Exterior Spotlight

Directional outdoor light where you need it

Exterior spotlights aim a focused beam at a specific target — a facade feature, a tree, a driveway approach. Narrower than floodlights, more purposeful than wall lights.

When to use a spotlight rather than a flood or wall light

The difference is in the beam.

A floodlight throws broad, wide-angle light across a large area — security coverage, general driveway or back-garden illumination. See floodlights.

An exterior wall light gives ambient light near the fitting, usually with a relatively open beam.

An exterior spotlight aims a focused beam (typically 15–45°) at a specific target. Architectural features, garden focal points, driveway entrances, house signage — anywhere you want the eye drawn to something specific rather than the space generally lit.

Common applications

Architectural feature lighting — uplighting a front facade, a gable, stonework or a porch canopy. Creates a strong visual impression at night and adds kerb appeal.

Driveway and entrance marking — a spotlight either side of a gate or driveway entrance, aimed at the opposite post or a signage feature.

Tree and planting uplights — spike or ground-mounted spotlights aimed up into trees or large shrubs. For feature planting, also see landscape lighting.

Security accent — spotlights on gables or eaves aimed at entry points or side passages. Narrower beam than a floodlight, easier to aim precisely.

Fixed vs adjustable, and beam angles

Fixed-beam spotlights aim in a single direction set at install. Simpler, more weather-sealed (fewer moving parts), and the right choice once you know exactly where the light should go.

Adjustable head spotlights tilt within their housing, letting you aim after install. Useful for trial-and-error positioning and for situations where the target might change (growing planting, seasonal rearrangement of garden features).

Beam angles matter. A 15–24° narrow beam gives a concentrated spot for specific feature lighting. A 36–45° wider beam covers more area with less intensity — closer to a floodlight in effect. Product pages list the beam angle.

Materials, IP and power

Exterior spotlights must handle direct weather exposure in most positions. IP65 is the sensible minimum; IP67 suits ground-spike installations where splashing and direct rain are guaranteed. Powder-coated aluminium, stainless steel and solid brass are the durable material choices.

Most spotlights use integrated LEDs rather than replaceable bulbs — the sealed form gives better IP-rating and avoids ever having to change a bulb in an exposed outdoor position. Warm white (2700–3000K) works well for architectural and planting lighting; 4000K+ cool white reads better for security and driveway accent.

For hardwired spotlights, installation is an electrician job. Plug-in and solar spotlights also exist — see portable lighting for the plug-in range.

Frequently asked questions

What beam angle should I choose?

15–24° for narrow feature lighting (single trees, signage, statues). 36–45° for broader accent lighting (facades, larger planting areas, driveway coverage). If in doubt, go narrower — you can always widen the effect by moving the fitting further from the target.

What's the difference between a spotlight and a floodlight?

Spotlights have a narrow, focused beam aimed at a specific target. Floodlights have a wide beam for broad-area illumination. Use a spotlight when the light is accenting a specific feature; use a floodlight when the job is general coverage.

Can exterior spotlights have motion sensors?

Many models include PIR motion sensors — the light turns on when movement is detected, staying dark otherwise. Useful for security-focused spotlights on gables and over doorways. Decorative feature-lighting spots are usually always-on or on a dusk-till-dawn photocell instead.

Do I need an electrician to install a spotlight?

Yes for hardwired fittings. Outdoor wiring falls under Part P and buried cable runs have specific depth and protection requirements. Plug-in alternatives skip the wiring work if a weatherproof outdoor socket is nearby.