Landscape Lighting Explained

Broadly defined, landscape lighting refers to any type of light fixture designed for use in outdoor spaces. It can serve a range of purposes, from aesthetic flair to safety and security. Different kinds of landscape lights exist to fulfill each of these applications, including up lights, down lights, step lights, garden lights, string lights, and floodlights and spotlights, which we'll discuss in further detail below.
 

Floodlights and Spotlights: What's the Difference?

The dead giveaway between the two is evident in their names; floodlights flood spaces with light, while spot lights focus on a single spot.

Floodlights are typically used outdoors as a form of security lighting, or to illuminate large outdoor areas. They spread light over a wide area and can be mounted on walls and ceilings, or even placed directly into ground for landscape illumination.

Spotlights, on the other hand, are used to highlight particular objects. In an outdoor environment, they might be used to pick out a feature such as an architectural element or a sculpture. In interior applications, spotlights are often used in retail stores and museums to draw attention to items on display.

But aside from intended application, floodlights and spotlights can also be differentiated by two more-technical things: beam angle and throw distance. Read more about each below.

Beam Angle

Beam angle is defined as the spread of light that comes out of a lightbulb. It can be narrow or wide, with that factor determining how concentrated the power is.

Floodlights usually come with a beam angle between 45° and 120°. This is why they are often used for large-scale applications, as the light is broadly emitted and can cover a wide surface area. The only tradeoff is that the illumination will be somewhat dispersed and less powerful with a wide beam angle. Some manufacturers choose to compensate for this by designing their floodlights with higher wattages, but that inevitably makes them more electricity-consuming.

A spotlight's beam angle can range anywhere between 25° and 45°. Because this light is narrow and directional, it has a brighter effect overall. This means great visibility in a specific area with sharper shadows, but it comes at the expense of not being able to see surrounding areas as well.

Throw Distance

Throw distance is the measurable distance that light travels before it begins to dissipate. Wider lights dissipate faster and therefore do not travel as far. Spotlights that have narrow beams are able to travel longer distances as the light stays concentrated. The ultimate determinant of how large a throw distance either of these light types will have is directly related to the wattage. The higher the wattage, the stronger and further reaching its output will become.

How to Determine Whether a Floodlight or Spotlight Is Right for Your Home

Decisions, decisions. There's no single 'best' light for outdoor landscaping - it's a matter of context, with every situation having a unique set of factors to consider.

Other Special Considerations

Of course, there are some basic decisions that you'll have to make in either case when shopping for a lighting system. The first of these is bulb type.

Most products available today are either halogen or LED. Halogen lights are the most common type, as they have been around for a long time and provide good light output at an affordable price point. They use a bulb containing halogen gas, which is then heated up to create light. Halogen floodlights and spotlights are a good choice for larger outdoor areas, but they do not last as long and require more wattage than LED lights. LED is a newer technology that uses light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to produce bright light with much less wattage than halogen bulbs. They last longer and generally require less maintenance over time.

Another important factor that can make or break a purchase is quality. Whether you choose to go with a floodlight or spotlight, it will ultimately only ever be as good as the manufacturer behind it. While it can be tempting to go with the cheapest option available, avoid doing so and put product integrity first. Reputable brands back their products up with warranties and guarantees, ensuring your investment is worthwhile in the long run.

Can Floodlights and Spotlights Be Installed Together?

Yes! But with some basic considerations; there's no rule saying that floodlights and spotlights can't be used in the same space. In fact, you might find that they work really well together. The main thing to consider is the power of each light. If you're planning to use both floodlights and spotlights in your outdoor space, make sure that the wattage of each type does not exceed what your electrical system can handle. The installation process will also be slightly more involved when using both types of lights, so make sure you're ready for it.

It's important to think about how things will look visually, too. As contrasting elements, floodlights and spotlights can add a striking effect to your outdoor space. However, if you use too many of one type it may look disjointed or garish. Some people also assume that the more lights you have, the better. But it's actually the opposite. Putting multiple high-powered lights in the same space will actually wash out the effects of all your lights and potentially cause glare.

The great thing about landscape lighting is that it comes in endless shapes and sizes. Floodlights and spotlights are just two examples of this broad sea of options. If you're interested in exploring some more, why not check out Top Notch Landscape Lighting's collection? With a wide variety of products in all sorts of styles, you're sure to find something that suits your needs.