How to Choose a Stem Wall Light for Stairways
By Tom Raffield | Luxury British Wooden Lighting Designer | Published: 2026-10-21
Category: Buying Guides
Learn how to pick a steam-bent oak wall light for your stairway. Compare the Skipper and Artus shades, and follow our decision rules for placement and wiring.
Quick answer
Choose a Skipper stem wall light for focused, elegant illumination on narrow staircases, or an Artus stem wall light for a more playful, personality-rich glow on wider stairwells.
Why stem wall lights work on stairways
A stairway is both a functional path and a design focal point. Stem wall lights from Tom Raffield use steam-bent solid oak to create a graceful curve that directs light downward, mimicking natural branch movement. This shape works especially well on stair landings or along a wall where you want to highlight the architecture without harsh glare.
Because the Stem range is handcrafted from sustainably sourced oak, each piece has subtle grain variations. That means your stairway gets a one-of-a-kind fixture that ages well and feels connected to the materials of your home.
Trade-off: shade size and stair width
The Skipper X-Small shade is compact and sculptural. It creates a concentrated pool of light, ideal for narrow staircases or tight corners where you need to avoid obstruction. The Artus X-Small shade is more open and energising, spreading light over a wider area. On a broad stairwell or landing, the Artus helps balance the visual weight of the fixture with the surrounding space.
If your stairway has low ceilings or frequent traffic, the Skipper’s smaller profile reduces the chance of accidental bumps. For a grander entrance, the Artus makes more of a statement without overwhelming the wall.
Decision rules for your stairway
- Measure your stair width: If the stairway is under 36 inches wide, choose the Skipper X-Small to avoid a fixture that feels oversized. For wider stairs, the Artus X-Small fills the space proportionally.
- Choose your shade personality: Select the Skipper for a quiet, sculptural look that draws the eye to the oak curve. Select the Artus for a more dynamic, energising shape that adds character to the wall. Both shades are available with the same stem base, so you can swap later if your style changes.
- Plan wiring and placement: Both models offer multiple wiring options. Place the light 60–66 inches above the stair tread for comfortable eye level. On a landing, center it on the wall or align it with the midpoint of the stair run. Check your local electrical codes; if you are not comfortable wiring, hire a licensed electrician for installation.
Product facts
- Skipper X-Small - Stem Wall Light: Handcrafted in sustainably sourced solid oak, the Stem's steam bent curve arches from its roots to showcase the sculptural Skipper design lampshade. The compact Skipper shade is ideal for tight stairway spaces where you want a focused, elegant light without visual clutter.
Skipper X-Small - Stem Wall Light - Artus X-Small - Stem Wall Light: Handcrafted in sustainably sourced solid oak, the Stem's steam bent curve arches from its roots to showcase the energising Artus shade. The Artus shade spreads light more broadly, making it a better fit for wider stairwells or landings that need a lively, personality-rich glow.
Artus X-Small - Stem Wall Light
Which one fits your stairway?
Best for
- Narrow staircases needing a compact, focused light
- Wider stairwells or landings where a broader glow suits the space
Not for
- Stairways with very low ceilings where any protruding fixture might be a hazard
