The evenings are creeping in and nothing beats the cosy glow of lights done right. Smart lighting isn't just about flicking switches. It's about transforming how you live, save and feel at home. Let’s dive in.

Local Insight – Kent and East London Lighting Trends

In Kent, around 97% of street lights are now LED, reducing night time energy use and light pollution. Local councils are also exploring smart lighting pilot schemes that dim or brighten according to activity and ambient light. This shows that people want more control indoors too.

Types of Smart Lighting (Visual Breakdown)

✅ Best For • ⚠️ Pros • ❌ Cons

✅ Best For

• Homeowners who want app or voice control (Ring, Alexa, Google)

• People setting scenes like “Movie Night” or “Welcome Home”

• Anyone looking to reduce energy bills and automate usage

• Families who want better safety and ambient control

⚠️ Pros

• Remote access, scheduling and voice commands

• Warm lighting scenes add to comfort and style

• Works with major systems like Hive, Zigbee and Ring

• LED compatibility means long life and low bills

❌ Cons

• Higher upfront cost than regular lights

• Some systems need hubs or bridges (like Ring Bridge)

• Not every device plays nice with every other brand

• Setup apps can be fiddly for first-time users

Smart Lighting Features and Compatibility

• Ring: Sync lights with Ring doorbells and cameras using Ring Bridge. Lights can flash or switch on when motion is detected.

• Hive: Use Hive Actions to automate lights, plugs and heating. One tap can turn on lights and boost heating for "cosy mode".

• Zigbee or Matter: These mesh networks allow smart devices to communicate without needing WiFi for everything. Matter is a new cross-brand standard.

• Sensors and Automation: Motion sensors, daylight detectors and timers help lights react to real-time conditions inside or outside.

Want to check if your current lighting setup could be upgraded or automated?
Contact Volt East for a free smart lighting review and we’ll guide you on where to begin.

Volt East’s Smart Lighting Service

At Volt East, we design, supply and install smart lighting systems to suit every home and budget. Whether you're replacing a few bulbs or upgrading your full home for voice control and automation, our team ensures every switch, sensor and light works the way you want it to.

Volt East is Ready to Help

If you're ready to control your lighting from your phone, save on bills and enjoy safer evenings, get in touch today and let's light up your winter.

FAQs – Smart Lighting Installation

Do I need a smart hub?

Some systems like Ring or Hive work best with their own bridge or hub. Others like WiFi bulbs may not need anything extra.

Can I adjust colour and brightness?

Yes. Many smart lights let you pick colour temperature (warm or cool white) and dim levels. Some even offer full colour range.

Will this work with my old light fittings?

Usually yes. Smart bulbs can fit most lamps and fittings. Smart switches may need neutral wiring, which Volt East can install.

Will it really help me save money?

Absolutely. Scheduled lighting, dimming and occupancy sensing all reduce waste. Smart lighting can cut lighting costs by up to 80%.