Stairs
In General | Visibility | Steps | Handrails | Checklist

Visibility

Avoid visually distracting patterns on the stair surface.

Paint edges of outdoor steps white to see them better at night.

Paint edges of indoor steps, too, even if they're carpeted.

Stair lighting:

• Provide lighting that makes tread nosings distinctly visible.
• Provide lighting that does not cause glare or strong shadows.
• Have light levels on stairs at least as high as on adjacent areas.
• Reduce glare by using frosted bulbs, indirect lighting, shades or globes on light fixtures, or partially closing blinds and curtains.
• Provide light switches at each point of stairway access, unless stairs are continuously lit or lights turn on automatically.
• Install permanently illuminated night lights on stairs.