How to Choose the Right Beam Angle?

When choosing new lighting, the beam angle of a lamp has a significant impact on how the light is distributed. This is especially true for recessed spotlights, where beam angles can vary greatly. In this blog, we explain more about beam angles and their applications, helping you make an informed decision when selecting the right beam angle!

What is a Beam Angle?

The beam angle—or radiation angle—of a lamp consists of all the light rays emitted from the light source and is measured in degrees. It is also commonly referred to as the opening angle of the lighting. Spotlights, for example, often have a very narrow beam angle ranging from 10 to 45 degrees. When you want to illuminate a specific surface, it's helpful to know the shape of the beam angle so you can anticipate how the light will be distributed once the lamp is installed.

Types of Beam Angles

There are different types of beam angles, each suited to a specific application. Narrowbeam angles are typically used to highlight a smallarea or add an accent. A good example would be a small spotlight illuminating a painting on a wall. In contrast, widerbeam angles are used to light up largerspaces. Ceiling lights, for instance, often have a broader beam angle.

Effects of the Beam Angle

The wider the beam angle, the larger the area it can illuminate. However, a widerbeam angle also means the light does not travel as far. This is why in rooms with high ceilings, very broad beam angles may not be ideal, as they can result in insufficient lighting on the work surface. In such spaces, it is often beneficial to include accent lighting for specific work areas, such as reading lights. The light intensity of a spotlight, in practice, is often different from that of a ceiling light, even if they emit the same number of lumens.

Which Beam Angle Should I Choose?

When selecting a light source, it is important to consider the beam angle. Before purchasing a light, think about where you will place it and what its purpose will be. If you need to illuminate a small and specificarea, choose a narrow beam angle (such as 10 degrees). If you need to light up an entire room, opt for one or multiple lamps with a wider beam angle. You can also combine different beam angles—using a wide beam for general room lighting and narrower beams to highlight specific areas or accents.