RS Recommends: The Best Dimmer Switches for Studios and Every Room

Philips Hue introduced the Natural Light feature late last year, providing a 24-hour scene that adjusts color temperature throughout the day to offer optimal white light for well-being. This feature delivers cool, activating white tones in the morning and relaxing warm white in the evening. The smart scene has received several updates, including the capability to switch between time periods more quickly or slowly as desired. Initially, activating Natural Light with a switch was exclusive to the Philips Hue Tap Dial Switch. However, this functionality will soon extend to other Philips Hue switches, specifically the Philips Hue Smart Button and the Philips Hue Dimmer Switch. With the upcoming update, both the Philips Hue Smart Button and the Philips Hue Dimmer Switch will support the 24-hour Natural Light scene. Additionally, users will gain the ability to set ten time windows or ten scenes on these two switches, enhancing their versatility and control over their smart lighting environment. This expansion of features means that more users will be able to integrate the benefits of Natural Light into their daily routines through a wider range of existing Philips Hue accessories. The Philips Hue Smart Button is a compact and versatile control device that typically allows users to turn lights on/off, dim them, or cycle through pre-set scenes. The Philips Hue Dimmer Switch offers similar control but often includes dedicated buttons for brightness adjustment and cycling through scenes, providing a more tactile user experience. The integration of the Natural Light scene into these popular accessories addresses a common user request, making the sophisticated lighting feature accessible without requiring the purchase of the newer Tap Dial Switch. The Natural Light feature is designed to mimic the natural progression of daylight, which is known to influence human circadian rhythms and overall well-being. By providing cooler, more stimulating light in the mornings and gradually transitioning to warmer, more relaxing tones in the evenings, the system aims to support daily activities and prepare the body for rest. The ability to customize the speed of these transitions further personalizes the lighting experience to individual preferences. This update signifies Philips Hue’s ongoing commitment to enhancing user experience and expanding the capabilities of its smart home ecosystem. By bringing advanced features to a broader range of existing hardware, Philips Hue ensures that more users can benefit from its innovations without needing to upgrade their entire setup. The increased flexibility in setting time windows and scenes on the Smart Button and Dimmer Switch also empowers users with more granular control over their lighting automations, facilitating a more tailored and intuitive smart home lighting experience. #PhilipsHue #SmartLighting #NaturalLight #DimmerSwitch #SmartButton #HomeAutomation #LightingControl #SmartHome #HueUpdate

This review evaluates the TreatLife Smart Switches, focusing on their functionality, installation process, smart home integration, and cost-effectiveness. TreatLife offers a range of smart plugs, LED bulbs, and switches that operate on a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi connection and are controllable via an app or voice commands. The switches require a neutral wire for installation, making them incompatible with older wiring setups that only use two wires. The review specifically examines three models: the Light & Ceiling Fan Dimmer Switch, the Smart Light Switch, and the Smart Dimmer Switch. All models feature a sleek design and can be configured for single-pole or 3-way use. For 3-way installations, TreatLife switches do not require a companion smart switch from the same manufacturer, potentially saving costs, but they must be installed at the input end of the 3-way line, which can be challenging to identify without detailed instructions. Installation of TreatLife switches is generally straightforward but requires careful consideration of existing wiring and junction box space. Smart switches are typically deeper than conventional switches and necessitate more room for their four wires (Line/Load, Traveler, Neutral, and Ground) and wire nuts. Insufficient space can lead to wires disconnecting or even fire hazards. Users are advised to photograph existing wiring before removal and label wires using supplied stickers to facilitate connection. The installation process usually takes about 20 to 25 minutes. The TreatLife app, available on iOS and Android, guides users through the setup, including adding and naming new switches. For smart home integration, TreatLife switches are compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Users must pair their switches with these voice platforms through their respective apps. While Alexa integration is seamless, pairing with Google Assistant is more complex, as it initially requires linking via the Smart Life app (by Tuya) before connecting to the TreatLife account, a process the company acknowledges as needing streamlining. Once connected, users can create schedules and scenes for their lighting. TreatLife switches are competitively priced, with multi-pack options further reducing the per-unit cost. For example, a four-pack of Wi-Fi Dimmer Switches costs $74.99, while a four-pack of 3-Way Smart Light Switches costs $65.99. The Smart Ceiling Fan Control and Light Dimmer Switch is priced at $47.99 and does not require a separate hub. The products are available on the TreatLife website, Walmart, Home Depot, eBay, and Amazon. While the switches performed reliably during a multi-week test, consistently connecting to the router even from an upstairs location, the review highlights some drawbacks. The primary issues include the complicated pairing process with Google Assistant and a lack of broader smart home integrations, particularly with security systems, smart cameras, and video doorbells. TreatLife has indicated plans to expand integrations in early 2021. Despite these limitations, TreatLife switches are recommended for users seeking affordable smart lighting solutions, especially those who primarily use Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant for home automation and do not require extensive third-party integrations. #SmartSwitch #DimmerSwitch #TreatLife #SmartLightSwitch #SmartHome #HomeAutomation #SmartLighting #ProductReview #WiFi #InteriorDesign

