I recently embarked on a project to automate my wardrobe with smart lighting, and I must say, the journey has been both enlightening and rewarding. The goal was to create a system where the lights inside my custom-built wardrobes turn on when I open the door and adjust their brightness based on whether someone is still awake in the house.
I decided to go with Zigbee technology for this project, primarily because it offers a reliable mesh network without relying on the internet. My setup includes Aqara contact sensors to detect when the wardrobe doors are opened and Gledopto LED strips for the lighting. The Aqara sensors were straightforward to install, and with just a small drill hole, I was able to route the cables neatly.
One challenge I encountered was finding the right controller for the LED strips. Initially, I considered purchasing new Hue Lightstrip Plus units, but they seemed a bit pricey. After some research, I opted for Gledopto controllers, which allowed me to reuse some Hue offcuts I had lying around. This not only saved money but also reduced waste, which was a bonus.
The system is integrated into my Home Assistant setup, using ZHA and emulated Hue for lighting control. I set up an automation where the lights turn on at full brightness when the door is opened. If someone is still awake, the lights dim to 5-10% after a short delay, ensuring a gentle glow that doesn’t disturb sleep. This feature has been particularly useful, as my partner and I have different sleep schedules.
I also explored the possibility of changing the color temperature throughout the day, which would allow for warmer tones at night and cooler, more neutral tones during the day. While this feature isn’t fully implemented yet, it’s something I’m looking forward to experimenting with in the future.
This project has been a great learning experience, and I’m thrilled with how everything came together. It’s amazing how technology can enhance everyday tasks, making them more convenient and efficient. If anyone has questions or suggestions about similar projects, I’d be happy to share more details or discuss potential improvements!