Sometimes, when you need to walk down a dark hallway, or traverse the dangers of stairs, you’ll walk into the wall, hit your knee, and stub your toe. That’s no fun when all you want to do is get back to the safety and comfort of your bed.
What better way to light the path than with some indoor stair lights? Indoor stair lights are a fantastic way to illuminate your path when you are walking in the dead of night to prevent you from falling.
So, we tested the best indoor stair lights and selected our top 8 to suit your needs, plus an additional 2 honorable mentions.
Our Top Picks
Table of Contents
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
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Best Overall: Mr. Beams MB522 Wireless Battery-Operated Indoor/Outdoor Motion-Sensing LED Stair Lights | This indoor stair light covers both style and practicality. | Check Price |
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BBest Dimmable Option: LEONLITE 120V Dimmable LED Step Lights | Set the mood at night with these dimmable stair lights. | Check Price |
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Best Stick-On Option: Innofox Stick-On Motion Sensor Lights | Easily install these lights with the stick-on feature. | Check Price |
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Most Stylish: OSTWIN 120V LED Step Lights | An attractive light with a variety of style options. | Check Price |
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Best Energy Efficient Option: AMIR (Upgraded Version) Motion Sensor Lights | An energy efficient option that has multiple applications | Check Price |
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Best Bright Option: Ciata Lighting LED Indoor/Outdoor Step Lights | A bright light that works just as much outdoors as indoors | Check Price |
How We Chose the Best Indoor Stair Lights
Brightness
Without the proper brightness (measured by lumens) a stair light doesn’t do you much good. We wanted to ensure that we gave you bright lights that kept your path to the bathroom bright.
Now, a lot of the lights may have varying brightness levels to allow you to choose what works for you, but all have quality lighting to ensure you don’t step on your dog while you’re rushing back to bed.
Energy Efficiency
Stair lights are small and shouldn’t add to your utility bill.
So, we looked for the stair lights that would last the longest, whether they were battery operated or hooked up to a J Box, and wouldn’t take up much energy.
This is why we looked for lights that took a lower voltage but had a higher number of lumens.
Aesthetic
We also wanted to find lights that had a sense of style and won’t clash with your home decor and walls.
Sure, you want your path to be lit, but lights draw a lot of attention, so we looked for stair lights that had a nice look and can match different styles, colors, and textures within your home.
Best Indoor Stair Lights Reviewed
1. Best Overall: Mr. Beams MB522 Wireless Battery-Operated Motion-Sensing LED Stair Lights
Product Ratings
| Affordability | 4/5 |
| Brightness | 4/5 |
| Reliability | 4/5 |
| Installation | 5/5 |
| Weather Resistance | 2/5 |
Power: Battery Powered | Colors: Brown/White | Shape: Rectangular | Lumens: 35 | Material: Plastic
What We Liked
- Battery-powered
- Nice design
- Motion-detection feature
- Optional soft glow mode
What We Didn’t Like
- Not Appropriate for outdoor use
The aptly-named Mr. Beams lights are certain to add lighting to your indoor stairs that is both stylish and efficient.
These LED stair lights are battery operated, utilizing 3 C batteries per lighting fixture, and are equipped with motion sensors that have a 12-foot detection range.
Once they detect motion, these lights will stay on until they no longer sense motion for 20 to 60 seconds.
Since these lights are battery-operated, they are quick and easy to install.
Something to consider is that a lot of reviewers have mentioned issues with water leakage, so although they can be used on outdoor stairs, you may want to avoid placing them in an area that gets a lot of rain.
Other than that, we just love these lights as they have a long lasting battery life, and also have an optional “glow mode” when they are idle, giving a soft but substantial glow.
See Price on Amazon2. Best Dimmable Option: LEONLITE 120V Dimmable LED Step Lights
Product Ratings
| Affordability | 3/5 |
| Brightness | 4/5 |
| Reliability | 4/5 |
| Installation | 3/5 |
| Weather Resistance | 4/5 |
Power: Power Cord | Colors: White/Oil Rubbed Bronze | Shape: Rectangular | Lumens: 150 | Material: Aluminum and Iron
What We Liked
- Has a dimmer
- Stylish
- Waterproof
What We Didn’t Like
- More complicated installation process
- No motion detection
If you want a sleeker and more concealable look, the LEONLITE Dimmable LED stair lights are a great option for you.
These lighting fixtures sit nearly flush with your walls and have dimmable features so that you can regulate the brightness of your stair lights.
Since they connect to your standard junction box, these are a great choice for you if you aren’t a fan of relying on battery-powered lights.
These are also perfect for the outdoors since they are already water-resistant and you can even add a layer of sealant to ensure they are as weatherproofed as possible.
What we also really like about these LED stair lights is that they come in both horizontal and vertical shapes so that you can customize them to match your stair height and width.
