Transform Your Space with a Smart, Affordable RGB Lamp
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Chapter 1: Introduction to Smart Lighting
Brightening up my bedside table with a splash of color has been on my wishlist for quite some time. Inspired by numerous YouTube setups showcasing vibrant lighting, I was eager to incorporate some color into my living space. However, as an iPhone user, I faced a challenge.
Finding smart home products that seamlessly work with Apple HomeKit can be quite a task. Unlike Amazon and Google devices, Apple products often lack the familiar 'Works With Apple HomeKit' label. This is likely due to Apple's strong emphasis on privacy, which, while making it harder to find compatible devices, is something I value more than convenience.
With that in mind, my goal was straightforward: create a colorful lamp that I could control via my iPhone without shelling out for expensive options like Philips Hue. As a university student, budget constraints were a major consideration.
Section 1.1: The Quest for the Perfect Lamp
Creating this lamp is a fairly straightforward process: all I needed was a smart bulb compatible with Apple HomeKit and a lamp that fits the bulb. Simple, right? Not quite.
The search for the ideal lamp turned out to be far more challenging than expected. I spent hours sifting through various online stores, hoping to find a lamp that would not only brighten my room but also be compatible. I frequently encountered modern lamps that caught my eye, only to be disappointed when I discovered the fittings didn’t align.
Could I have purchased an adapter? Sure, but I wanted to avoid any potential issues with the device's performance in my smart home ecosystem. Fortunately, I found salvation in IKEA when I discovered the perfect match: the FADO lamp, designed for E27 lightbulbs.
The FADO lamp stands 24 centimeters tall with a 25-centimeter diameter and features a 185-centimeter cable, making it easy to connect to distant outlets. For those seeking a more compact option, IKEA also offers a smaller version, but it isn’t compatible with the bulb I selected. I purchased the larger model for £17 (approximately $19.76) plus shipping.
Section 1.2: Choosing the Right Bulb
A lamp is only as good as its bulb, so I dedicated time to researching the best option for creating a vibrant lighting experience. After watching numerous YouTube videos, I decided on the Nanoleaf Essentials A60 E27 bulb, which appeared to be the ideal fit for my needs. In the UK, these bulbs retail for £17.95 ($20.84) each, but I opted for a three-pack on Amazon after sharing my project idea with a family member interested in a similar lamp.
It's essential to note that the Nanoleaf Essentials bulb comes in two types: E27 and B22. The B22 variant is not compatible with the IKEA FADO lamp.
Chapter 2: Assembling Your Smart Lamp
Now that you have your FADO lamp and Nanoleaf Essentials bulb, it's time to connect everything to unleash the magic.
Begin by following the instructions to add the bulb to the 'Home' app on your Apple device, which can be done by scanning a unique QR code or entering a code manually. Make sure your device is connected to a strong Wi-Fi network and that Bluetooth is enabled to simplify this process.
Next, carefully screw the Nanoleaf bulb into the FADO lamp's base. Once plugged in, the bulb should light up automatically. If it doesn’t, tapping on its icon in the Home app should turn it on. If problems persist, ensure the lamp’s switch is on, the socket is powered, and both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are active.
The Nanoleaf app is also recommended for optimal use, allowing you to create or download custom lighting scenes—like pulsing or flashing in rainbow colors. All these settings sync with the Home app and can be controlled via Siri.
With everything set up, you can freely experiment with your lamp. Use the app or Siri to change colors, adjust brightness, apply custom scenes, or execute Siri Shortcuts. For instance, you can schedule the lamp to turn on at specific times in designated colors or to dim and shift to a warmer tone in the evenings.
Final Thoughts
The combination of the Nanoleaf bulb and FADO lamp has proven to be one of my best investments, making all the research worthwhile. I've enjoyed experimenting with various light settings, from colorful pulsing to a steady soft glow.
Fully integrated with my iPhone, MacBook, Apple TV, and HomePod mini, operating this smart lamp is a pleasure. The best part? The entire setup cost me around £35 ($40), offering fantastic value for a smart device capable of transforming colors at the touch of a button. I'm excited to expand my smart home collection to include even more colorful lighting solutions!
Mission accomplished.
Joe McCormick
Please note: The links provided in this article are not affiliate links. They direct you to the UK IKEA page for the FADO lamp and the UK Apple page for the Nanoleaf Essentials bulb. Availability may vary by region.