Tried that combo last summer when I redid our patio—put smart switches on the main circuits, then tossed a couple of color bulbs in some lanterns for mood lighting. Honestly, it worked better than I expected, but there were a few hiccups. If someone killed the switch, the accent bulbs lost power and all their settings. Ended up taping a little “don’t touch” note on the main switch, which felt a bit silly. Has anyone figured out a way around that? Maybe a switch that always keeps power to certain outlets?
I ran into almost the same problem when we started updating our backyard lights. Thought smart switches would be easier, but then the bulbs would just reset if someone flipped the switch. I’m still not sure if it’s better to just stick to smart bulbs and leave the old switches alone... The tape trick feels kinda awkward, but I get why you did it.
Totally get where you’re coming from—the tape thing feels a bit clunky, but honestly, I’ve been there too. I kept asking myself if it’s really worth spending extra on switches when the bulbs alone do most of what I want. Have you thought about those switch covers that just snap on? Not exactly pretty, but they’re less awkward than tape, and you can always take them off later. Sometimes I wonder if we overthink these setups... Is it really a big deal if someone flips a switch once in a while?
Smart Lights vs Smart Switches for Yard Setup?
- Honestly, I get the frustration with tape. It’s a temporary fix at best, and it always looks a bit janky. Those snap-on switch covers are a step up, but yeah, not exactly winning any design awards. Still, they’re easy to remove if you change your mind or want to upgrade later.
- I’ve gone back and forth on the whole “bulbs vs switches” thing myself. Here’s what I’ve found:
- Smart bulbs are great if you want color options or to control individual lights.
- Smart switches are better if you want the whole circuit to just work, no matter who’s flipping the switch.
- The “someone flips the switch” problem is real, but honestly, it’s not the end of the world. Worst case, you have to walk over and flip it back on. Not ideal, but not a disaster either. I used to stress about it, but after a while, I realized it’s just part of having people in the house who aren’t as into smart tech.
- Overthinking? Maybe a little. I’ve spent way too much time trying to make everything “perfect,” but sometimes simple is better. If tape or covers solve the problem for now, that’s fine. You can always upgrade later if it starts to bug you.
- One thing I did that helped: I put a little label on the switch (“Do Not Turn Off – Smart Lights”). Not pretty, but it worked. My family mostly ignores it, but at least they know why the lights go weird if they flip it.
- At the end of the day, it’s your yard and your setup. If the bulbs do what you want, don’t feel pressured to go all-in on switches unless you really need the extra convenience. Sometimes “good enough” really is good enough.
Hope that helps a bit.
I totally get the urge to make everything seamless, but sometimes the “good enough” route really does save your sanity. I’ve done both—ran smart bulbs in my patio string lights for a while, then swapped to a smart switch when I got tired of explaining to guests why the lights wouldn’t turn on. One thing I’m curious about: has anyone tried combining both? Like, using a smart switch for the main power but still having color-changing bulbs for special occasions? Wondering if that’s overkill or actually practical.