Lighting, often an overlooked design element, significantly impacts the ambiance and functionality of any room. Many homeowners tend to prioritize other aspects of interior design, but experts emphasize that effective lighting can be the most transformative factor. Michael Murphy, an interior designer and lighting expert for Lamps Plus, highlights that lighting is frequently the last consideration for home decorators, despite its profound influence on a space. The author embarked on a personal lighting renovation project for her home, with guidance from Murphy, to demonstrate the practical application of good lighting principles. This makeover involved selecting new fixtures, incorporating spotlights to highlight artwork, and transitioning from traditional incandescent bulbs to modern, energy-efficient LEDs. A key part of the transformation included removing outdated fluorescent fixtures from areas like a walk-in closet and laundry room, replacing them with more aesthetic and functional alternatives such as a chandelier with an orange silk drum shade and recessed LED canned lights, respectively. Murphy reinforces the importance of proper lighting in utilitarian spaces, noting that inadequate lighting in areas like closets can lead to practical inconveniences. Another crucial aspect of the author's lighting upgrade was the extensive installation of dimmer switches throughout the house. This allows for greater control over the mood and intensity of lighting, likening the absence of dimmers to not having volume control on a radio. This seemingly small change contributes significantly to the versatility and comfort of a living space. Based on her experience and Murphy's expertise, six essential secrets for residential lighting emerged. Firstly, layering different types of light is crucial. Beyond natural light, every room should integrate ambient light for overall illumination (e.g., recessed cans, ceiling fixtures), task lighting for specific activities (e.g., desk lamps, under-cabinet lights), and accent lighting to emphasize decorative features (e.g., spotlights for artwork or fireplaces). The harmonious combination of these layers creates a balanced and effective lighting scheme. Secondly, homeowners frequently make the mistake of choosing light fixtures that are too small for the space. Murphy advises scaling up, providing formulas for appropriate sizing. For exterior fixtures flanking a front door or garage, the fixture should be one-third the height of the door. For chandeliers, the room's length and width in feet should be added, and the sum converted to inches to determine the ideal fixture width. Additionally, a chandelier should be approximately 12 inches narrower than the table it hangs above, maintaining at least 4 feet of clearance from walls. Thirdly, hanging fixtures at the correct height is vital. Chandeliers or pendant lights over dining tables or kitchen islands can hang lower than those in high-traffic areas like entryways or living rooms. Specifically, the bottom of a dining room chandelier should be 30 to 34 inches from the tabletop, while living room or entryway chandeliers require at least 7.5 feet of clearance from the floor. When uncertain, slightly lowering the fixture is often recommended. Fourthly, maintaining consistent color temperatures across all lights in a room is essential. Light bulbs have varying color temperatures, ranging from warm to cool, typically indicated on their packaging. Mixing different temperatures, such as a warm incandescent with a cool CFL, can create an unsettling visual discrepancy. The author recommends selecting a preferred temperature, such as 2700K for a warm ambiance, and adhering to it throughout the home. Fifthly, consistency in lampshade color is also important. Most shades are white or cream because these colors allow maximum light transmission. Within a single room, all lampshades should be either white or cream, but not a mixture of both, unless a dramatically colored shade is intentionally used as an accent piece. Finally, the installation of dimmer switches not only allows for mood control but also offers significant energy savings. Dimming lights, even energy-efficient LEDs, by 50 percent can reduce energy consumption by nearly half. Furthermore, dimming helps lights run cooler, extending their lifespan. Once experienced, the benefits of dimmers are typically undeniable. #LightingDesign #HomeImprovement #InteriorDesign #HomeLighting #LightFixtures #DimmerSwitches #LEDLighting #ColorTemperature #HomeDecoration

