What is Soffit Lighting?
Soffit lighting refers to downlights installed into the underside of an architectural structure, most commonly the exterior roof eaves (overhangs) or interior bulkheads. These fixtures are engineered to provide a controlled downward "wash" of light that highlights building textures like stone or brick while providing essential safety illumination for pathways and building perimeters.
Modern solutions range from ultra-thin recessed soffit lights to high-output multi-purpose linear fixtures.
Designing Your Layout: The Half-Height Rule
One of the most common questions from designers is: "How far apart should soffit lights be?" To avoid dark gaps or the "spaceship effect," professionals use the Half-Height Rule.
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Spacing Strategy: Space fixtures at a distance equal to roughly half of their mounting height.
- 1-Story Home (8–10ft eaves): Space lights 4–6 feet apart.
- 2-Story Home (18–20ft eaves): Space lights 6–8 feet apart.
- Distance from Wall: Install fixtures 6–12 inches from the exterior wall. This creates a grazing effect that emphasizes architectural textures without over-illuminating the yard.
- Pitch Correction: For angled rooflines, use Gimbal Recessed Lights. These can be adjusted to shine straight down, correcting for the pitch of your roof so the light hits the ground vertically. For more details, see our guide on recessed lighting for sloped ceilings.
Technical Specs for Outdoor Environments
Exterior soffit lighting is subject to moisture, dust, and temperature fluctuations. Choosing the correct rating is vital for longevity.
IP Ratings and Water Resistance
- IP65 (Wet Location): Rated for protection against rain and water spray from any angle. Ideal for standard eaves.
- IP66: Higher protection against heavy seas or powerful jets of water. Suitable for coastal areas.
- IP68/IP69 (Submersible): Required for lighting installed in water features, small ponds, or fountains. These fixtures can be submerged but are generally not intended for swimming pools.
Color and Performance Selectability
Advanced fixtures now feature Field-Adjustable Technology, allowing you to fine-tune the look after installation:
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Color Select (CCT): Most professional units offer 5 selectable temperatures: 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, and 5000K.
- 3000K is the industry standard for a warm, residential feel.
- 4000K/5000K provides a crisp, daylight-white look for commercial security.
- Power Select: Adjust the wattage (and lumen output) to match your mounting height. For example, a 4-foot linear soffit light can be toggled between 32W, 24W, and 18W to find the perfect brightness.
Fixture Types & Applications
| Fixture Type | Best Application | Key Feature |
| Canless Recessed Lights | Remodels & Shallow Soffits | Slim profiles (under 1") that install directly under joists without a housing. |
| Linear Multi-Purpose | Industrial Awnings & Long Soffit Runs | Linkable design for daisy-chaining long runs up to 150ft |
| LED Tape Light | Architectural Accents & "Halo" Lighting | IP65/IP68 rated strips that provide a seamless, dot-free "halo" effect. |
| Submersible Tape | Fountains/Fascia | Fully encased in silicone for harsh weather and water feature submersion. |
| Canopy Lights | Awnings, Drive-Throughs & Commercial Perimeters | Heavy-duty, IP66-rated fixtures designed to withstand rain, dust, and corrosion. |
Professional Installation Tips
- Airtight & IC Ratings: Ensure recessed fixtures are IC-rated if they will come into direct contact with attic insulation above the soffit.
- Voltage Drop: For long runs of LED tape or linear fixtures, use 24V DC systems to minimize voltage drop and maintain consistent brightness from start to finish.
- Control: Pair your system with TRIAC or ELV dimmers to adjust the ambiance or set schedules for sunset-to-sunrise operation.
For assistance with a custom photometric layout or to find the right SKU for your project, contact our team at 855-303-0665 for professional-grade deals.
