Different types of lights are available, and they vary from one another. Some are suitable for enhancing aesthetics, and others are ideal for illuminating outdoor spaces. Wall washers and flood lights are popular for outdoor lighting. Their popularity and even performance ignite the debate on wall washer light VS flood light for outdoor lighting.
Their selection for illuminating outdoor spaces can be confusing. Both of these lights offer excellent performance. The wall washer offers aesthetics, and the floodlight enhances brightness. Don’t be confused; this article will explain their key differences. After reading this article, you can decide which light is best for you.
Overview of Wall Washer Light & Flood Light for Outdoor Lighting
Wall washer lights create a consistent glow that is soft in its impact. They focus on aesthetics and are linear in shape. Conversely, flood lights produce brighter light (higher lumens) to illuminate outdoor spaces. They are generally square and mounted on light poles.
Wall washer lights put light on the wall at a wider angle. Their purpose is to create a smooth flow on the wall, highlighting its outlines. They are not about providing the right to higher brightness; instead, they make a softer impact. Generally, LED lights are used in these lighting setups because they consume less energy. These lights fall in the decorative lighting category.
On the other hand, floodlights are very common. They illuminate larger outdoor spaces with even brightness. They don’t enhance the aesthetics but improve the brightness of different areas or spacing. For security purposes, you might see these flood lights on larger building parking lots or exteriors. They also use LED lights but produce higher brightness.
Wall Washer Light VS Flood Light for Outdoor Lighting
There are differences between wall washers and flood lights. These distinctions make them more or less suitable for use in outdoor lighting. Understanding their differences will help you determine how to illuminate your outdoor spaces. So, let’s dig down!
1- Lights Intensity
The intensity of light plays a crucial role in outdoor lighting. It is measured in lumen and is defined as the amount of light emitted by a specific light source. Light with a higher lumen will be brighter, and vice versa. The exterior wall wash lighting does not offer lights with higher brightness. They produce a smooth glow and a dim or soft accent.
On the other hand, floodlights produce very bright light with higher lumens. These lights can easily illuminate more space evenly. Therefore, flood lights are suitable if you want to illuminate the outdoor space evenly. They will help keep the outdoor area secure and brighter for security purposes.
2- Beam Angle & Purpose
The beam angle indicates the light’s spread at a specific degree or angle. The wall washer lights produce lights with a wider angle. It means that lights spread out on the vertical walls. One wall washer light will be able to illuminate the wall and its outlines. On the other hand, flood lights come with a narrow beam of light.
They may not spread to a broader range of areas. However, their light is very intense and brighter. So they can easily make your outdoor spaces exceptionally brighter. The beam angle defines the purpose of these lights. The wall washer lights are suitable for a more subtle effect. They are appropriate when you want to improve the aesthetics of outdoor spaces.
However, these lights do not perform well when you need more light. On the other hand, flood lights with narrow-angle produce sharp light. Their focus is more concentrated and brightens the area more effectively. They are more useful for parking lots, parks, security areas, sports stadiums, and construction sites.
3- Aesthetics and Feel
The wall wash landscape lighting creates even depth and glow. These lights can even produce light of different colors that look smooth, gentle, and soft. Their depth can further enhance the appearance of outdoor spaces. Moreover, their lighting source does not remain visible, improving their feel.
On the other hand, the floodlights are more inclined towards practicality. They produce sharp, bright light with higher lumen. However, their aesthetics are pleasant, which is a big drawback. Moreover, their lights are more prominent, which makes them look bad. However, they are ideal for illuminating outdoor space for security and other purposes.
4- Shape Size and Durability
The wall washer lights are linear. Tiny LED lights generally stay in line with each other. Their elongated shape makes them more compact and sleek. On the other hand, the floodlights are square or rectangular. Their usage is more evident as they remain visible.
On the other hand, the wall washer lights don’t remain visible. The floodlights are generally bulky. They are very robust and can easily sustain bad weather and rainy conditions. The wall washer lights are typically sensitive and less strong than the floodlights. Their benefit is they decorate the outdoor space and improve the aesthetics.
5- Mounting Location & Light Distribution
The wall washer lights are generally installed near the walls. They are directed towards the wall so that their lights spread on the vertical surface. Typically, their position is at the base of the wall or the ceiling near the wall (if there is any). These lights don’t require long poles for their installation. Their light distribution is smooth and wide, creating a wash effect on the walls.
The floodlights are generally mounted on higher points. Those can be poles, rooftops, walls,s or custom-made fixtures. These lights are directed downward to ensure their light illuminates the ground level. Moreover, their spread is generally narrow and illuminates a specific area. However, their light is very bright instead of being soft or subtle.
6- Cost & Affordability
The prices of these outdoor lights vary depending on their size. A small light will be inexpensive, and vice versa. These lights use LED bulbs, which consume less energy, reducing electricity costs. Generally, floodlights are less costly than wall wash lighting setups. The reason is that flood lights have a simple design.
They don’t have much installation cost as well. The wall washer lights are complex in shape. Manufacturers have to add different elements to improve their colors and aesthetics. Their installation requires precise positioning to ensure the lights create the wall effect. All these factors make the all wash lighting setup more costly.
Conclusion: Which Light is Best for Outdoor Lighting?
Floodlights are suitable for outdoor spaces such as parks, stadiums, and parking lots. They are even helpful if you put them on the exterior side of your main gate. They create brighter light, secure the area, and avoid theft-related accidents. Moreover, they are inexpensive, which makes them even superior choices.
That answer is for those who want to illuminate outdoor spaces. However, these lights are not suitable for decorating outdoor areas. In such a case, you’ll need wall washer lights, as they create a balance of soft glow and depth. Your wall will look smooth and elegant at night.
However, these wall wash lights do not offer intense light, so they do not effectively illuminate the area. You may not see anything from a distance, but the glow and charm are. Their prices are also high, which is a drawback. Finally, it comes down to your needs and budget. If you want a budget-friendly solution for illuminating outdoor spaces, go with flood light.