Giving spot bulbs the 3rd degree
Here’s our quick guide to spot bulb beam angles and why it might matter to you.
~38 degree
Halogen spot bulbs such as GU10 and MR16 bulbs traditionally had a beam angle of approx 38 degrees. This gives a very bright pool of light on the floor, but darker areas around that area. This might give just the effect you are looking for, maybe even just for lighting a particular area or item.
If so, then you might consider one of these options:
60 degree
‘Wide angle’ or ‘flood’ halogen spot bulbs are 60 degree which is a good middle option giving a very good amount of light where you direct it to without giving very dark patches in other places.
If this sounds like the option you need then try one of these:
100+ degree
Halogen bulbs never really had this option, but if you want to properly flood an area with light and eliminate annoying shadows then choose a bulb with a 100+ degree beam angle. LED bulbs are very good at this and handily the cluster versions are often the cheapest LED option.
Try one of these:
- GU10 LED 3W Cluster Lamp (equivalent to 35w halogen)
- L1/GU10 LED 3W Lamp (equivalent to 50w halogen)
- GU10 4.5W LED (SMD) Warm White
- Dimmable GU10 4.5W LED (SMD) Warm White
Don’t forget, many of the above bulb options are also available in daylight white as well as warm white – and if you are having trouble selecting the right option, try our GU10 LED bulb chooser.
