Hey everyone! I just wanted to share my first automation project with you all. It’s been a fun and slightly challenging journey, but the results are absolutely amazing! 
So, I recently got my hands on a GOVEE RGBICW light strip and a PIR motion sensor. My goal was to create a floating light effect under my bed platform that would automatically turn on at night when I enter the room. I’ve always loved the ambiance of subtle, ambient lighting, and I wanted something that would add a magical touch to my space without being too overwhelming.
First, I had to figure out the best way to position the lights. I decided to place them evenly around the underside of my bed platform, securing them with some adhesive mounts. The RGBICW strip was perfect for this because it’s flexible and easy to shape, allowing me to create a seamless, glowing effect. I also programmed the lights to cycle through a soft, warm color palette to match my room’s decor.
Next, I set up the PIR motion sensor. I positioned it near the entrance of my room so that it would detect movement as I walked in. Using the GOVEE app, I created a simple automation rule: when the motion sensor detects movement, the lights under my bed turn on. To make it even more seamless, I programmed the lights to dim gradually after 15 minutes of inactivity, ensuring they don’t stay on unnecessarily.
One thing I struggled with initially was getting the right balance between brightness and ambiance. I didn’t want the lights to be too harsh, but I also wanted them to provide enough light to navigate the room safely. After some experimentation, I found that setting the brightness to around 40% gave me the perfect balance. The colors also played a big role in creating the desired atmosphere—I went with a mix of warm whites and soft blues to keep it cozy and calming.
Seeing the finished project for the first time was absolutely magical! The lights create this ethereal, floating effect under my bed, and it’s such a nice way to wind down after a long day. Plus, the motion sensor integration means I don’t have to fumble for switches in the dark anymore. It’s little touches like this that really make smart home automation worthwhile!
I’d love to hear from anyone else who’s tried something similar or has tips for improving the setup. Let’s keep the creativity flowing! 
