Technical Guide Beam Angle

Lighting Guide | Beam Angle

What is Beam Angle in lighting?

What is Beam Angle in lighting?

Beam angle is a fundamental concept in lighting that describes how light spreads from a lighting fixture or bulb. The Beam angle influences how light is directed and distributed in a room or area. It determines whether the light will be concentrated in a narrow spotlight, spread out for general illumination, or somewhere in between.


A wider beam angle spreads the light over a larger area, resulting in more uniform and diffuse illumination. However, because the light is distributed over a greater space, it may appear less intense in any specific spot. A narrower beam angle concentrates the light into a smaller area, creating a more intense and focused beam. This is excellent for accentuating specific objects or architectural details, as it enhances contrast and visual impact.

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Different and most common beam angles

Different beam angles are used to achieve various lighting effects, from spotlighting to general illumination and ambient lighting. Choosing the right beam angle is crucial to achieve the desired lighting outcome in your space.

  • Narrow Beam (<20°):
  1. A narrow beam angle produces a focused and concentrated light. It's ideal for spotlighting or highlighting specific objects or areas, creating sharp contrasts.
  • Medium Beam (20° to 40°):
  1. A medium beam angle provides a balance between spotlighting and general illumination. It's suitable for accentuating larger areas, such as tables or artwork.
  • Wide Beam (40° to 60°):
  1. A wide beam angle offers broader coverage, making it suitable for general illumination. It evenly lights up larger spaces or rooms.
  • Diffuse Beam (>120°):
  1. A diffuse beam angle scatters light in many directions. It's often used for indirect lighting or creating effects like soft pools of light, enhancing ambiance.

A CRI of 95 o higher for highlighting Artwork

Why is Beam Angle Important?


Understanding beam angles is crucial for efficient and effective lighting in your home. It's like finding the perfect balance to evenly illuminate your room's floor area. For typical residential spaces, a medium beam angle of 40° to 60° works well, with slight adjustments based on room size and purpose. Larger living rooms benefit from wider angles above 60°, while smaller areas like dressing rooms do well with narrower angles around 25°. Additionally, choosing a lower or narrower beam angle can add style and ambiance to specific areas, allowing you to create cozy or dramatic lighting effects as needed.

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