Oliver Proudlock, a former star of 'Made In Chelsea' and a school friend of the Duke of Sussex, along with his fiancée, model Emma Louise Connolly, have opened the doors to their newly renovated four-storey, three-bedroom terraced house in Barons Court, west London. The couple embarked on extensive home renovation in 2019, documenting their journey in a YouTube series titled 'From Crib To Casa,' which has garnered over a million viewers due to its honest portrayal of the challenges and triumphs of home improvements. Proudlock expressed their desire to connect with a younger audience and demystify the renovation process. The decision to renovate came after they outgrew Proudlock's previous flat in West Kensington and developed a shared dream of owning their own home. Their initial attempt to purchase a house in Shepherd's Bush was unsuccessful, as they were 'gazumped,' leading to a temporary halt in their home search. Eventually, they found their current property, consciously choosing an area outside of Chelsea due to cost considerations and a desire for a quieter lifestyle. Proudlock, who claims financial independence since the age of 17, emphasized that even with the budget, Chelsea would not have been their preferred location, highlighting their contentment with their current, more tranquil neighborhood. The renovation project has significantly expanded their understanding of home design and functionality. Proudlock humorously noted, "Who knew dimmer switches could be so, so sexy?" This statement reflects their newfound appreciation for the details and choices involved in creating a personalized living space. The transformation of their house into a stylish and comfortable home is a testament to their collaboration and their journey from reality television personalities to hands-on interior designers. Their YouTube series provided a platform to share their experiences, offering insights into budgeting, decision-making, and navigating the complexities of a major home makeover, ultimately making the renovation process appear more accessible and less intimidating to their viewers. #HomeRenovation #OliverProudlock #EmmaLouiseConnolly #InteriorDesign #WestLondonHome #YouTubeSeries #HomeImprovements #RealityStars

Effective lighting is a critical component of interior design, capable of either enhancing or detracting from a room's overall aesthetic and functionality. To achieve a well-lit space, consider four key secrets, beginning with a thorough assessment of your lighting needs. Before selecting any fixtures, evaluate the requirements for both ambient light and focal light. Ambient light, which is general fill-light, should primarily illuminate walls rather than floors to make a room appear brighter and more vibrant. Focal light, on the other hand, is used to highlight specific elements, such as artwork or architectural features, and can be achieved through track lighting, recessed lighting, or other specialized fixtures. Understanding the distinct purposes of these lighting types allows for a more strategic and impactful lighting plan. The second secret involves experiencing fixtures firsthand before making a purchase. While online images and specifications can provide an initial idea, nothing compares to seeing a light fixture in person. This allows you to accurately gauge its brightness, assess any potential glare, and observe how light interacts with the fixture’s materials, particularly glass, to identify any undesirable reflections. The physical examination of a fixture ensures that its light quality and aesthetic characteristics align with your vision for the space, preventing costly and time-consuming errors. Creating distinct lighting zones within a room is the third secret to achieving a well-lit environment. By connecting different light fixtures to separate switches and dimmers, you gain the ability to control specific areas independently. This approach offers versatility, enabling you to layer lighting and adjust the mood of a room to suit various activities or times of day. For example, a living room might have one zone for general illumination, another for reading nooks, and a third for accentuating decorative elements. This zonal control not only enhances functionality but also adds depth and interest to the space. Finally, the fourth and perhaps most crucial secret is the widespread use of dimmers. Integrating dimmers into every lighting circuit allows for dynamic adjustment of light levels throughout the day and evening. Lower light settings are ideal for creating a relaxed or intimate atmosphere in the evening, while brighter, white light is often necessary for tasks and daytime activities. Dimmers offer practical benefits by extending the lifespan of bulbs, conserving energy, and providing complete control over the ambiance. By implementing these four secrets—assessing needs, seeing fixtures in person, creating zones, and utilizing dimmers—you can transform any interior space into a thoughtfully and effectively lit environment. #HomeDesign #InteriorLighting #LightingDesign #AmbientLight #FocalLight #Dimmers #LightingZones #HomeDecor