How do you prepare your lighting for home automation or a smart home?

• Posted on 26 November 2025
• 0

Smart lighting offers more comfort, energy savings and control. This article explains which lamps, switches and systems you need to make your lighting smart-ready.

Smart lighting is becoming increasingly popular. You can dim lights via your smartphone, set scenes, use voice control or let lighting switch automatically based on time or motion. The great thing is that you don’t need a full home automation system to get started.

Step 1: Choose LED lighting
LED is not only efficient but also the most compatible with smart systems. Many smart lamps work directly on 230V and can easily be connected via Wi-Fi, Zigbee or Bluetooth.

Step 2: Determine the type of smart system
There are three main categories:
Smart lamps: with built-in technology, controllable via app or hub

Smart switches or dimmers: replace your existing switches

Full home automation system: integrated control for multiple functions

Smart lamps are ideal for beginners because they require no changes to the electrical installation.

Step 3: Think in zones
For logical operation, divide your home into zones:
Living room

Kitchen

Hall

Outdoor space

Per zone, you can set scenes such as “movie night”, “wake up” or “working from home”. This way, you switch multiple lamps simultaneously in the right atmosphere.

Step 4: Pay attention to compatibility
Not all systems communicate with each other. Zigbee lamps, for example, work best with a Zigbee hub. Wi-Fi lamps don’t require a hub but use your home network. Check in advance which solution fits your needs best.

Step 5: Combine with sensors
Motion sensors, dusk sensors or timers make your lighting smarter and more energy-efficient. A path that lights up automatically or a bathroom light that switches off when you leave the room adds both comfort and savings.

Step 6: Start simple
You don’t need to automate your entire home right away. Often, one room is a great starting point:
Smart lamps in the living room

A smart dimmer in the dining area

Sensor lighting in the hall

From there, you can expand at your own pace.
Smart lighting makes living more comfortable and efficient. And because LED is the standard, you can always upgrade to a more advanced home automation system later without replacing your fixtures.