Soffit Lights

For soffit lights, the ideal wattage depends on how muchbrightness you want around your home’s exterior. Most modern LED soffit lightsuse 3–6 watts, which is usually enough to create an attractive glowwithout overpowering the façade. Lower wattages work well for subtle accentlighting, while slightly higher outputs help illuminate pathways or highlightarchitectural features. Because LEDs are highly efficient, even small wattagesprovide strong, focused light, making them perfect for soffit installations.

For outdoor downlights, correct positioning is key to achieving an
even, attractive exterior glow. A common approach is to space fittings 1–1.5
metres apart, ensuring consistent coverage without harsh hotspots. Place
soffit lights close enough to the wall to create a smooth wash of light down
the façade, but not so close that shadows form under eaves or gutters. For
feature lighting, angle the fittings slightly to highlight brickwork, entrances
or landscaping. Proper placement ensures outdoor soffit lighting enhances both
security and kerb appeal.

For LED soffit lighting, the best LED colour temperature depends
on the look you want for your home’s exterior. 3000K warm white creates
a welcoming, softer glow ideal for porches and general façade lighting. If you
prefer a cleaner, more modern appearance, 4000K neutral white offers
brighter, crisper illumination that highlights architectural details
effectively. Both options work well outdoors, but choosing the right
temperature ensures your exterior soffit lights enhance kerb appeal while
providing practical visibility around the property.

Yes — outdoor downlights should always be IP rated because they’re installed outdoors where they’re exposed to moisture, wind and changing weather conditions. An IP65 rating is typically recommended, as it protects the fitting from rain and water spray while keeping dust out. Using non rated indoor lights in soffits can lead to failures, corrosion or safety issues. Choosing properly IP rated outdoor soffit lighting ensures long lasting performance and reliable exterior illumination.

For exterior soffit lights, the best beam angle depends on the
effect you want on your exterior walls. A 40–60° beam angle is ideal for
creating a smooth, even wash of light down the façade without harsh hotspots.
Narrower beams around 20–30° work well for highlighting specific
architectural features or columns, while wider beams help illuminate larger
areas more softly. Choosing the right beam angle ensures your soffit lights
deliver balanced, attractive and practical outdoor lighting.