A smarter bedroom can help you get to sleep and wake up in the morning.
Why a Smart Bedroom?
Adding smarthome technology can enhance a bedroom, so long as you think through your choices.
With a few devices, you’re able to make your bedroom more comfortable for sleeping and relaxing.
So you might read or watch TV in bed.
Or the lights may be too bright for your spouse or partner.
Smart lights are great for control from the comfort of your bed.
And with a few routines, you could create a sunrise effect without having to buy an expensive clock.
it’s possible for you to do the same with aTV in your bedroom.
For smart bulbs and LED strips, we recommendPhilips Huefor a few reasons.
They run off Zigbee, so are less likely to interfere with your Wi-Fi devices.
Philips Hue is compatible with both Alexa and Google Assistant.
The main issue with Philips Hue is the cost.
A starter kit with two white bulbs and a hub will set you back $70.
Hue bulbs also utilize Zigbee, which means they work even when the internet is down.
Philips
But if you want to save money, we’ve also gatheredcheaper alternativesyou may want to consider.
But when you obtain them, you may not want to live without them again.
That’s the power of smarthomes; one command can take care of many things.
Ikea
Lutron’sSerena Shadeswork well and are compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and even Apple Watches.
But they’re expensive, often going for hundreds of dollars.
And they’ll be compatible with both Alexa and Google Assistant.
Josh Hendrickson / How-To Geek
Amazon offers both theEcho ShowandSpot, and of the two, the Spot is better suited to bedrooms.
It’s smaller and designed to mimic an alarm clock, which helps it fit right in your bedroom.
Butwe prefer Google’s Nest Hub.
Unlike the Echo devices, theNest Hublacks a camera, which adds a sense of privacy in your bedroom.
And used correctly, smart plugs can potentially save you money.
We’ve coveredseveral inexpensive optionsin the past that may be cheaper than buying a new heater, for instance.
Josh Hendrickson / How-To Geek
If they don’t turn on and start working automatically, they’re not suited for a smart plug.
Rounding out the Bedroom
Some smarthome tech might not be physically present in the bedroom.
BothNestandEcobeeoffer temperature sensors, and it may help to place one in the bedroom.
We likecharging pads that sink into a nightstand, which reduces both wire and surface clutter.
Wireless chargers are relatively inexpensive as well, usually around the $20 mark.
You may need to provide your own wall adapter though.
The one bedroom specific smart unit we don’t suggest isZigbee fans.
Currently, thebest-known fansare designed to work with Wink, a smart hubwe don’t recommend anymore.
You have to control all fan operations from the included remote or Wink app.
You may as well save money and buy a fan with a remote control.
Not all suggestions are perfect for every bedroom.
Take stock of your situation and stick with just the smarthome tech that works well for your bedroom.
Remember, the goal is to add convenience, not problems, and frustration.
