Abstract: The present invention provides an illuminating surface, e.g. a floor or wall tile, that includes an array of identical circuits (G, K, H, L) that can each be connected to a power source /14). The surface emits light in the presence of an object touching or in close proximity to the surface. Each circuit includes a sensor (12), e.g. a pressure switch, for detecting the presence of the object; at least one light source (20) that is illuminated when the sensor of that circuit detects the presence of the object. The circuits control the illumination of the light sources (20) such that the light sources remains illuminated for a time after its associated sensor (12) has ceased to detect the presence of the object.