sometimes tech should blend in, not stand out.
Couldn’t agree more. I’ve flipped a few older places and honestly, there’s something about those chunky old switches that just fits. Smart switches are way less finicky than bulbs, too—no chasing down which one lost its mind after a power blip. Plus, when you’re dealing with original trim and floors that creak like a haunted house, high-tech bulbs just feel out of place. The switch is the sweet spot for mixing new with old without losing the vibe.
The switch is the sweet spot for mixing new with old without losing the vibe.
Totally get where you’re coming from, but for yard setups, I’ve found it’s sometimes a toss-up. If you want to automate a bunch of fixtures at once—like all your porch and path lights—smart switches are way easier. You wire it once, and any regular bulb works. But if you’ve got a mix of fixtures that aren’t all on the same circuit, smart bulbs can fill in the gaps. Just gotta keep track of which ones are paired... and yeah, occasionally chase down a rogue bulb after a storm.
- I’ve been wrestling with this exact thing.
- Smart switches are super convenient for grouped lights, but I ran into trouble when I wanted to control a single sconce that’s not on the main circuit.
- Ended up using a smart bulb there, but now I have to remember not to flip the physical switch or it loses connection...
- Anyone else run into issues with switches vs bulbs when the power goes out?
- Curious if anyone’s tried those battery backup bulbs outside—do they actually work in the cold?
Smart Switches Are Great, But Bulbs Still Have Their Place
I hear you on the smart bulb vs. switch headache. Honestly, I’ve been burned by the “don’t flip the switch” problem too many times to count—family just doesn’t remember! For those oddball sconces or outlets, I stick with smart bulbs, but for grouped outdoor lights? Switches win every time.
About those battery backup bulbs outside... I’ve tried them in my patio fixtures. They work, but in real cold (like below freezing), the battery drains way faster than advertised. Not a total fail, but don’t expect miracles in winter.
“I’ve been burned by the ‘don’t flip the switch’ problem too many times to count—family just doesn’t remember!”
Man, story of my life. I put smart bulbs in my porch lights and my kids treat the wall switch like it’s a game show buzzer. Half the time I’m yelling “Stop flipping it!” from across the house. Ended up swapping to smart switches for anything communal. Still keep a couple smart bulbs for those weird spots where rewiring would mean crawling through spider city in the attic... not worth it.
