Hi everyone! I recently upgraded my home lighting to a smart system on a budget and wanted to share the steps:

Choose affordable smart bulbs: Brands like Wyze or Sengled are great budget options. Set up a smart hub (optional): If you’re going for a cohesive ecosystem, consider hubs like Alexa or Google Home. Install and connect: Replace your old bulbs, connect them to your Wi-Fi, and use the corresponding app for setup. Automate: Use routines or schedules for energy-saving and convenience. Let me know if you’ve tried something similar or have any questions!

  • hendrik@palaver.p3x.deEnglish
    2·
    11 hours ago

    I bought my smart bulbs at Ikea. Idk how the price compares to the brands you mentioned.

    I think smart home lighting is overrated. Schedules are nice for holiday and outside lights. But I don’t use any “smart” solutions in most rooms. They have limited use in the hallway, though (with a motion sensor?) And in places where you want to dim them, like next to the TV. That’s my opinion.

    • sugar_in_your_teaEnglish
      2·
      7 hours ago

      I just put in dimmer switches where I want to dim my lights. I have to get up, but honestly, I’ll just dim on my way to the couch.

    • infeeeee@lemm.eeEnglish
      2·
      8 hours ago

      Ikea bulbs use zigbee, their prices are very good and they are more reliable than chinese stuff.

      It’s up to you how you automate your smart home. My useful light related automations:

      • When I arrive home and the light sensor see it’s dark it switches on the living room light
      • if I pause a movie in jellyfin it turns on a light, if I hit play it switches it off
      • The off timer of a movement activated light depends on if my projector is turned on, it switches off more quickly when the projector is on
      • If I’m not home it switches off everything automatically, so I can’t forget any lights on