One factor for a thoughtful outdoor landscape lighting design is beam angle! Taking into account beam angles can ensure that key outdoor features are accentuated, ambiance is enhanced, and functionality is maximized.
In this week's blog, learn how to effectively choose the right beam angles to create effective and stunning outdoor landscape lighting setups for your clients.
What is Beam Angle?
The beam angle of a light is the angle at which light is emitted from a light fixture such as up lights or downlights. Beam angles are measured in degrees and can vary.
Choosing the right beam angle is important when designing or installing an outdoor landscape lighting system. A light’s beam angle is important because it can determine how focused or diffused the light will be. This will influence the overall ambiance of the outdoor space and its functionality.
Common Beam Angles and Their Applications for Landscape Lighting
In outdoor landscape lighting, there are 3 types of beam angles. These beam angles have their own applications and play a role in creating a unique outdoor environment.
● Narrow Beams
Light angles that are between 10-30 degrees would be considered narrow. They have a concentrated beam of light that is great for enhancing an outdoor feature’s texture and depth. Narrow beam angles can also create drama and put focus on specific features or areas like entryways or walkways.
They are most popular for accent lighting and highlighting small and narrow focal points. Ideal features to illuminate with narrow beam angles include statues, sculptures, trees, or architectural features like columns or chimneys.
● Medium Beams
Medium beam angles are between 30 and 60 degrees. They offer lighting that is in between focused and diffused lighting. Because of this feature, medium beam angles are more versatile than narrow beam angles and can illuminate medium-sized areas or be used for general-purpose lighting.
Use medium beam angles for pathways, medium-sized trees, seating areas, home facades, and between windows.
● Wide Beams
Beam angles that are between 60 and 120 degrees are considered wide. They provide broad and uniform lighting for large, expansive areas. They can ensure even coverage of light and avoid any dark spots.
They give a big outdoor space nice ambient lighting and also help to evenly distribute light and reduce shadows. Patios, large trees, lawns, and walls benefit the most from wide beam angles.
Find the Right Fixtures at LightChain
Understanding beam angles is essential to creating an outdoor landscape lighting system that is effective and tailored to your individual client needs. Knowing how to apply them will enable you to successfully illuminate the beauty of outdoor spaces. You can also play around with different beam angles to achieve the perfect harmony of light for every outdoor landscape lighting project.
Ready to shop for outdoor landscape lighting fixtures that can accommodate various beam angles? Log in or register for a free LightCh8in account now. You can find various outdoor landscape light fixtures, LED lamps, direct burial cable, and additional lighting accessories to complete any outdoor landscape lighting installation.