Choosing the right beam angle in lighting design
With so many beam angles out there, it can be confusing to pick the perfect one. Angles affect how light is spread, therefore affecting how objects appear under the lights. Smaller beams deliver very focused light, so they’re ideal for highlighting smaller spots, while wider beams are better for illuminating a bigger area, like a large canopy tree.
What is a beam angle?
In lighting, a beam angle is an angle at which the light spreads. The smaller the angle, the tighter and more intense the light beam will be. And for wider angles, the more diffused and spread out the beam will be.
Why are beam angles important?
Beam angles matter because they determine how many lights are needed in a space, affecting the end result. Of course, it varies from project to project, but it’s common to have a variety of angles, especially in landscape lighting, so a one size fits all approach is usually not the way to go. Different areas require different light solutions. Using a spot beam on a large tree, for instance, will look completely different from a wide beam on that same tree. The thin, or spot, beam will only highlight a small part of the trunk or the leaves, while the wide beam will show the whole tree in all of its glory; the broad and diffused light will illuminate a lot more than its thinner counterpart, displaying the tree in its natural beauty.
What are different types of beam angles?
Beam angles can be categorized in two different ways: by family (beam size name) and by angle (angle range).
1. Spot: 5° – 18°
2. Narrow: 18° – 30°
3. Narrow Flood: 30° – 60°
4. Flood: 60° – 90°
5. Wide Flood: 90° – 120°
6. Elliptical: 5° – 20° + 90° – 180°
As if with any other project, choosing the correct beam angle for any landscape lighting project depends on the individual needs and what the end result should look like. Rio Tinto offers an array of luminaires with customizable beam angles so projects can look and feel the best it can. This breakdown of beam angles is a guide to assist any who may need help during the specification process of a project.
Which Beam Angle should you Choose?
Finally, we have covered all the basics of beam angles in lighting, and we can now move on to selection. Your choice of beam angle depends on the lighting application. The two most common categorizations of lighting styles and, thus, beam angle choice are residential and commercial buildings.
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