Smart homes continue to grow in popularity as people look for ways to stay more connected, even when relaxing on their own couches. One aspect of smart home technology that you may be considering is smart lighting. Adding smart lights to your living space is a budget-friendly way to get started, but it's helpful to understand the different options available before you invest.

The first thing you need to decide is what platform you want to use to control your smart lighting. Pairing your lights with a smart assistant is one of the easier ways to go, and doing so allows you to control the lighting with your voice as well as your device. Some lights do require a smart home hub, so look into the requirements of the bulbs you choose before you purchase any.

Now that you have a platform in mind, you can start looking for light bulbs that work with your current fixtures. Make sure to choose the right wattage to maintain a safe living space for you and your family. LED bulbs are the most efficient options, helping to save you energy. 

You can also compare different features and settings as you determine which lights to invest in for your home. Some bulbs can be dimmed, while others may give off light in different colors and patterns. You may even want to program a schedule that keeps certain lights on when you're away from home, creating the illusion that people are there to deter thieves. When you want to connect multiple lights, you might need a smart switch to adjust the settings and keep a brightly lit space.

Sources: Cnet, Popsci.com