Modern Outdoor Spotlights & Floodlights
Landscape spotlights and flood lights direct light where it’s needed most. Spotlights produce a narrow, focused beam of light ideal for accenting trees, architecture, and focal points, while flood lights cast a wide, powerful spread of light for driveways, outdoor living spaces, and security.
Spot & Flood Lights Explore
Add Light Outside the Home with Spot Lights & Flood Lights
Outdoor spot lights and flood lights are great ways to highlight unique features of a landscape. They instantly add drama, creating fascinating shadows in trees and adding visual height to walls and architecture. While powerful and able to reach great heights, landscape spot lights and flood lights are usually low voltage, and they easily adjust so they can be pointed right where a splash of decorative light is most desired.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spot and Flood Lights
What is the difference between flood lights and spot lights?
Flood lights and spot lights differ mainly in the beam spread. Flood lights have a wider beam spread (typically around 40 to 120 degrees), illuminating larger areas, while spotlights produce a narrower, more focused beam of light (typically around 15 to 30 degrees) that highlights specific targets or features.
Where Outdoor Flood Lights Work Best
Appropriate for both the front and backyard, landscape spot lights and flood lamps are put to their best use at the base of large trees or pointed toward stonework. The light brings out textures and shapes one might not otherwise notice. When paired with other outdoor and landscape lighting, these spot lights will create a well-rounded lighting scheme and a welcoming presence in these locations.
Style: Are there any different types of styles for flood lights or spot lights?
Yes, both flood lights and spot lights come in various styles to match different architectural and design preferences. Styles range from modern and contemporary to traditional. Additionally, some models come with additional features like motion sensors or solar charging.
Spot Light & Flood Light Buying Guide
A Spot Light or Flood Light for Every Style
With any outdoor lighting fixture comes a variety of styles to choose from and these spot lights appeal to a number of exterior aesthetics. For traditional landscapes with heavy arborous areas, look to the spot lights and flood lights from Kichler to help create dramatic shapes and shadows. These options have flexible heads to rearrange and maneuver to any liking. Hinkley Lighting offers a multitude of contemporary and modern spot lights, with options that are simply placed in the ground with a stake. In-ground and recessed spot lights and outdoor LED flood lights are perfected by BEGA. These decorative LED fixtures combine elements of design with energy efficiency to really accent the landscape.
How to Choose the Best Spot & Flood Lights
First, determine the purpose of a spot light or flood light. Many of these landscape light fixtures featured directional heads, allowing for the light to be directed toward trees or other elements of a backyard. Directional spot lights can be used indoors and outdoors. In addition to wall spot lights, there are also plenty of in-ground and recessed well lights that can be used as a flood light or spot light. These options provide exceptional uplighting for trees, fountains, garden accents and signs (for commercial locations). With any outdoor light fixture, verify it is UL listed and safe for outdoor use. A damp or wet location rating is necessary for landscapes where the presence of water is inevitable. For use indoors, look to living room directional spotlights for a similar light output and display for the décor.
Placement: Where is the best place to install a flood light or spot light?
- Flood Lights are best placed in areas where broad lighting is needed, such as driveways, backyards, parking lots or building perimeters.
- Spot Lights are suited for highlighting specific objects, architectural features, garden elements, statues or pathways.
Wattage: What is the best wattage for a flood light or spotlight?
The ideal wattage for flood lights and spotlights varies based on the intended use and area coverage.
- For residential: spot lights and/or flood lights commonly are between 20 to 50 watts.
- For accenting features: spot lights and/or flood lights can be around 20 watts.
- For commercial spaces or large outdoor areas: spot lights and/or flood lights can range from 50 to 300 watts or more.
How many lumens are suggested for outdoor flood lights?
Lumens measure the light output, and the necessary amount depends on the application.
- For a Driveway or backyard: 700-1300 lumens
- For a Garden or side pathways: 100-200 lumens
Efficiency: Are flood lights or spotlights energy efficient?
The energy efficiency of flood lights and spotlights largely depends on the type of bulb or technology used. LED flood lights and spotlights are currently the most energy-efficient options available. They consume less power and last longer than traditional halogen or incandescent lights. Solar-powered variants are also energy-saving, as they rely on sunlight for power. When choosing lights, it's advisable to opt for LED models for better energy efficiency and longevity.
Other Considerations
In addition to an in-ground spot light or flood light, highlight outdoor areas that are closer to the ground with the help of path lights and bollard lights. These short path lights and bollards provide welcomed decorative character to the backyard while also creating safe, guiding light for dim pathways and walkways. Spot lights and outdoor flood lights are just one piece of a complete outdoor lighting scheme — consider adding outdoor sconces, deck lighting, flush mounts and post lights to bring outdoor lighting full circle. Lastly, pair any new outdoor and landscape fixtures with well-chosen pieces of furniture. For lounging, dining or as accent pieces, outdoor furniture is a necessity for a well-rounded space.
