The 10 Best Step Lights

The diminutive FVTLED Low Voltage (around $60) feature half-moon shapes and attractive bronze finishes that pair well with a host of decor schemes. They're sold in multipacks of various quantities, so you can choose the amount that works best for your home improvement project.

Those who don't want to fuss with a tricky installation process will appreciate the Brilliant Evolution Wireless (around $20), since they can be mounted in seconds via adhesive tape or screws, both of which are included. They can run for up to 125 hours on three AA batteries.

Perfect for patios and gardens, the GKOLED Hardscape Paver (about $36) is designed to blend into its surroundings. It sports a durable, powder-coated, die-cast aluminum housing, and its 22 energy-efficient bulbs cast an even spread of soft, white light.

Slim and discreet, these OxyLED Safe Night (around $32) boast smart sensor chips that use passive infrared technology to turn on automatically when they detect movement within 10 feet. They run on rechargeable batteries, saving you from having to constantly buy some.

Ideal for pitch-black stairways and long hallways, the Tomsoo Stick Anywhere (appx. $30) can be set to two modes: motion sensor and always on. Their six LEDs throw off a super-bright light that can travel up to 30 feet, so you won't need more than a few to safely illuminate pathways.

Suitable for use indoors and for outdoor applications if covered and sealed with the proper caulk, the contemporary-looking Cloudy Bay 120V (around $62) are ETL certified, rated for 50,000 hours, and backed by a five-year warranty, so you can rest easy knowing they'll last a while.

The Zonk Outdoor Indoor (appx. $21) runs on standard 120-volt power and doesn't require a transformer, which makes retrofitting it anywhere easy. It emit a natural, 4000K light that isn't so harsh that it disrupts the nighttime peacefulness.

There's no wiring necessary with the LeiDrail 1800K (around $18), which use solar panels to draw energy from the Sun. They're rated IP55 waterproof and are dustproof as well, so their performance won't be hindered by inclement weather, making them perfect for patios and decks.

The Mr. Beams Motion-Sensing (around $25) are equipped with photosensitive cells that allow them to turn on only when it's dark, thus saving power. Their compact design and neutral coloring enable them to pair with most decors, and they make great nightlights, too.

The Cloudy Bay Vertical (around $18) consumes only three watts of power and features a downward-facing LED bulb that illuminates the immediate area with an even spread of light, so sleepy wanderers won't be blinded as they make their way to the bathroom in the middle of the night.