See Price on Amazon3. Best Stick-on Option: Innofox Stick-on Motion Sensor Lights
Product Ratings
| Affordability | 5/5 |
| Brightness | 5/5 |
| Reliability | 4/5 |
| Installation | 4/5 |
| Weather Resistance | 3/5 |
Power: Battery Powered | Colors: White | Shape: Rectangular | Lumens: 500 | Material: Plastic
What We Liked
- Easy installation
- Motion sensor
What We Didn’t Like
- No dimmer
- Not as durable as we would have liked
If you want to easily install your lights, the Innofox Stick-on Stair lights are the choice for you. These lights can be attached to the walls or stairs with either double-sided adhesive pads or screws.
These stair lights have a motion sensor as well and will automatically turn if they detect movement within a 10-foot distance anywhere in their 120-degree field of vision.
They will turn on to light your way for about 20-25 seconds and will turn off once no motion has been detected for 20 seconds.
These lights are made of plastic and aren’t the most stylish of the lights on the list, but they are affordable, practical, and reliable when it comes to indoor lighting.
Be aware that these lights have no dimmer switch, and, at 500 lumens, they are really bright, so they may not be the best pick if you prefer a more subtle ambiance.
See Price on Amazon4. Best Style: OSTWIN 120V LED Step Lights
Product Ratings
| Affordability | 2/5 |
| Brightness | 5/5 |
| Reliability | 4/5 |
| Installation | 3/5 |
| Weather Resistance | 4/5 |
Power: Hardwired | Colors: White/Black Finish (Body) Warm White/Bright White/Daylight (Lighting) | Shape: Rectangular | Lumens: 70 | Material: Plastic and Metal
What We Liked
- Bright and steady light
- Great for outdoor use
- Dimmer switch
What We Didn’t Like
- No motion sensor
These LED stair lights have a sleek design, and can be installed flush with your stairs or wall. This option has a bright light, but also comes with a dimmer that can help regulate how bright the light is on your stairs.
Because of the intensity, these lights are very good for outdoor use, but the manufacturers suggest caulking the edges during installation in order to ensure that it’s water resistant.
One aspect we don’t like is that these lights do not have motion sensors.
Outdoors, it makes sense since you don’t want the lights to turn on with the movement of every leaf and squirrel, but our reviewers would have preferred more flexibility indoors.
If you don’t mind having an extra light for your stairs that remains on throughout the night, these are lovely lights for you.
See Price on Amazon5. Best Energy Efficient Option: AMIR (Upgraded Version) Motion Sensor Lights
Product Ratings
| Affordability | 4/5 |
| Brightness | 3/5 |
| Reliability | 4/5 |
| Installation | 5/5 |
| Weather Resistance | 3/5 |
Power: Battery Powered | Colors: Warm White/White | Shape: Square | Lumens: 10-11 | Material: Plastic
What We Liked
- Motion sensors
- Easy installation
- Can be placed in multiple places
What We Didn’t Like
- Not the brightest option
The Amir motion sensor light is a fantastic choice for your indoor stairs, closet, or even those cabinets that have pesky dark corners.
At around 10 lumens, the light isn’t blinding, but also effectively illuminates any space within its range. With a detection angle of 120 degrees and distance of 3 meters, it is sure to become a favorite in your home.
We especially love the fact that it is versatile enough to be used in places other than stairs, such as in closets or lower cabinets.
Easy installation is also a big asset for these lights, as they have small adhesive pads that you just peel and stick, but you can also install them with screws if you want a more permanent fixture.
The LED bulbs come in two different colors, including a warm white which will make a space warm and inviting instead of the harshness of extremely bright, cool lighting.
See Price on Amazon6. Best Bright Option: Ciata Lighting LED Indoor/Outdoor Step Lights
Product Ratings
| Affordability | 2/5 |
| Brightness | 5/5 |
| Reliability | 5/5 |
| Installation | 4/5 |
| Weather Resistance | 4/5 |
Power: Corded Electric | Colors: Black/Silver/White | Shape: Rectangle | Lumens: 120 | Material: Plastic
What We Liked
- Very Attractive Lights
- Downlight effect
- Mood Lighting
What We Didn’t Like
- No motion sensor
- Some reviewers found them uncomfortably bright
The Ciata lights are an energy efficient LED light that have a fantastic downlight effect. For a stair light we found these to be very attractive.
Installation is easy and takes only a few minutes, and all installation accessories are included.
These lights definitely give a romantic feeling in your home, and the light is very bright. Some reviewers have mentioned that they were too bright for their stairwell, so these are a better option for the folks out there looking for a bright option.
That’s especially true if you want to use these for outdoor lighting. So if you want to have a really clear path on your deck or the stairs to your front door, these lights will deliver in style and energy efficiency.
However, these lights do not include a motion sensor, so if you really don’t want to fuss with a light switch in the middle of the night, another choice on our list will be a better option for you.
See Price on Amazon7. Best High End Option: ZONK 120V Outdoor/Indoor Stair Lights
Product Ratings
| Affordability | 2/5 |
| Brightness | 5/5 |
| Reliability | 5/5 |
| Installation | 3/5 |
| Weather Resistance | 5/5 |
Power: AC | Colors: Black//Grey | Shape: Square | Lumens: 80 | Material: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
What We Liked
- Aesthetically Pleasing
- Great Outdoor Option
- Downlight Prevents Glare
What We Didn’t Like
- On the pricier side
- No motion sensor
With these ZONK lights, you are definitely paying for style and quality. These lights were designed with looks in mind, and they are just as fantastic indoors as they are outdoors.
