One of the biggest mistakes is using just one light at the top and calling it a day. That often leaves the middle or bottom of the staircase in shadow.
Another common issue is uneven brightness. If one section is much brighter than another, your eyes constantly adjust as you move. That can make the stairs feel less comfortable than they should.
Glare is a big one too. Exposed bulbs or fixtures placed directly in your line of sight can actually make it harder to see the steps clearly.
Some stairwells are simply underlit. Because they’re transitional spaces, they don’t always get the same attention as living rooms or kitchens. But stairs are high traffic and safety focused, so lighting should reflect that.
Overly cool light can also make a stairwell feel harsh. Clear is good. Cold and glaring is not.
The best stair lighting is even, layered, and consistent. If you can move up and down without thinking about where your foot lands, the lighting is doing exactly what it should.