This lighting scallops visualization helps you preview how offset from the wall and beam angle affect wall appearance before finalizing a lighting layout.
What Lighting Scallops Are and Why They Matter
Scallops are not always a mistake. In some designs they are intentional. But uncontrolled scalloping usually makes walls look uneven and poorly planned.
- Strong scallops can distract the eye.
- Uneven patterns highlight wall imperfections.
- Clean interiors usually require smoother wall lighting.
How Offset From the Wall Affects Lighting Scallops
The offset is the distance between the fixture and the wall. It has a major impact on scallop size and vertical uniformity.
- Small offset creates strong highlights near the top of the wall.
- Medium offset usually provides the best balance.
- Large offset increases scallop spacing and reduces uniformity.
Use the offset slider above to understand spacing behavior before moving to final calculations.
Beam Angle and Optics
Beam angle controls how wide the light spreads across the wall. Different optics create very different scallop patterns even at the same spacing.
- 30° beams create sharp, high-contrast scallops.
- 40° beams offer a balanced wall appearance.
- 55°–60° beams soften scallops and improve uniformity.
What This Visualization Tool Can and Cannot Do
This tool is designed for visual understanding, not final engineering decisions.
- Useful for early layout planning and concept design.
- Not suitable for permit drawings or compliance checks.
Final decisions should always be verified using real IES photometric data and proper lighting calculations.
Practical Tips to Control Lighting Scallops
- Do not space wall wash fixtures like general downlights.
- Check vertical distribution in the IES file.
- Use wider optics for smoother walls.
- Confirm results with a photometric plan.
Related Lighting Tools
Key Takeaways
- Lighting scallops depend on offset, spacing, and beam angle.
- This tool helps visualize patterns quickly.
- Final accuracy requires IES-based photometric calculations.
- Stetra Lighting provides professional photometric plans.