New to home automation -- How limited am I by old wiring?

[coyg (Coy Green)]

Yeah I’m going to just have him come out and give it a look. Only issue is I don’t want to buy any switches until I know exactly what I can or cannot do.

[coyg (Coy Green)]

I’m using smart bulbs and they’re perfectly acceptable for me but other people in the house and guests constantly shut the power off to the bulbs.

[Shoot31]

While not the most aesthetically pleasing solution, these have worked great for protecting my smart bulbs.
[Magnetic Switch & Outlett Cover for Toggle Switches https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002X88GYY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_6szVAbQ3V3Y2J]

[JDRoberts]

@coyg

I’m using smart bulbs and they’re perfectly acceptable for me but other people in the house and guests constantly shut the power off to the bulbs.

There are lots of solutions for that particular issue, including smart switch covers (but not the one I already linked to, the kind that don’t change the switch underneath)
.

Just a Button? 1 button, nothing more fancy?

I am looking for a button that can stick to the wall, and I’m stuck . Scenario: Our guest bedroom has 3 lamps equipped with Cree Connected light bulbs. The room has no overhead light fixture and no light switch (old house, fixer upper), nor was it ever wired for a light switch (so nothing to go off of). Therefore, I want someone to be able to walk into the room and tap a button to turn on the 3 lamps. That’s the only functionality I’m looking for – a button that I can then program that when pressed, the connected lamps turn on/off. I’m stumped on finding something! Any recommendations on a simple SmartThings compatible button I can mount on the wall?

FAQ: Looking at a good Wall Switch for my Hue Bulbs (2020 Short FAQ) ( also applies to other brands of smart bulbs)

Looking for a wall Switch to replace the one I have atm. What i need it to do is -Turn on Off -Be integrated with Smarthings and Alexa (No wifi if possible) -If it mathers be compatible with Hue Lights

[WideSmiler]

@coyg I have that issue as well using smart bulbs. In discreet locations like our cellar, I use a sophisticated solution called a sticky note “DO NOT TURN OFF THIS SWITCH” ;-).

In more prominent spaces, I’ve given up and am switching to a combo of smart outlets (for lamps) and smart light switches (for rooms). There is nothing wrong with the outlet covers (nor sticky notes…), but we are working so hard on our fixer upper farmhouse that I want a more aesthetically consistent solution once a room is renovated. Outlets are generally hidden and toggle switches still let me use a Victorian farmhouse era plate.