Outdoor lighting offers many options for illuminating an outdoor space. Lighting color temperature, CRI, lumens, outdoor lighting fixtures are just some of the factors that go into determining the effects of lighting. Another factor is the type of lenses used in a lighting fixture. A couple of popular lenses in outdoor lighting are clear lenses and frosted lenses.
This week’s blog post will explore the differences, properties, and applications of clear lenses and frosted lenses in outdoor lighting.
What are Clear Lenses?
Clear lenses are transparent and are usually the standard lens used in most outdoor landscape lighting fixtures. These lenses are made from glass or polycarbonate and have a transparent cover. This construction allows for maximum transmission of light.
The light emitted using these lenses is sharp and strong. They usually have a higher lumen output, which allows for maximum efficiency.
A drawback to clear lenses is that without careful consideration, they can cause glare and cast sharp shadows. This effect might not be desirable in certain situations such as lighting a path or using a fixture that doesn’t have a glare guard.
What are Frosted Lenses?
Frosted lenses are opaque. They produce a uniform, diffused light, which makes it softer and more comfortable to look at. Frosted lenses are also made from glass or polycarbonate, but they have a frosted film sleeve over them to diffuse the light. This frosted film helps to reduce harshness and creates a more even illumination.
There’s a reduction of glare and shadows are softened when using frosted lenses. However, the light coming from frosted lenses is less brighter than the light coming from clear lenses.
Applications for Clear Lenses and Frosted Lenses
Applications for clear lenses and frosted lenses differ as they each offer unique lighting effects. Knowing how clear and frosted lenses work will help decide the best placement for them in an outdoor space.
Clear lenses offer a brighter, sharper light. The light coming from clear lenses is also intense and direct. Applications that require this kind of lighting include those that need task lighting. For example, an outdoor kitchen is a place where bright light is necessary. Clear lenses are also great to accentuate an outdoor space’s focal points, like a tall tree or statute.
Frosted lenses are preferred in environments where there’s a need to reduce glare and softer light is required. Place outdoor light fixtures with frosted lenses around areas such as pathways, staircases, patios, and garden beds. The light emitted from frosted lenses will produce even lighting, reduce accidents, give a cozy ambiance, and can highlight features.
Determine the purpose of the lighting first before deciding which lens is the right one.
Which Lens is Best for Outdoor Lighting?
The outdoor space will determine which lens, clear or frosted, is best for outdoor lighting. A variety of different outdoor fixtures have both clear and frosted lenses available. Clear lenses and frosted lenses have their own advantages, disadvantages, and specific applications. How an outdoor space is used, how much light is required, design aesthetics, and how big the space is are all factors that determine the better lens.
The appropriate lens, whether clear or frosted, will ensure that the functional and aesthetic needs of the outdoor space are met.
LightCh8in: One-Stop Shop for Everything Outdoor Lighting
The illumination from outdoor lights will have a huge impact on the property’s ambiance. Clear lenses and frosted lenses offer unique advantages and disadvantages. The preferable choice depends on the purpose for the lighting and the outdoor space.
Log in or register for a free LightCh8in account today. Choose between clear or frosted lenses for a variety of our outdoor lighting fixtures. Transform any outdoor space into a magical, nighttime environment with high-quality outdoor landscape lighting fixtures, LED bulbs, direct burial cable, and more only at LightCh8in.