What is beam angle?

What is beam angle, in simple terms?

The beam angle is simply a measurement, in degrees (°), of how light spreads out from a bulb. It determines the size of the cone of light that the fixture produces.

The easiest way to think about it is like the nozzle on a flashlight or a shower head. You can adjust a flashlight to produce a very narrow, intense beam to see something far away, or a very wide, soft light to see your immediate surroundings. The amount of light is the same, but the *effect* is totally different.

In lighting, it boils down to this simple rule:

• A narrow beam angle creates a focused, concentrated 'spot' of light.
• A wide beam angle creates a broad, spread-out 'flood' of light.

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The common beam angles and their uses

Choosing the right beam angle is all about deciding what you want your light to *do*. Do you want to draw attention to something, or do you want to light up a whole area?

Narrow beams (10° - 40°): for accent and drama

The effect: A tight, focused beam that creates high contrast and sharp shadows. It’s designed to make things stand out.

Best for: Highlighting a piece of art on the wall, a sculpture in a corner, or an architectural feature like a textured brick wall. It's also great for rooms with very high ceilings, as the focused beam ensures the light is still strong when it reaches the floor.

Medium beams (40° - 60°): the versatile all-rounder

The effect: A perfect middle ground. It provides a defined area of light that is still soft enough for general use. This is the most common and versatile choice.

Best for: General lighting in most rooms with standard ceiling heights, like living rooms and kitchens. Multiple spotlights with this angle will create overlapping cones of light that illuminate the space evenly without creating harsh spots or dark patches.

Wide beams (> 60°): for general and ambient light

The effect: A very broad, soft wash of light with gentle shadows. It’s designed to cover as much area as possible.

Best for: Rooms with lower ceilings, where you need the light to spread out quickly. It's also great for utility areas like laundry rooms, garages, or basements where you just want maximum, even coverage.

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A practical tip for choosing the right angle

A great rule of thumb is to consider your ceiling height.

• For standard ceilings (up to 2.8 meters), a medium to wide beam angle (like 40° or 60°) is usually best. This ensures the cones of light from your spotlights overlap nicely, creating an even layer of light without dark spots in between.
• For high ceilings (3 meters or more), you'll often need a narrower beam angle (like 38° or less). This keeps the light concentrated, so it's still bright and effective by the time it reaches the floor or the object you're trying to illuminate.

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It's all about the effect

So, there you have it. Beam angle is your secret weapon for controlling the style and atmosphere of your room. It's just as important as the brightness (lumens) and colour (kelvin) of your light.

The next time you're choosing spotlights, you can ask yourself the simple question: am I creating a focused 'spot' to highlight something beautiful, or a wide 'flood' to light up a whole space? Answering that will lead you to the perfect beam angle every time.

If you need help choosing the right spotlight for your project, the experts at Fixerio are always ready to help you create the perfect effect.