Recently, I embarked on an exciting DIY project to create a smart mirror using Home Assistant. The experience was both challenging and rewarding, and I wanted to share my journey and some tips for anyone looking to undertake a similar project.
My goal was to build an energy-efficient smart mirror that integrates seamlessly with my Home Assistant setup. The mirror would display real-time data from my HA system, providing a convenient way to check the weather, monitor devices, and control my smart home.
Materials Used:
- A 7-inch LCD display powered by an ESP32
- One-sided mirror glass with 8% light transmission
- 3D-printed display housing
- USB-C cable
- Custom-built frame
Software and APIs:
- Home Assistant with MQTT Broker
- OpenHASP as firmware for the ESP32
- Local forecast API for weather updates
Setup Process:
- Hardware Installation: I started by assembling the 3D-printed housing and attaching the LCD display. The mirror glass was carefully placed over the display to ensure optimal light transmission.
- Firmware Configuration: Using OpenHASP, I configured the ESP32 to communicate with my Home Assistant instance. This involved setting up MQTT integration and defining the display layout in
pages.jsonl. - Software Integration: I created sensors in Home Assistant to fetch data like temperature, weather forecasts, and garbage collection schedules. These sensors were then linked to the smart mirror’s display using OpenHASP configurations.
- Automation: To prevent screen burn-in, I implemented an automation that blacks out the display when the backlight is off. The mirror activates for 2 minutes when the backlight is turned on, providing a seamless user experience.
Tips for Success:
- Plan Your Layout: Spend time designing your display layout in OpenHASP. Consider the placement of text, icons, and background objects to ensure readability and aesthetics.
- Test MQTT Connectivity: Before finalizing your setup, ensure that MQTT communication between Home Assistant and the ESP32 is stable.
- Use Local APIs: For weather and other local data, use APIs that provide accurate and timely information.
- Frame Design: Invest in a well-crafted frame to give your smart mirror a polished look.
Conclusion:
My smart mirror project has been a fantastic addition to my home, providing a practical and stylish way to interact with my smart home devices. It has also been a great learning experience, enhancing my skills in hardware integration and software configuration.
If you’re considering a similar project, I highly recommend starting small and gradually adding features as you become more comfortable. The sense of accomplishment when you see your project come to life is truly rewarding.
Feel free to share your own smart mirror or DIY projects in the comments—I’d love to see what you’ve created! 
