How to automate your home lighting with smart lights

What do smart lights do?

Smart lighting's all about set-and-forget convenience and expression. Some of the more common smart light features that make life simpler include:

• Controlling lights individually and in groups, including dimming and colour temperature
• Turning lights on at a set time as you wake up, then off as you leave the house
• Having lights turn on as your phone comes within range of your home

But if you delve deeper into their features, you'll discover more novel ways to use smart lights, including:

• Coordinating coloured smart light bulbs like the Philips Hue Ambiance to give rooms their own mood at various times of the day
• Using “vacation routines” to turn lights on and off at random intervals to make it seem like you're home when you're away
• Using two-in-one globe and speaker smart lights to automate both your home lighting and audio needs with one device

How to pick the right smart lights

Most smart lights come with the same standard features out of the box, like remote dimming and light scheduling. So, your choice might come down to something as simple as how it looks, or as complex as how customisable it is.

How to install smart lights

There are two key things you need to do to get your smart lights up and running:

1. Physically install them in your space

Thankfully, new installation methods aren't required for most new smart lights. In fact, most smart globes can be bought in regular Edison screw, bayonet cap and GU10 connector variants.
Smart lights that don't go into light fittings – like the portable Philips Hue Go – are even easier, as they simply need to be plugged in and powered. And with downlight conversion kits available for globes like the Sengled Pulse, you have even more options at your disposal.

Of course, just like with non-smart lights, it's best to get a qualified electrician on the job if you think you'll have to navigate existing wiring.

2. Connect them to your home network

Smart lights need to be connected to a home network via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or a similar technology. They can then be controlled with your phone or tablet using the light's included app. All you need to do is power on the light, find it in the app, and you're ready to go.

It's important to consider the technology used by your smart light. For example, if it uses the more limited range of Bluetooth, you won't be able to control it when you're away from home. On the other hand, a Wi-Fi-enabled smart light can be controlled from anywhere as long as it and your phone are connected to the internet.

Bring some smart lights into your home

Take a look at our great range of smart lights.