What is the Difference Between Cove Lighting & Soffit Lighting?
A Quick Review of Cove Lighting and Soffit Lighting
Cove and soffit lights are examples of architectural lighting, but they differ in placement and light direction. Cove lighting is typically indirect, highlighting the perimeter of a room by casting light upward onto the ceiling. In contrast, soffit lighting is usually directed downward, often illuminating a wall or a specific area below.
Comparing the differences of cove lighting and soffit:
- Soffit lighting is directional and creates illumination in the aimed area.
- Cove lighting is indirect, and the illumination is ambient and soft.
- Soffit lighting creates strong shadows and contrasts due to tighter distribution patterns.
- Cove lighting eliminates shadows and creates an environment of even illumination.
- Soffit lighting is a practical illumination source for task and accent lighting.
- Cove lighting is a decorative illumination source that adds depth and warmth to the space.
Diving Deeper Into Cove Lighting
Cove lighting is an indirect lighting technique where the illumination source is directed up into a ceiling recessed area. The cove luminaire design has a manufactured ledge or an internal trough. This design feature provides a soft, indirect illumination on the wall or the ceiling surface. This ambient illumination reflects the light source, producing a well-diffused and soft, even light.
The location of cove lighting can create a soft ambient illumination and reduce glare and brightness when compared to directional source luminaires. Cove lighting also establishes an environment of controllable reflected illumination levels while reducing strong shadows and glare. The result is an environment with increased spaciousness and a calming atmosphere while enhancing architectural elements in the illuminated space. Cove lighting with an upward illumination creates a soft ceiling glow, while cove lighting creates a soft wall washing effect on a wall in a downward direction.
Cove lighting is optimized when designed into a space during preconstruction and installed during initial construction. Locating the correct location of these cove luminaires is essential to achieve the correct effect. Cove lighting luminaires illuminate crown moldings, ceiling designs
