What is the Best Beam Angle for Downlights?

Do you find yourself asking "What is the best beam angle for downlights?" If so, this practical guide will help you better understand the subject.

You probably already know that adequate and appropriate lighting is an important aspect of any home or office space. But did you know that downlights come in a range of different beam angles?

All light sources, from light bulbs to small candles, have beam angles. When it comes to setting the mood of a room, the beam angle is just as important, if not more important, than the color temperature emitted by the downlight.

The beam angle is a measure of how light is emitted or distributed from a light source. Unlike downlights that have different beam angle ranges, regular bulbs can have a 360-degree beam angle.

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Most LED and recessed downlights have a fairly narrow 40-degree beam. In the industry, anything within 5 degrees is the standard. When you choose a downlight with a wider beam angle, you don't get any extra light, it just spreads farther. The brightness measured in lumens stays the same, while the intensity of the beam measured in candela increases.

The only drawback to wider beam angles is the lower intensity. Because of the many types and styles of bulbs available, beam angles vary widely. For simplicity's sake, most manufacturers divide their products into two categories - spots and floods.

Spots

Spots are bulbs with relatively narrow beam angles - between 45 and 60 degrees. They create an intense ring of light known as a hot spot, which is small in diameter and remains bright over long distances. They are used primarily where light distribution needs to be limited or where precise placement is required. A common use is for feature lighting, where attention is focused on a specific object (such as a picture or decorative object).

Floods

They are bulbs with a wider beam angle (90 degrees and above). As the name implies, they do the exact opposite of spotting. Their purpose is to flood an area with evenly distributed light. This makes them a better choice for general lighting and helps soften the appearance of shadows. Wide beam angles also mean they can be spaced farther apart, reducing the number of fixtures needed to effectively illuminate a room.

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Different beam angles for downlights

With the rapid advancement of technology, you can choose from a wide range of beam angles. GU10 LEDs and LED downlights are available in a variety of beam angles. Wide beam angles such as 60 degrees are becoming more and more popular. The most popular options for buyers today are 40 or 60-degree beams, followed by narrow 25-degree beams. Our favorite 40-degree beam downlight is the warm white 10W dimmable LED downlight. The following are the most common lamp angle ranges.

15 degrees

A downlight with a 15 degree beam angle provides a focused light, which is essential for accent lighting. If you want to direct light onto objects such as artwork, pottery, plants and memorabilia, a downlight with a 15-degree beam angle provides the most focused light. By providing focused and intense lighting, it helps create a dazzling atmosphere in your room.

25 degrees

A narrower beam of 25 degrees can also provide intense light. It is excellent for illuminating surfaces and emphasizing small details in a room. It is often used in kitchens or rooms with high ceilings (i.e. study rooms or libraries). If you have more than 9 feet of space between the floor and the ceiling, a 25-degree downlight can give you a magnificent beam of light. This beam is also called a "spot".

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36 degrees

A downlight with a 36-degree beam angle is perfect for offices and rooms in your home. However, it also depends on the application and the spacing of the light. Because it provides a softer, more normal light, it is ideal for use in domestic household ceiling appliances. An excellent 36-degree downlight is the matte white single 10W LED dimmable LED downlight, which is also considered to be one of the best reading lights.

60 degrees

This beam angle is perfect for large spaces and is becoming increasingly popular. Although it covers a large area, it does not provide much more light. Nevertheless, it spreads the light further and is highly recommended for soft diffuse lighting. A 60-degree beam angle is perfect for use in living rooms. It is also known as a floodlight and is suitable for standard ceiling heights.

120 degrees

A downlight with a beam angle of 120 degrees is a good choice if you only want to install a few downlights in a room but still get the lighting you need.

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