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Tom’s Guide
Tom’s Guide
Technology
Cynthia Lawrence

This $16 motion-sensing light is the best bathroom upgrade I've ever made

Goebleson motion sensor light.

Whether you're getting ready for the day or relaxing in the evening, I've learned that good bathroom lighting is crucial for both setting the mood and making sure you look your best.

Perhaps I didn't fully appreciate this until my ceiling fixture stopped working suddenly. And in my bid to avoid a costly rewiring project, I got by with LED lamps and flashlights. But I soon grew tired of constantly recharging them and often stumbling around in the dark.

That was until I came across this simple item that is the perfect solution to my lighting problem. In fact, I might ditch my bathroom light for good with this quick but effective fix.

Why this light is my new go-to bathroom gadget

wireless sensor light on bathroom wall (Image credit: Future)

Honestly, I didn’t think I’d be so impressed by a simple light, but it literally was a game-changer for my home. Here's why.

First of all, there’s no hard-wiring involved; I simply attached it to my wall using the magnet strip included. You also have the option to fix directly to your ceiling with mounting screws, but the wall was way easier for me to install (and reach). Unlike other magnetic fixtures in my home, the grip is super strong, and I was impressed that it didn’t fall once.

Since it’s a motion sensor, I especially like the fact that you don’t have to fumble around looking for a light switch, especially in the middle of the night.

Since it’s a motion sensor, I especially like the fact that you don’t have to fumble around looking for a light switch, especially in the middle of the night. The light will automatically detect movement within 9-16 feet and will turn off after 20 seconds of movement. You can also choose between motion activation and a 'Stay On' setting, which is useful for longer periods when you're getting ready in the bathroom.

More importantly, the light is bright, and its illumination is adjustable, offering three color temperature options (warm white, natural white, and cool white). I was also impressed by its 10 levels of adjustable brightness (yes, 10), which you can customize to meet your room needs or even set the ambiance.

While there are buttons on the light itself, I took full advantage of the remote control that makes it convenient to control your settings. What’s more, its long-lasting charge is a major benefit — I can easily use it for several days before the indicator turns red, signalling a need to recharge.

In fact, I haven't missed my original bathroom ceiling light at all since I started using this magnetic wireless light. And this light costs a mere fraction of what would have been an expensive repair job in the long run. So it's a win-win!

IKEA Vallhorn motion sensor light (Image credit: IKEA)

Alternatively, you could opt for smart lights, such as these IKEA motion sensor lights. Not only can these Matter-enabled lights be used indoors and out, but can be connected to up to 10 light sources at the same time and in unison (via the DIRIGERA app).

And with its compact and discreet size, such motion lights are ideal for providing automatic lighting in various dark spaces. You can easily place it in garages, entrances, staircases, and any other area where you need light to turn on automatically.

Here's what happened when our Editor tested IKEA's new smart home devices, and these are the 2 to actually buy.


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