A Spotlight on Spotlights

Just like the hero on the stage, spotlights produce a strong beam in order to highlight your favourite areas in the room. This form of lighting originated back in the 1800s; specific illuminations were used to provide a sharp, controlled shaft of light in crowded theatres. Lime lights, arc lamps and electric baby lenses were among the first versions of our modern-day spotlights. Today, technology allows us to freely install this lighting equipment in different illumination strengths and sizes, anywhere in the home.

What are spotlights for, anyway?

Spotlights are mainly used for accent lighting. It comes equipped with a strong light source and is attached to a device that changes the intensity of its beam. Its lens is focused on a particular area and unlike other lighting, the angle of the beam can be adjusted through the spotlight's iris. These attributes make a spotlight the perfect choice for highlighting centrepieces and artworks in the home.

Other than its indoor use, spotlights can also be used outdoors. It is a favourite item by landscaping artists, due to the fact that it can showcase specific architectural features of the home during the night. Spotlights create the right amount of illumination and homeowners can selectively apply this lighting to create various visual accents. Spotlights work nicely on columns, second stories and even tree canopies in the garden.

Here are some tips on how to utilize spotlights on these sections:

• Tall columns can use a narrow beam of 12 degrees to emphasize its height. Use wider-angled spotlights for shorter columns. Install spotlights at the bottom for the best effect.
• Second-story spotlights reveal the architectural structure of your home under the night sky. The lights will be either attached to the upper eaves, or stationed on the ground aimed upwards.
• Small and medium trees require one spotlight, but large and wide trees may need two. Position the light in an angle where it can illuminate the canopy.
• Gazebos can make use of spotlights in two ways; either from within, or from without. Patios and decks can be beautifully lit from the surface.

What is the difference between spotlights and floodlights?

Technically, floodlights and spotlights do the same thing: to accentuate a specific corner. However, spotlights have narrower beams, usually ranging below 50 degrees, making it useful for focusing on one specific item at a time. Floodlights, on the other hand, shed a wide range of light for up to 120 degrees.

How do you choose your spotlight?

Consider your spotlight brightness--this can be conveniently measured through the lumens indicated for the bulb. 300-400 lumens per square metre falls in the recommended ambient lighting level indoors. A greater number is required if you're using the spotlight outdoors.

You should also look at the beam angle. Narrow angles are used for small surfaces, such as a painting on the wall. Wider angles light a larger area. If the latter is the case, you might want to consider floodlights as an alternative; these lights offer the same amount of lumens and wattage for a greater coverage.

Other than its illuminating factors, you may also want to consider the decorative aspect of your spotlight. Here are some of our favourites:

We love this polished copper look that fits in most homes with a hint of modern rustic charm.

Tastefully classic, this LED spotlight can be angled in many different ways to accentuate your home’s best corners.

White is bright. This cute charmer is a perfect accompaniment to your Scandinavian-inspired loft. Use this as a task lighting to your doorway and keep your entrance well-lit.

This chic, black spotlight comes with an adjustable arm and fits perfectly with your track lighting

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