Here’s a rundown of some key phrases and considerations to keep in mind while shopping for the best smart LED light strips. I have been utilizing smart lighting in my house for some years as an early adopter. That’s why I’m writing a piece on this topic for my readers.
#1. Placement
Light strips may offer a futuristic atmosphere or accent lighting to a variety of locations in your house, but placement is critical since they are tough to remove. Light strips should not be immediately visible since they may be extremely unsightly. They may be hidden behind furniture, beneath shelves and cupboards, or in recessed spaces.
Take into account how the light will be reflected; the closer the light strip is to a surface, the brighter the light will look. Always measure the length you’ll need and keep in mind that you’ll need to connect the strip into an available power outlet.
#2. Installation
The glue on smart light strips normally runs the length of the strip. Simply peel off the backing and adhere to the selected surface. When peeling the backing off, be cautious not to accidentally take the glue off with it. Take the time to clean the area completely beforehand if you want the light strip to remain in place.
It’s also a good idea to get some assistance if you’re installing a lengthy light strip. Keep in mind that the glue may leave a mark.
#3. Controls
While you can control smart light strips with your smartphone, this isn’t always practical. Simple power switches and even a button that cycles between scenes or colors are added to some smart light strips. A select number are equipped with their own remote controllers. If you’re placing them in a communal area or a child’s bedroom, for example, this is really beneficial.
#4. Colored or White
White light strips will suffice if all you want to do is dim lights and schedule or remotely manage them. Color light strips are usually costlier, but they provide you with a lot more flexibility. For the most part, a mixture will suffice. We suggest using white in certain spaces, such as the kitchen or bathroom, but using color in others, such as the living room or bedroom, to help you relax.
#5. Brightness
Lumens are used to measure this. A 60W light bulb, for example, produces around 800 lumens. The amount of brightness you need from your light strip will be determined by the size of the space and the current lighting. You’ll find this guideline on the manufacturer’s website or just search online.
#6. Color Temperature
The color temperature of a light is measured in Kelvins (K) and determines how warm or cold it appears. For each light, a range should be specified. For example, a light has a temperature range of 2,000 K to 6,500 K. At 2,000 K, the light looks yellower, while at 6,000 K, it appears blue-white. We suggest a color temperature of 2,700 K, which provides a beautiful, calming, warm light.
#7. Connectivity
Smart light strips may link to your control device (often your phone) directly by Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, or indirectly via a hub (which mostly uses the ZigBee standard). There are several trade-offs to be made here. We suggest connections with Wi-Fi or a separate hub, whatever is convenient for you!
