Once you have sized the LED strips to your desired length, lay out the LED strips, connectors, channels, wirings, and other parts. In this case, you must keep the polarity of all the elements accurate to ensure continuous current flow through the strips, connectors, and power source. The lights will only glow if the polarity is ok. So, arrange the parts so that the positive ends meet the positive and the negative ends meet the negative. 

The color temperature of the LED strips determines the light’s tone. If you want to create a warm ambiance for your stair area, use a lower color temperature. This will give a yellowish-to-orange tone. Again if you want cool lighting, choose LED strips with higher color temperatures. However, tunable or dim-to-warm LED strips are your best choice if you want an adjustable color temperature option. 

If you have an open riser staircase, a hidden lighting effect is the best option for creating a soft floating effect. Install LED strips below each stair tread so the strips aren’t visible from the top. Such hidden stair lighting will create a shadow beneath the open riser providing an outstanding ambiance. This will also bring a dramatic effect on the wall below the stair. So, implement this technique to make a statement with your stair lighting. 

To light up dark stairs, you need to layer lyings for different parts of the stair. First, start with ceiling lighting; you can add spotlights, track lights, semi-flush lights, or simple LED bulbs if the star is narrow. But if the stair area is wide enough or if it’s a duplex or triplex stair, go for cove lighting with LED strips. Considering your interior design, you can also install chandeliers or pendant lighting. Once the ceiling of the stairway is lit enough, go for accent lighting. LED strips are your best option for illuminating stairways; add them below the tread, steps, railings, or anywhere you find suitable. And thus, you can easily make a dark staircase look bright enough.

Regarding stair lighting, horizontal step lighting is the first thing that will knock your mind. It is the most common step lighting technique yet considered the most attractive option. Add the LED strips below each step; that is all you need to do. No designing or lining hassle is required for this technique. If you want something basic for stair lighting, horizontal step lighting with LED strips is your go-to choice.