Outdoor recessed lighting illuminates your home similarly as an indoor recessed light. Still, it’s also made to withstand harsh weather conditions—from heat and humidity to rain and snow—and do so with minimal maintenance. There are plenty of reasons to add recessed lighting in your home, ranging from safety to energy efficiency.
But which one is the best outdoor recessed lighting? There are many types of outdoor recessed lighting, each with its unique benefits and drawbacks, so picking the best option can be tricky if you don’t know what you’re looking for.
You’ll discover here as we walk you through the top five options and discuss their various pros and cons. Let’s get started!
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What is Outdoor / Soffit Recessed Lighting?
If you’re looking for a way to bring light into your home without installing a more expensive solution, such as an outdoor chandelier or porch light, recessed lighting may be a good option. While indoor recessed lighting is typically found in ceilings, outdoor versions are usually mounted on walls or rooftops. You can also buy kits that include both indoor and outdoor recessed lights.
5 Best Outdoor Recessed Lighting
Lithonia Lighting WF6 30K40K50K Ultra-Thin Recessed Downlight For Outdoor Soffits
Top Features:
- The product is wafer-slim, making it easy to install
- Energy-efficient, saving money on your electricity bill
- Dimmable, so you can adjust the brightness to your needs
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The Lithonia Lighting WF6 30K40K50K Ultra-Thin Recessed Downlight is a revolutionary new product that allows you to install recessed lighting without any housing. The wafer-slim design makes it easy to install and provides an innovative way to install recessed lights in your home, office, or outdoor space.
This product is an excellent alternative to traditional lighting. It uses only as much power as it needs, saving money on your electric bill. The dimmable downlight can be adjusted to 10% of brightness to suit your needs.
This downlight is available in four different colors and can be installed in areas with direct contact with insulation or a wet location. The Lithonia Lighting WF6 also has a rating of IC, which makes it safe to install in areas with insulation.
I’m impressed with the Lithonia Lighting WF6 30K40K50K Ultra-Thin Recessed Downlight. Installation was a breeze, and it looks great! The light is very bright, and the color is true to the sample I saw. I would recommend this product to anyone looking for an easy, hassle-free installation!
Pros:
- No housing is required
- Energy-star certified
- Dimmable
- IC rated
- Safe to install in direct contact with insulation
- Wet location listed
- Ideal for shallow ceiling plenum
Cons:
- N/a
TORCHSTAR E-Lite Series 4 Inch Ultra Thin LED Recessed Lights
Top Features:
- Slim design
- Waterproof
- Dimmable
- ETL and Energy Star certified
- Frosted lens
- Aluminum body
- 5 year warranty
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TORCHSTAR introduces a new 4″ LED recessed light; this ultra-thin and low-profile design are perfect for use in areas with limited ceiling space. The e-lite’s solid metal construction and spring clip create a strong clamp, making the installation process quick and easy. Plus, with a lifespan of up to 40,000 hours, you can enjoy this reliable light for years to come.
These LEDs are IC rated and come with waterproof male and female connectors, meaning you don’t have to worry about overheating. Installation is a breeze with our quick-connect wiring system that makes it simple to get your lights up and running.
With a sleek design and multiple color options, these lights can be used in any room. The wide 100° beam angle makes these lights perfect for use in multiple places, while the Oil Rubbed Bronze finish complements the industrial decorating style.
Pros:
- Slim design only needs 2 inches of clearance, perfect for narrow ceilings
- Waterproof connectors make it perfect for wet locations
- Smooth dimming (100% to 10%) lets you easily adjust the brightness
- Certified high-efficiency for lower energy costs
- Backed by a 5-year warranty
Cons:
- Nothing
Globe Electric 90933 6″ Ultra Slim LED Integrated Recessed Lighting Kit
Top Features:
- Slim LED light fixture for easy installation
- Integrated LED for bright, energy-efficient lighting
- Wet rated and airtight for use in bathrooms and other areas
- IC rated for direct contact with insulation
- Dimmable for creating the perfect atmosphere
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The Globe Electric 6″ Ultra Slim LED Integrated Recessed Lighting Kit is the perfect way to add light to any room without taking up any extra space. These LED lights are ultra-slim and have an integrated LED that eliminates the need for a separate bulb and housing.
