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Smart Lighting Buyer's Guide

Smart Lighting Buyer’s Guide

Upgrade your home in an instant with smart lights! Imagine creating the perfect mood, effortlessly brightening your space, or even syncing your lights to react to movies and games – all from your phone or with a simple voice command.

Our guide will help you understand the factors you should consider, as well as the types and amazing benefits that await.

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What is smart lighting?

Imagine controlling your lights with a simple voice command like "Hey Google, dim the living room lights." That is the magic of smart lighting! These lighting systems connect to your Wi-Fi or Bluetooth network, allowing you to control them with your smartphone, tablet, or even voice assistants. Some models even work without an internet connection.

Understanding your needs

Budget: Decide how much you are comfortable investing, whether it is for a basic setup in one room or an automation system for the whole house.
Wired or wireless: Wireless systems offer a quick and easy setup, perfect for existing homes. No professional help or wall wiring required, making it budget-friendly for beginners. However, wired systems offer a more robust, long-lasting solution – ideal for new builds or major renovations. They might involve professional installation and wiring. Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all answer - choose what best suits your needs and home!
Features: Think about what features matter most. Prioritise features that simplifies your daily life, such as voice control, scheduling, ambiance, energy-saving features, or automatic on/off based on motion detection.

What are the different types of smart lights?

Mix and match any of the below types of smart light fixtures to create your ideal smart home lighting setup. Below are some of the more common types of smart lights.

Smart bulbs

Smart light bulbs are the perfect low-commitment way to incorporate smart lights into your home. They fit into existing light fixtures and be controlled with an app or your voice. Find bulbs that dim, change colour, or offer tunable white light (cool to warm).

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Smart LED strip lights and light bars

Make your space more inviting with the flexible smart strip lights that can conform to any surface. Stick them on walls, under cabinets, or behind your TV to add mood lighting to your bedroom, workspace or living room. They offer fun and useful features like syncing with entertainment systems, creating schedules, and even designing your own light display.

On the other hand, light bars are designed for situations requiring task lighting, like for workshops, under cabinets, or on your workstation. It illuminates the small details, reduces eye strains and shadows, helping you read, write, cook, sew, or work.

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Outdoor smart lights

Adding smart lights to your outdoor spaces can transform your experience, and light up an otherwise dimly lit backyard or patio.

You can outfit existing exterior lights with outdoor smart bulbs, light up walkways with smart path lights, illuminate stairs, decks and gardens with spotlights or replace existing exterior lights with outdoor wall or ceiling lights.

Choose between outdoor spotlights, outdoor light strips, flood lights, wall and ceiling lights.

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Smart PIR security lights

Smart PIR security lights are devices used to detect movement in an area, offering enhanced home security against unwanted visitors and cutting the risk of crime. These smart security lights with sensors are typically outfitted with floodlights or spotlights, others combine a CCTV camera with lights, and some include features like two-way audio and playback capabilities.

Smart security lights let you control lights from your phone or smart device, provide instant notifications, adjust settings, set it for person detection only and more.

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Décor-friendly smart light panels

Craving a space that's both functional and fun? Smart RGB light panels and lamps are intricately designed masterpieces waiting to transform your walls or tabletop. Express yourself with vibrant colours that match your mood and style, or choose from pre-designed panels for instant impact. Sync your panels to music, games, and movies to create an immersive, captivating experience.

Ditch the switch and level up your home with a single tap of your Philips Hue, Nanoleaf or TP-Link smart lights

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Why invest in smart lights

Smart lights are a great investment and helps you create the perfect atmosphere for modern living.

Let’s get into some of the benefits of having smart lights.

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Energy Efficiency

Smart LED lights are designed to consume less energy, with some models featuring dimming capabilities, resulting in reduced electricity bills and a more positive environmental footprint.

Remote Control & Automation

Enjoy the convenience of controlling lights remotely via a dedicated app. Change colour, set schedules based on time of day/specific event, and utilise motion sensors for automatic on/off, all accessible on your mobile.

Smart Home Integration

Integrate with smart speakers, thermostats, or security systems for voice-controlled operation and a more unified experience.

Safety & Security

Simulate occupancy while away and integrate the lights with security systems for added peace of mind. For instance, certain smart lights can send you an alert or record a video upon motion detection.

Customisation for Daily Routines

Create routines that mimic natural sunlight for improved sleep-wake cycles or adjust brightness based on tasks for focus or relaxation. You can also use the app to create vibrant atmospheres or calming environments with colour options.

IFTTT & Matter Support

Explore IFTTT applets for even more custom automation possibilities with other smart devices and online services. This means your smart lights can respond to a wide range of triggers beyond basic commands. All Matter-compatible devices follow a standardized protocol, ensuring all smart devices work together smoothly, simplifies setup and control through a single app.

Smart light alternatives

If you're looking for smart light alternatives that don't involve changing the bulbs themselves, smart plugs and smart switches are definitely the way to go.

Image of a smart plug and someone controlling it with their phone

Smart Plugs

Smart plugs fit into standard outlets and allow remote control of anything plugged. Easy to set up and often costs less than smart switches and smart lights.

Smart Switches

Smart switches and dimmers are Wi-Fi-enabled devices that replace traditional switches and automate your home's lighting. Professional installation is recommended.

Smart Lighting Buyer’s Guide

What is smart lighting?