What lights to use for soffits?

When it comes to lighting up the soffits of your home, there are a few key factors to consider in order to choose the right type of lights. The main goal is typically to provide subtle ambient lighting that highlights the architecture and dimensions of your home’s exterior. The soffit area is often overlooked when it comes to home exterior lighting, but installing the right soffit lighting can really elevate the curb appeal and style of your home.

What are soffits?

First, let’s define what exactly soffits are. Soffits are the underside covering of the roof overhangs around the exterior of your home. They cover the gap between the wall and the edge of the roof. Their main purpose is actually functional – soffits allow for proper ventilation of your roof and attic area. But even though their purpose isn’t decorative, soffits are still a visible architectural element. So lighting them up can draw attention to this detail of your home’s exterior.

Purpose of soffit lighting

When designing an exterior lighting plan, the main goals are usually to improve safety and visibility while also highlighting the best features of your home’s architecture and landscaping. Soffit lighting in particular can help to:

• Add depth and dimension – Properly illuminating soffits can accentuate the details of your home’s roofline and exterior shape.
• Emphasize architectural styles – Certain lighting can underscore traditional or modern architectural details.
• Show off exterior finishes – Lighting can better showcase exterior materials like wood, brick, or stucco.
• Brighten up entryways – Soffit lights by doorways help illuminate and welcome visitors.
• Enhance curb appeal – Unique soffit lighting can make your home more noticeable and appealing.

The key is to choose lighting that provides an attractive accent without being overpowering. Soffit lighting should add subtle ambient light, not harsh glaring spotlights.

Lighting options

There are a few main options when it comes to lighting up your soffits. Each has their own pros and cons:

Recessed lights

Recessed can lights (also called downlights or pot lights) can be installed flush with the soffit to direct light upward and wash the exterior surface with light. These are one of the most popular options because they provide a soft, uniform lighting effect. Recessed soffit lights are unobtrusive while illuminating the architectural detail. Just take care not to install too many, which can cause glare. Opt for a warm light color like 2700K to 3000K.

Strip lighting

LED strip lights (also called tape lights) offer a modern, minimalist option for soffit lighting. You can install LED strip lights in soffit channels to emit an ambient glow. Strip lighting can even be used to highlight specific soffit borders or details. This is a less intrusive way to add soffit lighting. Note that exposed strip lights may be prone to weathering and require frequent replacement.

Rope/ pendant lights

Hanging pendant or rope lights are another way to artfully light up a soffit area. Opt for small, clear bulbs on a thin wire or rope. This adds a whimsical accent to an exterior space. Rope lights work best on porches or patios with soffits rather than along the entire exterior of the home. The lights can provide more focused illumination along with décor.

Landscape lighting

Well-placed landscape lighting can also help to gently illuminate soffits. Up-lights placed in garden beds and focused on the home’s exterior will throw light upward into the soffit area. Opt for narrow, focused beams of light to reduce glare. Landscape lighting requires professional installation but provides attractive, subtle glow.

Lighting location

Proper placement is key when installing soffit lighting. There are a few guidelines to follow:

• Highlight entryways – Focus light near doors and walkways to improve visibility and safety.
• Light darker corners – Illuminate soffits in shaded areas that lack natural light.
• Use symmetry – Strive for balanced lighting on both sides of doorways or patios.
• Use consistent spacing – Install lights at regular intervals for uniform lighting.
• Avoid roof lines – Don’t install recessed lights right along roof lines where water can pool and leak in.

Also take into account existing light fixtures when planning soffit lighting. You generally want to install soffit lighting in areas that need more illumination rather than already bright spaces. Proper placement will ensure light is directed where it’s most useful.

Controlling soffit lights

Look for soffit lights that can be controlled in zones and programmed on schedules or timers. This allows you to tailor the lighting to your needs. Options include:

• Timers – Set schedules to turn soffit lights on/off at certain times.
• Motion sensors – Lights activate when movement is detected to improve security.
• Dimmers – Dims lights to desired levels based on preference and conditions.
• Smart controls – Integrates with home automation systems for app and voice control.

Controllability gives you more customization over the intensity of the lighting. You can lower output for everyday use and increase as needed for events or holidays.

Energy efficiency

When installing new soffit lighting, it’s best to choose energy efficient options like LEDs that will save on electricity costs in the long run. Consider lights with these efficiency features:

• LED technology – LEDs last longer and use less energy than incandescent or halogen.
• Warm color light – 2700K to 3000K color temperature provides attractive ambient light.
• Photovoltaic cells – Solar-powered lights absorb sunlight during the day to power the lights at night.
• Automatic controls – Timers, motion sensors and smart controls reduce unnecessary lighting.

Investing in LED and solar soffit lighting along with smart controls can minimize energy usage and your lighting bill. Just be sure to verify that any solar-powered lights provide enough brightness to properly illuminate your soffit area.

Installation tips

Proper installation is crucial to getting the right lighting effects from soffit lights. Here are some key tips to keep in mind:

• Hire an electrician – Unless you are experienced with electrical work, have a professional install soffit lights.
• Use proper housing – Recessed lights need sturdy metal or plastic housing that is weather-proof and IC-rated.
• Follow codes – Outdoor lighting has safety standards for proper wiring and waterproofing.
• Mind ventilation – Don’t block soffit airflow and make sure lights don’t heat up excessively.
• Consider texture – Account for light spread on smooth vs. uneven soffit textures to space lights accordingly.
• Use junction boxes – Avoid loose connections by wiring to exterior junction boxes.

With good planning, high-quality fixtures and professional installation, your new soffit lighting can withstand the elements while providing the perfect accent lighting for years to come.

Conclusion

Lighting up your soffits is a great way to showcase your home’s architecture and highlight its best features for curb appeal. The key is choosing subtle, energy efficient lighting options that provide soft ambient light without glare. Recessed can lights or LED strip lights are ideal for soffit illumination. Place lights strategically in entryways, corners and areas that need more light. And install them properly to get the most out of your new soffit lighting.