Their slim junction box will not interfere with your joists or ductwork. The quick-connect feature makes installation a breeze, so you can get your new lighting up and running in no time. This light kit is perfect for wet-rated and air-tight applications, such as showers, saunas, bathrooms, and outdoor soffits, with a sleek and stylish design.
With 800 lumens of brightness and a 50,000-hour lifespan, this light will last for years to come. And because it’s Energy Star Certified, you can be sure that you’re doing your part to help the environment while also saving on your energy costs.
These lights are IC rated, which means they are safe to direct contact with insulation. They are also fully dimmable so that you can create the perfect atmosphere for any occasion.
Pros:
- Easy to install
- Slim profile
- Wet rated
- Airtight
- IC rated
- Fully dimmable from 100% to 20%
Cons:
- May not fit all applications
- Requires compatible dimmer switch
Sunco Lighting 6 Inch Ultra Thin LED Recessed Ceiling Lights
Top Features:
- Slim LED downlight with a junction box for easy installation
- Selectable color temperature (2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, 5000K) to suit your preference
- Seamless dimming capabilities (100%-10%) for a variety of moods and settings
- IC rated for safe contact with ceiling insulation
- 7-year warranty for peace of mind
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Sunco Lighting’s 6-inch ultra-thin LED recessed ceiling lights to offer a stylish, low-profile way to light your home. These fixtures are available in various colors temperatures to select the perfect light for your space. They’re also dimmable so that you can create the perfect mood for any occasion.
Enjoy the look and feel of a high-end recessed lighting installation without the cost or hassle with these LED Recessed Ceiling Lights. These lights feature an ultra-slim design perfect for renovating older homes or spaces with low ceilings. IC rated, they are thermally protected and will not overheat or ignite surrounding insulation.
This LED recessed ceiling light is perfect for various applications, such as bathrooms, showers, hallways, bedrooms, kitchens, and outdoor spaces. With a simple installation process and a sleek design, this LED recessed ceiling light is a great way to improve your home’s overall look and feel.
Pros:
- Selectable color temperature (2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, 5000K)
- Dimmable (100%-10%)
- Simple install – comes with junction box
- IC rated – thermally protected and safe for contact with ceiling insulation
- 7-year warranty
Cons:
- May require professional installation
- May be difficult to find replacement parts
- May not be compatible with all dimmer switches
JULLISON Smart Slim Recessed Pot Light For Outdoor Space
Top Features:
- App & voice control for easy operation
- Tunable color temperatures from 2700K to 6000K
- RGB color changing with 16 million colors
- Dimming from 1% to 100%
- Group control for different room settings
- Automatic on/off with the timer
- 38 scene modes
- Change colors with the beat of the music or sound of the game
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No need for a hub! JULLISON’s Smart Recessed Light can be controlled with your voice and mobile device. The recessed downlight is perfect for all applications such as home, office, store, etc. With the Smart Life APP (Tuya Smart APP), you can control your JULLISON recessed light remotely on your smartphone or tablet. Change colors, set schedules, and more!
With its tunable color temperature and RGB capabilities, you can change the atmosphere of any room with ease. The Smart Slim also features a dimming function that goes from 1% to 100%, so you can create the perfect mood for any occasion.
These lights can be controlled as a group or individually, with an automatic on/off timer and scene modes that change color with the beat of the music or sound of the game. Plus, they’re controlled by your smart devices through the Smart Life or Tuya Smart apps.
Installation is a breeze, as it requires no pot housing or traditional can/trim. The canless lighting is IC rated, meaning it can be installed into insulated ceilings and drywalls. The 3 fast connectors inside the remote junction box make wiring a breeze. Enjoy your lighting experience!
Pros:
- App & voice control
- Tunable color temperatures
- Group control
- Timer
- Music sync
- Canless solution
- Easy installation
- Energy saving
- Quality assurance
Cons:
- Nothing
Things to Consider Before Choosing The Best Outdoor Recessed Lighting
Before you start shopping for recessed lighting, it’s important to ensure that your home has enough room. Do you have enough ceiling space? The width of your joists? If you can’t physically install them, they won’t be very helpful. Here are some key things to look out for
Size
Several sizes are available for outdoor recessed lighting, making choosing one slightly more complex. The most popular size is 3-inches, but 4-, 6-, and 8-inch lights are available. Your budget may determine which you choose—larger lights cost more—but consider that bigger isn’t always better; depending on your home’s design, a 3-inch light may be what you need.
