Beam Spread 101: How to Choose the Right Lighting Angle for Your Outdoor Fixtures

When planning your outdoor lighting system, one technical detail often determines whether your design looks professional or uneven: beam spread. This simple measurement controls how wide light shines from a fixture, shaping how your landscape appears at night.

At Sun Bright Lighting, we help homeowners and DIY installers understand the science behind lighting so they can create stunning results. Here’s a clear guide to understanding beam angles and choosing the right one for your outdoor spaces.


💡 What Is Beam Spread?

Beam spread is the angle at which light is distributed from a fixture, measured in degrees.

General ranges:

  • Spot Beam: 12°–25°

  • Medium Beam: 30°–50°

  • Flood Beam: 60°–120°

Different angles create different lighting effects — from narrow, dramatic highlights to wide, welcoming illumination.


🌲 Spot Beams (12°–25°): Focused & Dramatic

Spot beams create a tight, concentrated stream of light.

Perfect for:

  • Uplighting tall palm trees or oaks

  • Highlighting flagpoles or vertical features

  • Emphasizing statues or focal points

  • Creating dramatic nighttime shadows

Spot beams produce high contrast and depth, ideal for luxury landscapes and bold designs.


🏡 Medium Beams (30°–50°): Best All-Around Choice

Medium beams are the most commonly used beam spread because of their versatility.

Great for:

  • Pathway accents

  • Front entry uplighting

  • Illuminating medium-height trees

  • Garden wall washes

  • Architectural details

They offer smooth coverage without harshness — perfect for balanced outdoor lighting.


🌤 Flood Beams (60°–120°): Wide, Soft Coverage

Flood beams spread light broadly across large spaces.

Best for:

  • Siding, stucco, or stone facades

  • Large shrubs

  • Wide garden beds

  • Backyard entertaining areas

  • Patio or deck illumination

Flood beams create a soft, inviting nighttime environment that feels open and warm.


🎨 How to Select the Correct Beam Angle

✔ 1. Consider the size of the object

Taller or narrower objects need narrower beams.
Shorter or wider objects need wider beams.

✔ 2. Check distance from the fixture to the target

A fixture placed far from a tree needs a narrower beam to maintain brightness.

✔ 3. Match your lighting goals

Want drama? Choose narrow.
Want softness? Choose wide.

✔ 4. Use adjustable fixtures when in doubt

Sun Bright Lighting offers adjustable-beam fixtures so you can fine-tune your design.


⭐ Light with Confidence — Light with Sun Bright Lighting

Beam spread is one of the easiest ways to instantly improve your landscape lighting. Whether you want focused highlights or broad, even illumination, choosing the right angle makes all the difference.

🌟 Shop high-performance spotlights, floodlights, and adjustable-beam fixtures at SunBrightLighting.com — engineered for clarity, efficiency, and brilliant nighttime beauty.