soffit lighting
Indirect lighting in which lamps are directed at planar surfaces such as walls and ceilings instead of the room itself.
Soffit lighting refers to lighting systems directed mainly at planar surfaces rather than the whole room space. Lighting fixtures in corners and floors, often hidden from view, shine on walls and ceilings, providing partial lighting for the room through reflection. This is often used for atmospheric effects, especially in restaurants and theaters, and in rooms where dim lighting is desired.
The light is directed mainly onto a wall, ceiling, or similar plane. Reflection from that surface then contributes to the illumination of the room.
Hidden fixtures and dim atmospheric effects are common arrangements rather than mandatory conditions. The direction toward surfaces distinguishes the system from lamps aimed mainly into the occupied room space.
Related definitions
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fluorescent lighting
Fixed lighting in which electrically excited mercury vapor produces ultraviolet light that stimulates a phosphor coating. -
hanging incandescent lamps
Lights using electrically heated filaments which project or hang from the ceiling. -
incandescent wall lamps
Incandescent lighting fixtures mounted on or built into interior walls, using electrically heated filaments. -
led lighting
Room lighting using semiconductor light-emitting diodes to convert electrical energy into light. -
no electric lighting
The absence of any electrical system available for installed or plug-in lighting. -
plugged-in appliances
Electric lighting without fixed installations, relying on movable lights plugged into sockets. -
recessed lighting
Incandescent lighting which is flush with or recessed above the ceiling plane. -
track lighting
Adjustable lamps attached to fixed wall or ceiling tracks, allowing changes in lighting arrangements.