Brighten a Stairwell with a Light Fixture that’s Beautiful and Functional

Photo: Joshua Caldwell Photography

Few features make a more defining statement in a mountain home than a thoughtfully chosen stairwell chandelier. With its distinctive combination of form and function, this striking element often serves as a focal point for the entry or living area. However, design and installation require thoughtful planning and precision. Here are six expert tips to help elevate any mountain home’s stairwell with a chandelier that is both beautiful and functional.

Choose the Right Fixture for the Space

Photo courtesy of Hammerton Lighting

In a mountain home, staircases and their surrounding spaces often have unique characteristics— vaulted ceilings, exposed beams, panoramic windows, and natural materials like wood and stone. When selecting a stairwell chandelier, it’s important to consider both the staircase style and the surrounding architectural elements. 

For example, a round chandelier may work perfectly in the center of a U-shaped or curved staircase, but it may not suit a traditional switchback staircase. And the choice of lighting silhouette and materials for a closed stairwell may be very different than one surrounded by large windows framing dramatic views.  

In either case, a 3D rendering of the installed fixture can help visualize how it will fit into the space, so be sure to ask for one.

Plan for Installation Early

Photograph: Vance Fox Photography

Mountain homes often feature high ceilings and exposed structural elements that can make fixture installation challenging. Selecting your fixture early helps avoid the risk of having to re-open ceilings later in the construction process.

To ensure the chandelier can be properly hung, it should be specified well before the rough electric phase to allow proper junction boxes to be installed. Exposed mounting beams typically require custom canopies, and heavy fixtures require additional blocking during framing to support the weight. 

Your lighting designer or manufacturer can walk you through the important considerations to help you make a thoughtful decision.

Consider a Light Lift for Maintenance

Once installed, stairwell fixtures are often hard to reach, making maintenance and cleaning difficult. A light lift device that lowers the fixture for cleaning and upkeep can be a useful addition in these challenging spaces. This small investment ensures the chandelier remains pristine and functional, while avoiding the hassle of installing scaffolding or special ladders in difficult-to-reach areas.

Install the Fixture Before Flooring and Railings

Photo: Rebekah Westover Photography

To save time and money, it’s best to install your stairwell chandelier before flooring and railings are finished. This approach minimizes the risk of damaging finish materials and avoids the expense of protecting completed finishes to avoid damage.

Choose LED Lighting for Long-Lasting Durability

Photo: Joshua Caldwell

Mountain homes are often subject to more challenging environmental conditions. Choosing LED lighting for a stairwell is a smart decision. LEDs are energy-efficient, long-lasting, and require minimal maintenance—making them an ideal choice for fixtures that may be difficult to access. If LED bulbs are used, it’s important to have them ready during installation to ensure a smooth process.

Be Present During Installation

For fixtures like multi-pendant chandeliers, the ideal silhouette can be highly subjective. Since stairwell chandeliers are often hung at varying heights, it’s important for the designer or homeowner to be present during installation. Being on-site ensures the chandelier is hung exactly as envisioned to complement the unique character of the mountain home.

By following these expert tips, your mountain home stairwell can be enhanced with a fixture that combines both style and function—creating an unforgettable impression for anyone who steps through your door.

Levi Wilson is the VP of Design and Founder of Hammerton Studio, a leading U.S. manufacturer of custom handcrafted decorative lighting. Contact Levi at 801.873.8095. View Hammerton Studio’s profile here.

Content for this article provided by Hammerton Studio.