When you’re designing an outdoor lighting plan, understanding the difference between flood lights and spotlights is essential. Both serve unique purposes, and knowing when and where to use each can transform your landscape’s aesthetic and functionality.
Whether you’re illuminating a garden, driveway, or architectural feature, choosing the right type of lighting enhances security, visibility, and ambiance.
What Are Flood Lights in Landscape Lighting?
Flood lights provide wide-angle illumination, typically spreading light over a large area. They are designed to cast a broad beam, usually between 45 to 120 degrees, making them ideal for covering expansive spaces. Use flood lights for the following applications:
Security Lighting: Flood lights are commonly used for security lighting, deterring trespassers and increasing safety.
Driveways & Parking Areas: The wide reach of flood lights ensures that large spaces remain well-lit and visible at night.
Outdoor Entertaining Areas:Patios, decks, and backyard gathering spaces benefit from broad illumination for safety and ambiance.
Signage & Building Exteriors: Businesses and homeowners use flood lights to highlight signage or architectural details.
What Are Spotlights in Landscape Lighting?
Spotlights provide a narrow, focused beam of light, usually less than 45 degrees. They are used to highlight specific landscape elements with precision, creating dramatic and intentional lighting effects.
Best uses for spotlights include:
Highlighting Trees & Plants: Spotlights can showcase the beauty of individual trees, shrubs, or garden features.
Accent Lighting for Architecture: Spotlights add depth to homes, statues, and pillars by creating dramatic shadows and highlights.
Pathway & Stair Lighting: Used at strategic points, spotlights help improve navigation and safety.
Flagpole & Fountain Illumination: Their focused beam ensures important features stand out even from a distance.
Key Differences: Spotlight vs Flood Light
Understanding the difference between spotlights and flood lights is important for setting the right mood. Knowing when and where to use each type helps create a well-balanced and effective lighting setup. For a quick reference, check out the chart below.
Feature
Flood Lights
Spotlights
Beam Angle
45-120 degrees
Less than 45 degrees
Light Spread
Wide coverage
Narrow, focused coverage
Best for
Large areas, security
Highlighting features
Common Uses
Driveway downlighting, patios, signage
Trees, pathways, architecture
Spot vs Flood Light: Which Should You Choose?
When it comes to deciding between spotlights and flood lights, your choice depends on what you need to illuminate and the effect you want to achieve.
Flood Lights: If your goal is to increase visibility and security, flood lights are the best choice.
Spotlights: If you want to draw attention to specific landscape features, spotlights will provide a focused, dramatic effect.
Flood lights and spotlights each serve an important purpose in outdoor lighting. Knowing the difference helps you choose the right ones to enhance your yard’s look, safety, and usability. Strategically using both types can create a beautiful nighttime landscape while also improving security and visibility.
Need the right lighting for your outdoor project? Check out our wide selection of flood lights and spotlights to bring your landscape vision to life!
FAQs for Spotlights vs Flood Lights
What is the difference between a spot light and a flood light?
Spotlights have a narrow beam angle, usually less than 45 degrees, to highlight specific features such as trees or architectural details. Flood lights have a wider beam, ranging from 45 to 120 degrees, providing broad illumination for larger areas such as driveways and patios.
What are the three types of spotlights?
The three main types of spotlights used in landscape lighting are bullet lights, well lights, and wash lights. Bullet lights offer a strong, focused beam for highlighting details; well lights are recessed into the ground for subtle uplighting; and wash lights provide a softer glow for illuminating walls or hedges.
What is the best outdoor flood light?
The best outdoor flood light depends on your needs. LED flood lights are the most energy-efficient and long-lasting. Look for options with high lumens, a durable weatherproof design, and motion sensors or dusk-to-dawn features for added convenience.
Join our Insider list and check out the different lighting options that we have to offer.
Shed Even More Light on Savings.
Sign up for exclusive offers and insight into what’s new for Lighting Warehouse. Elevate your outdoor lighting today!
By inputting your email, you agree to receive recurring promotional emails to which you may unsubscribe at your discretion.
Easy-Install Kits
Uplights
Path & Walkway Lights
Flood & Wall Wash Lights
Hardscape Lights
Step Lights
Outdoor Deck Lights
Outdoor Bulbs
RGBW Color Lights
Downlights
Underwater Lights
Bistro String Lights
Holiday Decorations
In-Ground Well Lights
Transformers
Accessories
Solar Lights & Portables
Specialty Lights
Bollard Lights
Tape Lights
120V Landscape Lighting
Dark Sky Approved Lights
Connectors
Wire & Cable
Timers & Control Devices
