For Day 7 of my DIY project series, I tackled a lighting upgrade that I’ve been excited (and a little nervous) about: replacing the two recessed lights in my laundry room. It’s amazing how much lighting can transform a space, and I couldn’t wait to swap out my old bulbs for the Philips Smart Wi-Fi LED 65-Watt Recessed Downlights. These lights not only offer improved brightness but also come with smart features that make them a perfect choice for a modern laundry room.
Here’s a breakdown of the process, from unboxing to installation, and why I love the new lights.
Why I Chose the Philips Smart Wi-Fi LED Downlights
- Adjustable Brightness & Colors: These downlights offer a tunable white feature, allowing me to switch from a soft, warm glow to a crisp, daylight white—perfect for setting the right mood or ensuring I can see every stain while doing laundry-especially since my laundry room has absolutely no natural light.
- Smart Control: With Wi-Fi connectivity, I can control the lights using an app or voice commands through Alexa or Google Assistant. No more fumbling for the switch with an armful of laundry!
- Easy Fit: The E26 base and frosted design meant it would fit seamlessly into my existing recessed fixtures.
What You’ll Need
- Philips Smart Wi-Fi LED 65-Watt Recessed Downlights (I used the 5-6 inch model)
- A screwdriver
- A step stool or ladder
- A smartphone (to set up the Wi-Fi connection)
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Power Off the Lights
Before starting, I turned off the power at the breaker to ensure safety. This step is crucial when working with any electrical components.
Step 2: Remove the Old Fixtures
Using a step stool, I carefully unscrewed the light bulb and pulled down the old recessed light fixture trim. If yours are stuck, gently wiggle them loose—they might just need a little encouragement.
Will this work for you?
If your recessed lighting cans have built-in clips, it makes installation easy for retrofit downlights like the Philips Smart Wi-Fi LED Downlights. However, not all recessed lighting setups are the same. Here are some common types of recessed lighting that might not be compatible with this type of downlight:
- Non-Standard Can Sizes
If your recessed can is smaller than 5 inches or larger than 6 inches, the fixture won’t fit properly. Double-check your can’s diameter before purchasing.- Here is a link for the 4”
- They don’t have an option for larger than 6”
- Shallow Cans
Some recessed cans are very shallow and may not have enough depth to accommodate retrofit LED downlights, which require a bit of space for the housing.- But if your lightbulb is a BR30 this type you should have enough room.
- Old-Style Housings Without Clips
Some older recessed cans lack clips or other secure mounting mechanisms. In these cases, the light might not stay in place properly.- These clips work in a a few different lighting enclosures, check out if your looks like any of the images
- Non-E26 Base
These downlights are designed for cans with a standard E26 screw-in base. If your can has a GU10, GU24, or pin-base socket, you’ll need an adapter, or it won’t work at all. - IC vs. Non-IC Rated Cans
If your recessed can is not IC-rated (meaning it can’t come into direct contact with insulation), you might need a different type of light designed for heat dissipation. - Sloped Ceilings
Recessed cans installed on sloped ceilings may need a specific type of trim or adjustable housing to ensure the light is evenly directed. Flat retrofit lights like these may not work as well in angled housings.
If your setup falls into any of these categories, you’ll want to research compatible downlights or consult with a lighting expert to find the best option for your space.
Step 3: Install the New Lights
The Philips downlights came with clear instructions. Here’s what I did:
- Screwed the E26 adapter into the existing socket.
- Connected the light to the adapter.
- Pushed the fixture into the recessed can and secured it with the built-in clips.
Step 4: Connect the Lights to Wi-Fi
Once the fixtures were in place, I downloaded the Philips WiZ app to connect the lights to my home Wi-Fi. Setup was surprisingly simple—just a few taps on my phone, and the lights were ready to go.
Step 5: Customize the Settings
I spent a few minutes playing around with the color temperatures and brightness levels. For the laundry room, I settled on a bright, cool white for practicality.
Never, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever use the big light!
Except when we have to…
The new lights completely transformed the space. With no natural light in the room, I need bright, crisp white lighting to spot stains and sort laundry. But when I’m stuck folding laundry for what feels like hours, switching to a softer, warmer light makes the space feel much less like a beautiful prison and easier on my mood.
This project was quick, straightforward, and budget-friendly (the lights cost around $20-$30 each). If you’re looking for a small upgrade that packs a big punch, I highly recommend giving smart recessed lights a try.
The Difference Lighting Makes
Lighting might not seem like a big deal, but it has a huge impact on how a space feels and functions. The Philips Smart Wi-Fi LED Downlights are proof that even a small DIY project can make a big difference.
Have you upgraded your home with smart lighting? Let me know your favorite features or if you’re planning a similar project!
Shop the Product
Philips Smart Wi-Fi LED 65-Watt Recessed Downlight (4-Pack) on Amazon
They have a Black Friday steal for a set of 6
What’s next for Day 8? You’ll have to check back tomorrow to see!
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