Smart lighting has become one of the most talked-about home upgrades in recent years, particularly for those investing in high-end properties or planning a new build. But is it genuinely worth the investment? At Boarder Electrical, we believe the answer is a resounding yes and here’s why.
Smart lighting systems allow homeowners to control lighting through apps, voice assistants (like Alexa or Google Home), or scheduled automations. This can include dimming lights, setting mood presets, changing colours, or even switching sockets on and off remotely.
These systems aren’t just about convenience. They can offer meaningful energy savings, increased safety and a more personalised living environment.
1. Energy Efficiency & Cost Savings
One of the biggest draws of smart lighting is the ability to reduce unnecessary energy use. Whether through timers, dimmers, or remote switch-offs, smart systems help ensure you’re only using what you need. According to the Energy Saving Trust, energy-efficient lighting can significantly reduce electricity bills and smart systems take this a step further by giving you full control.
2. Convenience and Control
Whether you want to adjust the lighting from your phone, set a schedule for your outdoor lights, or switch everything off before bed without leaving the sofa, smart lighting gives you control at your fingertips. For busy households, second homes, or properties with larger footprints, this added convenience is invaluable.
3. Improved Safety
Smart sockets and switches can reduce risk. Left the straighteners on? One tap on your app and they’re off. Going away for the weekend? Schedule lights to switch on and off to make your home look occupied. These features offer added peace of mind and protection for your property.
4. Customisation and Ambience
Lighting can dramatically influence how a space feels. Smart systems allow you to create preset “scenes” such as bright, energising light in the morning and warm, cosy tones in the evening. Some systems even offer colour-changing lighting, perfect for games rooms, home cinemas, or feature areas.
Not at all. In fact, most are designed to be incredibly intuitive. Brands like Lightwave offer user-friendly apps that let you monitor energy usage, control lighting zones and adjust settings without needing to be tech-savvy.
Boarder Electrical is proud to be a Pro Elite Installer for Lightwave, meaning we’re trained and approved to install and configure these systems to the highest standards. If you’re considering smart lighting, you’re in safe hands with us.
Yes and it’s more straightforward than many people think. Retrofitting involves replacing standard switches or sockets with smart-enabled alternatives that connect to your Wi-Fi or hub. In many cases, you can automate part of your home now and expand the system over time.
This makes smart lighting a highly scalable option, perfect if you want to start with just a few rooms or specific features (such as exterior lighting or energy monitoring).
If you’re building or upgrading a high-spec property, the short answer is yes. Smart lighting is more than a trend. It’s a practical and valuable feature that adds long-term convenience, safety and energy savings to your home.
And because many systems are modular, you don’t need to overhaul everything at once. Start with a few key rooms and expand over time.
Q: Can smart lighting be controlled by voice?
Yes. Most systems work with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit for hands-free control.
Q: Will it work if the internet goes down?
Many systems still allow manual use of switches or basic functions even without internet access. Some also support local network control.
Q: Do I need to replace all my bulbs?
Not necessarily. Some systems work through smart switches or modules, while others use smart bulbs. We’ll advise on the most efficient option for your home.
Q: Can I use smart lighting in outdoor areas?
Absolutely. Smart lighting is great for driveways, garden paths, patios and entrances — especially when combined with motion sensors or timers.
At Boarder Electrical, we work closely with homeowners, designers and builders to design and install bespoke smart lighting systems that match your home and lifestyle. Whether you’re interested in energy savings, convenience, or cutting-edge style, we’ll help you find the right solution.
Contact us today to discuss your smart lighting project and see what’s possible when expertise meets innovation.
