A developer transforms their apartment with 42 meters of programmable LEDs, revealing unexpected energy savings and the critical role of diffusers in professional-looking installations.
In an era of rising energy costs and smart home proliferation, one developer's ambient lighting project delivers both aesthetic and practical surprises. By outfitting their entire apartment with 42 meters of WS2812B LEDs, they achieved full-room programmable illumination while consuming less power than three traditional bulbs.
The Build
The project centers on 42 meters of 60 LED/meter WS2812B strips operating at 5V. Sourced from AliExpress at $3.8 per meter, the total LED cost came to approximately $160. Power distribution required three 5V 40A power supplies ($22 each), strategically hidden in closets to maintain visual cleanliness. Control was handled by a single ESP32 flashed with WLED software—a process the developer noted took "3 minutes." Integration with Home Assistant enabled circadian lighting automation and motion-triggered effects, while diffusers—constructed from a $12 IKEA LACK shelf and translucent acrylic from a local hardware store—proved essential for achieving professional results.
The Numbers
The most striking revelation came from power measurements. At full white brightness, the entire 42-meter installation drew just 180W, verified with a Kill-A-Watt meter. This output is significantly lower than the three 60W-equivalent bulbs the project replaced. At an electricity rate of 12¢/kWh, the annual energy cost would be approximately $30—even if the system remained active 24/7. "That's less than the three 60W-equivalent bulbs I removed," the developer emphasized.
The Critical Lesson
Beyond the efficiency metrics, the project underscores a crucial design principle: "diffusers matter more than the LEDs." Without proper light diffusion, the installation would have created harsh, pixelated glare. "Without them it looks like a gaming PC exploded," the developer quipped, highlighting how optical transforms raw LED output into ambient, eye-friendly illumination. This insight is particularly valuable for DIY enthusiasts attempting similar projects, where visual polish often hinges on material choices rather than technical complexity.
The combination of modern microcontrollers (ESP32), efficient LED technology (WS2812B), and accessible home automation platforms (Home Assistant) makes sophisticated ambient lighting increasingly approachable. This case study demonstrates that even large-scale installations can achieve remarkable energy efficiency when designed thoughtfully, offering a compelling blueprint for developers looking to enhance their living spaces without inflating utility bills.
Source: Hacker News Discussion
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