LED Strip Lighting on Stair Treads — A Design Detail That Can Hinder Accessibility
LED strip lighting has become a popular design choice in modern stairways. Architects and interior designers often use it to highlight stair profiles, add ambience, or create a sleek contemporary aesthetic. While this design feature can look impressive, it also brings several accessibility challenges, particularly for people with vision impairment.
From an accessibility perspective, lighting on stair treads should primarily assist users in identifying step edges and changes in level. However, LED strips installed along the tread or under the nosing can reduce the luminance contrast between the tread and riser. For people with low vision, this can make it difficult to distinguish where each step begins and ends — increasing the risk of missteps or falls.
In many instances, the subtle glow from LED strips can wash out the stair edge, blending it visually into the tread surface. This undermines the intent of AS 1428.1, which requires clear visual contrast to support safe and confident navigation.
The Problem with Glare and Inconsistency
If LED strips are not adequately diffused or are too bright, they can produce glare and visual discomfort. For individuals with light sensitivity or reduced contrast sensitivity (e.g., cataracts or macular degeneration), such glare can make stair navigation especially challenging.
Inconsistent light distribution or sections that dim or fail over time can also distort depth perception, making stairs appear uneven or unsafe, particularly in dimly lit environments.
The Limits of Tread Lighting
LED strips positioned along the treads primarily illuminate the horizontal surface, leaving risers and handrails underlit. This can make the stair outline appear less defined, removing important visual cues for people with low vision.
It’s important to remember that lighting is not a substitute for contrast. Even well-lit stairs can fail accessibility objectives if the nosing and tread surfaces are visually indistinct.
Designing for Inclusion
- To achieve both visual appeal and accessibility, lighting design should:
- Maintain high luminance contrast between stair nosing’s and treads, independent of light effects.
- Use low-glare, diffused LED profiles with uniform illumination.
- Choose neutral white light (3000–4000K) to preserve natural visibility.
- Combine lighting with tactile and visual indicators, not replace them.
- Ensure compliance with AS 1428.1 and the NCC Performance Requirements for safe access.