Spotlights and floodlights are two popular types of outdoor lighting, but what exactly are the differences between them? Spotlights are typically used to highlight specific objects or details like wall art or architectural features, while floodlights illuminate larger areas with even light coverage like parking lots, warehouses, stages, and driveways. In this article, you’ll learn about the benefits of each type of lighting and how you can use them to create the right amount of light in your outdoor space.
What are spotlights?
A spotlight is a lamp with a reflector behind and in front of it, which directs its light forward. An example would be a desk lamp that has an adjustable ‘spot’ on its beam. Allowing you to focus a sharp ray from side to side. The beam from a spotlight can be moved up and down or back and forth by adjusting its arc or angle. When there is more than one spotlight in your home. You can change their direction by aiming them separately so as to create different effects and illuminate specific areas. Such as sculpture or particular paintings. When installed at intervals around walls and ceilings, spotlights provide focused illumination on architectural details such as molding or carving. While also adding accent lighting to smaller items like lamps or artworks hung nearby.
What are flood lights?
Flood lights (also called wide beam, broad beam, or throw lights) are used in areas that need more even lighting, like warehouses, parking lots, or any other area where you’re lighting a large area. They’re not typically used as spotlights in homes because they have a wide coverage area rather than a more targeted spotlight effect. They illuminate an entire room with one light source and are especially good for illuminating large objects (like trees).
Spotlight vs floodlight – Which should you choose?
Deciding between a spotlight or a floodlight for your outdoor lighting needs can be difficult; there are so many types to choose from! Luckily, each type has its own benefits that make it useful in certain situations. A spotlight is more like an area light—it casts a narrow beam that’s focused, just like when you look into a flashlight. It shines brightly in one direction and doesn’t provide good coverage to surrounding areas. However, spotlights are ideal for highlighting specific features or items in your yard, like display objects or wall art. If you want to illuminate large areas like driveways, stages, warehouses, parking lots, or any other area that needs wide even light coverage go with a floodlight.
What are the applications for spotlights and flood lights?
Before buying a spotlight or floodlight for your home, it’s a good idea to make sure that you have questions that need answering. If you’re considering bright lights for exterior lighting, be sure to ask: How much light do I need? Is my house too dark at night? What effect am I looking to achieve (reduce crime, increase curb appeal, etc.)? How will I install these fixtures and how much work is involved? Does my current wiring support a new light installation? What kind of bulb works best with these lights and where can I find them? Do spotlights or flood lights offer better visibility than older-style light fixtures? Etc. Etc.
