Learn About Smart Lighting
This series of expert guides will teach you how to install and use smart lighting to enhance both the convenience and ambience of your home, answer common questions people have, and help you decide on the solutions that will work for you.
Getting Started
Do you want a bulb or switch?
See the pros and cons of smart switches and smart bulbs, and how to mix and match.
Is a hub worthwhile?
Learn why lighting hubs offer some specific benefits over just using standalone bulbs.
Wiring a smart switch
Learn how to wire a smart switch in various configurations.
Smart Lighting Products
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Hue bridges will you need?
Philips Hue has a limit on devices that can connect to bridge. Explore the reasons and workarounds for this problem.
What is a motion sensor vs a presence sensor?
Motion, Presence, Occupancy. Is there a difference, and does it matter. Learn about these sensors to better inform your automation setup.
Is blue light harmful?
See the current state of research into the potentially harmful effects of blue light and how it affects the use of smart lighting.
Why do some Hue lights have poor green?
The design of a LED array effects its color range. See how design goals can impact this.
Get more out of your light strips
Learn how installation position makes a big difference to how good your smart light strips will look.
How To Guides
How to extend Philips Hue light strips
Hue provides some basic options, but there’s much more you can do.
How to get more control with Hue buttons
New Hue app features give much better control over your lights than before. See what extra options there are.
How to configure Hue Dimmers for HomeKit
Using HomeKit configuration allows you to control any accessory, not just Hue lights.
How to use Eve Motion settings
The Eve app enables a different option for turning off lights after a set duration. See how this works and why it’s different.
Smart Lighting Ideas
Replace your old switches with wireless dimmers
This is an effective way to keep the smart lights on and still provide easy, intuitive control for everyone.
Quick and dirty bookshelf smart lighting
Smart lighting can add a lot of pop t your shelving units but can be a pain to install. This method is easier and still provides a pretty good effect.
Automated lighting using HomeKit
Use motion sensor automations to gain convenience and energy savings with your lighting.