Color
When choosing an outdoor recessed lighting system, you have to decide on a color. There are multiple options available, but you should be cautious when selecting a color for your property. We’ve said it before, and we’ll repeat it: don’t go overboard with colors and shades. With today’s technology, many lights can change colors or fade from one shade to another.
Brightness
The brightness of your recessed lighting is determined by how many lumens your fixture puts out and how far away from that fixture you are. Of course, it’s unlikely you’ll have exactly one distance to the light. And though recessed lights can produce more than 700 – 1100 lumens each, keep in mind that they need to illuminate a space at a minimum of 20 square feet.
IP Rated or Not
If you live in an area that experiences extreme temperatures and moisture, you’ll want to make sure your recessed lighting is rated IP (Ingress Protection) for outdoor use. Most outdoor fixtures are only IP Rated for protection against dust and water, but some advanced options offer better protection. If your home does not have a dedicated heating or cooling system, choose a recessed light fixture that has been tested against UV rays from sunlight.
What should I look for when buying a fixture?
When buying recessed lighting, consider where you’ll be installing it. If you’re putting it in a high-traffic area, such as a kitchen or hallway, use a fixture with thicker walls and safety guards. These fixtures are more durable than their thinner counterparts and are less likely to break when bumped into. If installing your recessed lights in living areas or bedrooms, go for something sleeker—you don’t want anything that looks too industrial hanging from your ceiling.
What are the best brands of outdoor recessed lighting?
There are many great brands of outdoor recessed lighting, but in my opinion, these five brands have consistently excelled at their craft. Some are relatively new, and others have been around for decades. But they all offer superior products that I recommend without hesitation: Philips®, Sunco®, Globe Electric®, and TORCHSTAR®. With these companies leading your way, you can be sure to find some of the best outdoor recessed lightings on earth!
Can recessed lights be used outside?
Yes, recessed lights can be used for outdoor purposes. If you’re building a new home or if you have an enclosed area that needs lighting, recessed lights can be beneficial. Because they’re recessed, they don’t take up floor space and are perfect for indoor or outdoor purposes.
How far apart should outdoor recessed lights be?
The distance between your light fixtures will depend on where you are mounting them. In general, they should be spaced 18-24 inches apart to ensure optimal lighting if they are indoors. When installing them outdoors, it’s more important that they not blow over in high winds. For that reason, try to have them spaced no further than 24-36 inches apart.
Where can I buy it?
The first step is finding it online. Many sites offer the best outdoor recessed lights online, but you’ll want to look at a few before buying. Make sure you find one that offers free shipping; recessed lighting is very heavy and difficult to carry, so you will want a way of avoiding shipping costs. Next, check if they offer any warranties on their products. Some companies have great deals but will not have good warranty protection if something happens with your purchase.
How do you install recessed lighting in an outdoor soffit?
With a few simple tools and patience, you can install recessed lighting in an outdoor soffit. Recessed lighting is one of several exterior light fixtures that you can use to illuminate your deck or patio. The first step is to mark where you plan to install your recessed lighting fixture and make any necessary cuts in your soffit for its installation. Mounting bracket kits typically include all of the hardware needed for installing your fixture.
How Much Does Outdoor Recessed Lighting Cost?
A few factors will determine how much your outdoor recessed lighting installation costs. There are many places you can shop for these lights, so it’s important to do some research to find out which option will be best for you. In addition, if you have a contractor install your lights for you, there may be additional fees that are added on top of what you pay initially; it’s important to know what those fees will be before installing them yourself.
Final Words
When it comes to picking out light, there are a lot of factors to consider—like size, color, and brightness. Hopefully, you’ve found some information in our guide that will help you make your choice, but if not, don’t worry. Take what you need from your fixture and how much money you want to spend before heading out to buy one! The best outdoor recessed lighting for your house is just around the corner. Good luck!