Smart Lighting Design Basics

Light can make a massive difference if you are in a full renovation or want to add some new features to your modern home. Smart lighting is an outstanding opportunity for creating functional and unique living spaces. Jooble partnered with a professional lighting designer to give tips and tricks on how to do that.

Why Opt for Lightning Designer? 

Photo: Mortiz Kindler - Unsplash

Indeed, basic features and models can be installed without professional help. However, lighting designer jobs include much more than installing some bulbs. An expert designer can help with: 

  • Complete lighting layout with the use of different surfaces; 

  • Choice of the best smart lighting options (bulbs or modules); 

  • Practical and energy-efficient solutions; 

  • Layering the light with accents, illuminations, and decorative solutions; 

  • Creation of a unique space and atmosphere suitable for your home. 

Think of it as buying furniture yourself and working with an interior designer. Although you can do some of the work yourself, a professional has more experience and knowledge to achieve specific goals. 

Tips From A Lighting Designer

Now, let’s talk about smart lighting and what it involves. 

What is Smart Lighting? 

Generally, it refers to the lighting system you can control with an application on your smartphone or via a voice assistant. Two common types of ігlighting are smart modules and smart bulbs. Let’s cover each one of them in detail. 

Smart Modules

These are devices that can advance your existing system. They are installed behind traditional light switches to add smart features to them. No matter what type of connected light you have, you can add modules to control it via the app or the voice command. 

With these modules, both ways of control are available. For example, you can turn the light on with a wall switch and turn it off with your voice. This is a convenient feature for almost any room, particularly the bedroom. One wouldn’t have to get out of bed to turn the lights off or on.

Smart Bulbs

These are bulbs that have in-built smart features. You can use them to replace conventional bulbs. They often have the opportunity to change the colors and add some hues. Such devices allow the creation of a specific mood and easily change it with an app or voice command. 

They are easily installed – you can just change your old bulbs with new ones. However, there is one particular detail to keep in mind. You need to keep a wall switch on for them to work. If the switch is turned off, you won’t be able to turn the bulbs on. 

Photo: Randall Meng - Unsplash

Which One is Better? 

There is no ultimate winner here as both options have pros and cons. They also serve somewhat different purposes. The decision is based on particular needs, desires, and available resources. 

Here are the main points of comparison: 

  • You can install smart bulbs on your own easily and quickly. But modules need to be installed by a professional electrician;

  • Smart bulbs incorporate a unique color scheme and mood for a space. Smart modules enhance the existing system with the ability to control it with voice or an app. They do not provide various colors unless you also change the conventional bulbs. 

  • Smart modules can be turned on and off both ways – a traditional one and a smart one. Bulbs, on the other hand, won’t turn on unless you turn on the physical switch. 

  • Smart modules are helpful for the overall house-wide system, while bulbs are often used for particular rooms. 

In many cases, a conjunction of both options is the best solution. When combined, they complement each other and offer most of the features. In such a case, it might be a good idea to consult with a professional designer. The modules integrate smoothly into the smart home system and are compatible with various other devices. 

In terms of the budget, buying a couple of smart bulbs is more cost-efficient than installing modules. It can be a way to check the waters before committing to complete transformation. 

In Summary 

Incorporating smart light can make a massive difference to a living space. Modules allow for building a whole ecosystem, while bulbs ensure an authentic atmosphere and color scheme. However, suppose you want a fully integrated smart home solution. In that case, it might be worth working with a professional lighting designer for the best result.