Where To Use Lights With Wider Beam Angles?

We all need the right kind of lighting for our homes and workplaces. But choosing the right type of lighting requires more than just considering the brightness, functionality, and efficiency of the light. If we want to maximize the lighting in our homes and offices, we should consider another aspect of choosing the right lighting: beam angle. So what exactly is the beam angle, and what is its role and importance in choosing the ideal lighting to meet your requirements? Here's everything you need to know about beam angle and its primary impact on your lighting needs.

Beam angle explained

Virtually every light source - from the simplest candle to an LED light - has a beam angle. Basically, the beam angle is a measurement of the light distribution. Just to give you a better idea: A standard light bulb will have a beam of about 360 degrees, which means that the light coming from it will be around that area, but not very intense. Certain types of lighting will have a narrower beam angle than others, resulting in more intense lighting, and this includes downlights. These lights typically have a beam of about 40 degrees or so, with a beam angle of no more than the industry standard of 5 degrees.

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Facts about choosing a light with a wider beam angle

If you choose a light with a wider or wider beam angle, you will not necessarily benefit from a brighter light - you will only benefit from more diffuse light. Although the intensity of the beam will increase, the brightness will remain the same. Brightness is measured in lumens, while intensity is measured in candela. One aspect you should keep in mind is that if you choose a wider beam angle, the light from it will not be as intense, and the center of the beam will not reach as far. By choosing the right beam angle, the lighting can have a greater impact on the room.

Another fact you should know is that it's not just about wider or narrower beams - the distance from one light to another also has an impact. If you choose four lights with 40-degree beams and place them two meters apart in a room, you may end up with a dark, dim area in the middle of the room. You might think, "Well, I'll install lights with wider beams." But this solution doesn't always work either. Even if you install four 60-degree beam lights in the room, you may still have that dark, unlit area in the middle. So what's the solution? It's simple: Instead of using just four downlights, increase the number of downlights to nine to have better light uniformity.

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Where to use lights with wider beam angles

If you choose a light with a narrower beam angle (as small as 25 degrees, for example), call it a spotlight. If you choose a lamp with a wider beam angle (about 60 degrees), you call it flood lighting. So now, the big question is: Where is the best place to use lights with different beam angles?

Well, first, think of a lounge area. A lounge area is perfect for wider beam angles because the area doesn't need to be too bright - the usual tasks performed in a lounge area include tasks like watching TV, relaxing or reading, so you don't need too much bright lighting to be focused or intense. On the other hand, narrower beams (about 25 degrees) are often better suited for rooms with high ceilings, such as a library or study. For all other rooms in your home or office, a beam angle between 35 and 45 degrees is usually appropriate, but it also depends on the spacing of the lights and their application.

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Which Light to choose?

In fact, the best type of light you can choose with the right beam angle is an LED downlight. These types of lights not only have a standard 40-degree beam angle - they are now available in a wider range of beams, including 60 degrees.

If you have a large room that you want to properly illuminate with the correct beam angle, choose a lamp with a 60-degree beam angle. While a wider angle won't give you as much intense light, the light will be more evenly distributed throughout the room. In addition, if you choose a downlight with a 60-degree beam and higher lumens, you won't have to install as many downlights in that particular room. The room already has a more uniform look.

Keep in mind, however, that some rooms may not be suitable for lighting with a 60-degree beam angle, while others may be suitable for lighting with a 40-degree beam angle. The key is to make sure the room is lit with uniformity and symmetry. The room should have no dark areas and no areas that are too hot.