Step lights are a great way to spruce up your outdoor steps, and prevent any trips or stumbles in the dark. Whatever look you're going for with your outdoor lighting - timeless classic, modern minimalist, art deco - there's a step light that will suit your space.

Before you start your search, there are six key questions that we like to ask:

• Do you want your lights to be underfoot, on the side (wall) or across the face of the step?
• If opting for the wall, do you want recessed or surface-mounted?
  Recessed will give you that seamless look while surface-mounted will be easier to install
• Do you live in a coastal area?

If you live in a coastal area, you will need to opt for a 316 marine-grade light which is corrosion resistant.

• Are your steps exposed to the rain/ weather?
  If they are totally exposed, IP67 is the minimum IP rating you should consider. If they are undercover and are not exposed to rain, you could choose a lower IP rating such as IP54. If you are unsure, it is best to choose a higher IP rating to ensure the longevity of your light?
• Do you want your step lights to be consistent with the other lights around your property, or a standalone feature?
• How many lights do you want, and how will they be laid out?
  This will help to determine the size of your lights. For example, sometimes our design clients want one light for every step. In this instance, it's important to get lights that are small enough that they don't crowd the space.

Once you have the answer to these questions, you can start to compare options and will quickly be able to remove lights that won’t fit your needs. Given the number of step lights on the market, we think this is essential for finding the right option for you. If you're not sure, we recommend sending some pictures and notes for the attention of our lighting designer who will be able to suggest some products that will suit your property/ steps.

We’re privileged to have helped with hundreds of step lighting projects, both standalone and as part of wider garden lighting projects. From these and our customer reviews, we’ve put together our top 10 step lights to give you some food for thought. On top of that, you'll find below a little gallery of some of the step light styles mentioned in situ.

1. Havit Dusk Mini Step Light
   The dusk mini is a small, sleek, eyelid light that goes well in modern and classic spaces. It is simple, with a powder coated exterior for an architectural finish. We love that, due to its size, you can put several alongside your steps in a staggered manner without overcrowding the wall, even if you have a handrail too.
   
   As a Havit product, you know it has been carefully designed and crafted with a generous warranty period.

   

2. Pixel LED Step Light Eyelid Surface Mounted 316 Marine Grade Stainless Steel 12v or 240v
   Made from 316 marine grade steel, this light can be used everywhere from the outback to coastal areas without corroding. The Pixel brand has become synonymous with great value, quality everyday lighting products, and their step lights are no exception. With a classic design, it is hard to go wrong with this one.

3. Havit Pinta Step Light
   Simple, stylish, and offering excellent bang-for-buck, the Pinta has been a stalwart of step lighting for years. It is available on other colours but the powder coated black is our best seller.
   
   

4. Martec Circa Recessed Wall Light
   Another leading brand in Australian lighting and fans, Martec’s recessed wall light is another example of quality craftsmanship and materials at a very affordable price. As the reviews put it, it's simple a ‘great product’.

5. Havit Bata Brick Light

   

   The Bata has a plain face so that when it is turned off during the day, it blends in with its surroundings. When it's on, however, it gives out plenty of light for your steps, without being too much of a feature in its own right. If you have exposed bricks, we recommend taking a look. Of course brick lights can be used on other wall materials such as concrete or plaster.
   

6. Mini Recessed Round LED Step Light Antique Brass, Black, White, Brass, Stainless Steel Havit Lighting HV3206T-12V
   Available on a round or square plate, this step light is modern and sleek. It comes in a variety of colours to blend into your step wall, or to contrast and draw more attention as desired.
   

7. Outdoor Solar LED Step Light
   Whenever we're working on an outdoor project, we like to try and include solar lighting if our client is open to it. Solar lighting isn't just a fad, and, if you use a reputable solar brand, you don't have to compromise between style, longevity and the environment. The zero run cost is just a bonus! This step light has an integrated solar panel, making it a less elegant but sorry easy to install- no running wires or cables around.
   
   Star8Greeen who have designed and manufactured this light are one of the most sought after brands in Australia, and for good reason.

8. 14.4w 24v Flexible Neon LED Strip Light 200 LED Per Metre 3k/4k/5k IP67 Havit Lighting HV9796-IP67-200LED strips are great for step lights, back lighting each step for an ultra-stylish look. As they can be cut to custom lengths you are able to get the perfect fit.
   
   At The Lighting Outlet we are able to customise your strips and profiles to your exact requirements, so all you need to do is get them installed. You can order your custom lengths by specifying the details when you add products to your cart, or you can complete our form here and one of our team will help get the right products and sizes for you. They will provide a free, no-obligation quote for you to review and approve.
   

9. LED Outdoor Inground Tri Colour Marine Grade 316 Stainless Steel Light
   Like the wall-mounted step light above, this Pixel light is simple and hard wearing. It's design lends itself well to use across the property, complimenting other fixtures. 

10. CLA Lighting In-Ground Up lighter (Round or Square)
    The choice between a round and square up-lighter is all down to personal preference. The round is more popular, as evidenced by the greater number of styles and reviews, but the square up-lighter can be easier to install and position. Whoever you go for, we promise it'll look great. This offering from CLA comes in three different colours too.