Outdoor Spotlights VS Outdoor Floodlights Which Is Better?

March 11, 2020 jake ovenden 0 Comment

Landscape gardening lighting is going to require all different types of lighting. Layered, security, accent, wall washing, etc. The two most common types of lights used for garden lighting are floodlights and spotlights. To create the best effect in your garden, you’re going to need both, and the look you want in your garden will determine the ratio of floodlights and spotlights you want. First, let’s take a look at what spotlights and floodlights are.

What Are Spotlights?

Spotlights are powerful lights that produce bright beams to highlight specific objects. Their beam is narrow and concentrated covering a specific area no more than 45°. Making the light easier to control and direct. They’re mainly used for art shows, theatres, and landscape lighting. Due to the fact they produce very strong light and can highlight objects well.

Using Outdoor Spotlights in The Garden

Using the directional light attributes of spotlights in your garden will make a huge difference to the look of your home. If your front or back garden contains plants, trees or any type of water feature they’re going to need a spotlight. However, each object is going to need slightly different spotlighting.

Trees or plants: Spotlighting a plant or tree is going to depend on 2 things: the size and location of the plant. For bigger plants or trees, aiming the spotlight at just under the crown of the tree or plant. The bigger the plant or tree is, the more lumens you will need from your spotlight. In terms of location, a plant that is on the edge of the garden and near a fence is going to need 1 or 2 spotlights illumining it. If the plant or tree is in the middle of the garden, it may need 3 or more spotlights to illuminate it from every angle.

Statues: Statues are going to need side lighting. It will bring out the details of the object and create a silhouette.  

Water features: Swimming pools can be illuminated from above and water fountains can be illuminated the same as statues.

What Is the Difference Between Floodlights & Spotlights?

It is true that spotlights and floodlights have similar functions, especially in the yard. But they do differ due to their beam and abilities. Floodlights have much wider beam angles and can illuminate much wider areas. Their beam isn’t so concentrated and can be used for wall washing or for security reasons. They’re better for illuminating the yard and being reactionary lights as oppose to spotlights that are used as static lights in the yard. They bring out the beauty of things while floodlights are generally more practical.

Which Is Better Spotlights or Floodlights?

One is not better than the other it just depends on how you want to light your yard. The most optimal lighting arrangement getting the right mix between aesthetic and practical would be a combination of both. Use the floodlight combined with a motion sensor to provide security and use your spotlights to accentuate the beauty of your home! The best garden lighting is layered and by adopting both floodlights and spotlights you can obtain the garden you want!