How to set up smart lighting and create automation routines?

Replace existing bulbs with smart bulbs from Philips Hue ($15-50 per bulb), LIFX ($25-45), or Wyze Bulb ($8-12). Screw them into your existing fixtures, download the app, connect to Wi-Fi, and control via voice or phone. Start with 2-3 bulbs in rooms you use most.

Replace wall switches with smart switches from Lutron Caseta ($60), TP-Link Kasa ($20-30), or Leviton ($25-40). Smart switches control any bulb in the circuit (even dumb bulbs) and eliminate the "someone turned off the wall switch" problem. Installation requires basic wiring: turn off the breaker…

Set up routines in your smart home app so lights respond automatically. Common routines: lights turn on at sunset and off at bedtime, hallway light turns on at 10% brightness when motion is detected at night, all lights turn off when everyone leaves home, bedroom lights gradually brighten 15…

Smart plugs ($8-15 each) turn any dumb lamp, string lights, or holiday decoration into a smart device. Plug the lamp into a smart plug, connect via the app, and control it with voice or schedules. TP-Link Kasa and Wyze smart plugs are among the best-reviewed and most affordable.

LED strip lights from Philips Hue Gradient ($80-200), Govee ($15-40), or LIFX ($50-80) attach behind TVs, under cabinets, or along shelves for ambient lighting. Most connect to Wi-Fi and sync with music, movies, or time-of-day color schedules.