Beam Spread Calculator
Step 1: Distance from Object
How many feet away is the light placed from the wall or tree?
Example: Lights are usually set 2 to 3 feet back from a house wall.
Step 2: Choose Your Degree
Check your bulb or fixture specs for the "Beam Angle" (e.g., 35°, 60°).
The Lighting Design Guide
To avoid "scalloping" (dark triangles between lights), professionals aim for a 33% overlap of light beams. This creates a smooth, continuous wash of light across the surface rather than isolated circles.
Use 15° to 35° for tall, narrow objects like columns or palms. Use 60° or wider for ranch-style homes or low retaining walls where you want the light to spread horizontally.
The further you move a light away from a wall, the wider and softer the beam becomes. If a wall looks too "harsh," try pulling the fixture back 12 inches rather than changing the bulb.
Placing a light 6" from a stone wall and aiming up is called Grazing—it highlights texture. Placing it 3 feet back is Washing—it flattens the surface and hides imperfections.
Featured Collection
Describe your featured collection here
