircase and lighting underneath or behind

Let the light come from below the stairs for a more dramatic effect. In this particular case, the staircase lighting is especially great because of the glass wall. It’s actually an ingenious way of lighting up the room without using the classical solutions.

Picture sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9.