They look fantastic, but have two major caveats: they are on/off only and do not have a dimmer function, and must be turned on via a switch, meaning they don’t have motion sensor capabilities.
However, if those aren’t big points for you, you really can’t miss for the style, ambience, and durability of these lights.
They are also perfect for any corporate office or professional space that requires more lighting and a particular aesthetic in order to maintain an air of professionalism.
They deliver quality and illuminate any space with a bright downlight so that there is no risk of glare.
Something to keep in mind is that these lights take some time to install, but once in they are very durable and effective, requiring minimal maintenance over time.
See Price on Amazon8. Best Budget Option: ZISUYU Motion Sensor Light Indoor LED Night Lighting
Product Ratings
| Affordability | 5/5 |
| Brightness | 4/5 |
| Reliability | 4/5 |
| Installation | 4/5 |
| Weather Resistance | 2/5 |
Power: Battery Powered | Colors: Warm White/Cool White | Shape: Square | Lumens: 20 | Material: Plastic
What We Liked
- Soft Light
- Multiple Applications
- Motion Sensor
What We Didn’t Like
- Not very stylish
If you’re looking to save your money, but still want a quality light, this is definitely a great choice.
The Zisuyu comes in a pack of 6 lights and is versatile enough to be installed in other places around your home, not just stairs.
Our reviewers really liked them over a night stand or bathroom cabinet. The motion sensor design makes them a great choice for illuminating the inside of cabinets and closets.
At 20 lumens these lights are also perfect for someone who has a sensitivity to light, and for those who love a soft night light in their bedroom.
Installation is easy since they come with sticky pads that you simply peel off to stick your light anywhere you need it.
Since they’re so affordable, we find these to be the perfect choice to give a little light to all the dark spots in your home.
See Price on AmazonComparison Chart
| Product | Best Overall | Best Dimmable Option | Best Stick-on Option | Best Style | Best Energy- Efficient Option | Best Bright Option | Best Luxury Option | Best Budget Pick |
| Overall Rating | 4.6/5 | 4.4/5 | 4.2/5 | 3.6/5 | 3.8/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4.6/5 |
| Affordability | 4/5 | 3/5 | 5/5 | 2/5 | 4/5 | 2/5 | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Brightness | 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 3/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Reliability | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Installation | 5/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Weather Resistance | 2/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 2/5 |
The Winner
For us the best of the best would have to be the Mr. Beams MB522 Wireless Battery-Operated Motion-Sensing LED Stair Lights.
These lights were the perfect balance of affordability, style, and brightness. The cordless power was the most convenient option and the lights were really easy to install.
They look very nice and the option of a black or white style accommodates many interior aesthetics.
The cherry on top was the motion sensor on/off switch with a wide detection radius.
How to Choose the Best Stair Lights for Your Home
Power Source and Installation
We place these two together, because generally one informs the other. If you have a battery-operated light then you are guaranteed an easier installation process than if you have to hook them up to a junction box.
Most of the battery-operated stair lights also come with sticky pads that make it easy to just place on the wall once you have the batteries installed.
If you’re looking for an easy install battery operated stair light we recommend the Mr. Beams, Innofox, or the Amir.
For a stair light that is AC or power cord powered you will expect some more installation time and work, but those lights tend to be brighter, last longer, and are more weather resistant.
In this case we would suggest something along the lines of the Leonlite or the Ostwin.
Aesthetic
Style matters at home, where you spend the most time, so having enough color options to adapt to your interior design is important.
If you are looking for a more classy and upscale look we definitely suggest something along the lines of the Leonlite or Ciata.
Those lights are going to fit more flush into your stairs or wall. If you want a bolder look, the Zonk protrudes out from the wall, and we find that to be a very stylish look, as well.
Extra Features
The final aspect we would suggest considering is if you are looking for more out of your light. Do you want your lights to have dimmers?
In that case we would suggest the Leonlite or the Ostwin.
If you are looking for a light with a motion sensor we would recommend the Innofox or the Zisuyu.
Honorable Mentions
1. Foyoconven Motion Sensor Indoor Light – Considered for Best Energy-Efficient Option
This light is perfect for the stairs or just to have at the base of your bed as a nifty nightlight.
What we really like about this light, and the reason we wanted to mention it is because it is a USB rechargeable light.
Once it’s recharged the power cycle will last for about 1000 activations of the motion sensor. Something we also enjoy about this light is that it has a full circular radius.
2. LEONLITE LED Step Lights – Considered for Best Luxury Option
Another Leonlite that didn’t make the list, but we wanted to mention. This light is on the pricier side, but in terms of style and brightness we believe it’s worth the investment.
With an IP65 rating, this is great for outdoor use, and also has an anti-glare design for eye level usage.
