An ESP32 running ESPHome can control wardrobe and mirror lighting, while Node-RED coordinates the events that switch or adjust it. A reported project added an infrared sensor for touch-free switching near the mirror; it is a useful example of the idea, not a verified wiring plan or a tested parts list.
How the lighting system fits together
The ESP32 is the local controller connected to the light and, optionally, a sensor. ESPHome configures the device and exposes light controls. Node-RED can then coordinate those controls with other events in a smart-home flow.
There are two possible communication approaches. ESPHome’s native API is the route required by the community Node-RED ESPHome nodes. MQTT is a separate option for systems built around a message broker; using both is not inherently necessary.
| Connection approach | When it fits | Important qualification |
|---|---|---|
| ESPHome native API | When using the community node-red-contrib-esphome nodes. |
The package listing says the ESPHome API must be enabled and labels the package alpha. Check its current compatibility before depending on it: Node-RED package listing. |
| MQTT | When Node-RED and other devices are organized around a broker. | ESPHome documents MQTT configuration for ESP32. Its documentation also warns about API and reboot-timeout behavior when MQTT is enabled without the API: ESPHome MQTT component. |
Choose the light before the controller configuration
For a straightforward wardrobe light, a simple white strip may be enough. Addressable RGB lighting is not a requirement for smart control; its added value is per-pixel control and effects, where the chosen ESPHome light platform supports them. ESPHome’s light component describes capabilities such as brightness, color, transitions and effects, subject to the hardware platform: ESPHome light component.
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When an addressable strip makes sense
If individual pixels or animated effects are wanted, ESPHome documents an ESP32 RMT platform for addressable LED strips. Its configuration needs a data pin, LED count, chipset and channel order; WS2812 and SK6812 are among the listed chipset choices. A WS2812 addressable LED strip is therefore a reasonable search phrase, but the strip must still match the controller configuration and power design: ESPHome ESP32 RMT LED strip.
What to verify before buying
- For the strip: operating voltage, current specifications, chipset, channel order and the number of LEDs in the installed length.
- For the ESP32 development board: confirm that its pins and variant suit the selected strip and ESPHome configuration. The reported project does not identify a particular board model.
- For the power supply: select a regulated DC supply using the exact strip manufacturer’s voltage and current ratings and the intended installation length. No project-specific current budget or supply rating is established here.
- For finishing: an LED strip channel with diffuser is an optional way to protect and soften the light; it is not confirmed as part of the reported build.
Adding touch-free switching at the mirror
The project author reports using an IR sensor to switch the mirror light without touching a control with wet hands. The post does not identify the sensor model, provide a wiring diagram or establish a measured detection range, so treat this as an example of a possible input rather than a component recommendation or performance guarantee: Project report.
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- USB-C Programming with CP2102: Connect through USB-C for power, sketch uploads and serial monitoring, while GPIO, UART, SPI and I2C interfaces support sensors, displays, motor drivers and other modules (USB-C cable not included)
- Over-the-Air Update Support: Configure OTA functionality through a compatible ESP-32 software framework to update deployed firmware over Wi-Fi without reconnecting the board by USB for every revision
An IR proximity sensor module is an optional hardware category to investigate. Before connecting one, check its output type and voltage against the ESP32 input and the selected ESPHome configuration. The report does not establish that a particular module or electrical design works with the project.
A sensor adds another integration point: its signal must be interpreted by the controller and mapped to a light action. A manual control avoids sensor compatibility and behavior questions; touch-free operation may be more convenient beside a mirror, but it requires the extra sensor and configuration work.
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Plan the build without assuming a wiring recipe
- Choose the lighting behavior. Decide whether the installation needs simple white illumination or addressable pixels and effects. Select the strip before setting its chipset, channel order, LED count and data pin in ESPHome.
- Match the supply to the strip. Use the manufacturer’s specifications for the chosen strip and installation length to select the regulated DC supply. The project report does not provide a power budget, wire gauge, connector rating or fuse specification.
- Decide how Node-RED will communicate. Use the native API if relying on the community ESPHome nodes, after checking their current alpha status and compatibility. Choose MQTT instead if the design is broker-centered, and follow ESPHome’s MQTT configuration guidance.
- Add a sensor only if its interface is understood. Verify the module’s electrical output and the ESP32 pin compatibility before connecting it, then configure the input and desired switching behavior.
- Keep mains-side installation separate from assumptions about the low-voltage circuit. The available project description does not establish isolation, mains wiring or installation details. Use qualified help for fixed mains work.
What the example does—and does not—establish
The reported build demonstrates the concept of smart wardrobe and mirror lights with an IR input, but it is not a reproducible tutorial. It does not specify the ESP32 board, LED strip, sensor module, wiring, power supply or a Node-RED flow. There is no documented measured result or independent validation, so builders should treat component selection and electrical design as their own project-specific work.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 2.4GHz Dual Mode WiFi + Bluetooth Development Board
- Ultra-Low power consumption, works perfectly with the Arduino IDE
- Support LWIP protocol, Freertos
- SupportThree Modes: AP, STA, and AP+STA
- ESP32 is a safe, reliable, and scalable to a variety of applications
Rank #4
- 2.4GHz Dual Mode WiFi + Bluetooth Development Board
- Support LWIP protocol, Freertos;ESP32 is a safe, reliable, and scalable to a variety of applications
- SupportThree Modes: AP, STA, and AP+STA
- Ultra-Low power consumption, Compatible with Arduino IDE
- 1PCS 30Pin ESP32 Development Board 2.4GHz WiFi Dual Cores Microcontroller Integrated with Antenna RF Low Noise Amplifiers Filters
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