How Smart Should Your Bedroom Be?

It can be tough to know when to buy, when to hold off, and when to save your money altogether. So, what is worth the investment right now—and what’s worth waiting on? Read on to find out. Good sleep is practically a status symbol—and a few little splurges can help you rest and restore.

Smart light bulbs

Pros: Controlling the lights with an app or voice command is great if your switch is on the other side of the room. Color-changing bulbs let you adjust the color temperature too. That means you can have sun-mimicking light for waking up and warmer, sleep-friendly light for reading before bed.

Cons: If you have a lot of light fixtures, these bulbs can get expensive. Smart switches might be more cost-effective—though they require more involved setup.

Bottom line: If you’re new to a smart home, start here. When coupled with a smart assistant, smart bulbs are incredibly convenient.

Smart Thermostat

Pros: Many thermostats are clunky to program, requiring confounding button-pressing sequences. With a smart thermostat, you can set a daily schedule with just a few taps. Some models even learn your habits over time and adjust themselves when you’re out of the house. Nest says it has saved its customers 10 to 15 percent on their heating and cooling bills.

Cons: Wiring a smart thermostat can be complicated, and depending on your home’s climate control system, some thermostats may not be compatible. You can usually check compatibility with different models online; contact a pro for best results.

Bottom line: If you’re picky about your thermostat schedule, a smart model is absolutely worth it.

P.S. Your Phone, Command Central

If a TV that requires two remotes can bring you to your knees, you don’t want that frustration multiplied in every room of the house. Apple’s HomeKit, Google Assistant, and Amazon’s Alexa will unify control of third-party products so you can manage dozens of smart devices with your phone, tablet, or voice. Look for your hub’s icon on the packaging (to date, Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa are compatible with thousands of products, while HomeKit connects with over 100 vetted items).

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