Home Assistant Dashboard: Sections vs. Masonry Layouts Explained

When it comes to setting up your Home Assistant dashboard, the choice between using sections or masonry layouts can significantly affect your smart home experience. Based on community discussions, I can confidently say that sections are a better choice for clarity and organization, especially if you have multiple device types and need easy access to controls.

In this article, I’ll break down both layout types in detail, helping you understand which one fits your use case. I’ll also provide tips on how to implement these layouts in your Home Assistant installation.

Comparison Overview

Here’s a quick look at how the dashboard sections and masonry layouts stack up against each other:

Feature	Sections	Masonry
Organization	Clear divides for different groups	Freeform, may feel cluttered
Customization	High (custom cards, predefined areas)	Lower customizability
Ease of Access	Easy access to grouped items	Can be visually overwhelming
Adaptability	Adapts well to different devices	Can be hard to navigate
Aesthetics	Organized and professional-looking	Artsy, but may lack uniformity
Learning Curve	Steep for deep customization	Steeper for beginners

Why Choose Sections?

Clarity and Organization: Sections allow you to clearly group devices and controls based on categories like lighting, security, or environmental control. It makes for easy navigation, especially in larger setups. For instance, if you have smart bulbs in multiple rooms along with security cameras, sections can visually separate them, allowing you to quickly find what you need.
Custom Card Options: When utilizing sections, Home Assistant’s custom card options give you a high level of flexibility to create tailored experiences. You can insert various types of cards that list device states, provide quick access controls, or display visuals like charts for energy usage.
Professional Aesthetic: A well-organized sectioned layout gives a polished look to your dashboard. If you plan to showcase your dashboard to guests (or even just for your satisfaction), the clean lines and structured layout help in presenting an impressive control center.

The Drawbacks of Sections

While sections are generally preferred, they do come with some drawbacks:

More Initial Setup: Creating a well-thought-out sections layout may require a bit of planning and customization up front. If you’re looking for something quick and easy, this might not be the fastest option right out of the gate.
Learning Curve: Fully customizing your dashboard requires some familiarity with Home Assistant’s YAML configuration and various card types. Beginners might have a tougher time figuring everything out.

Why Masonry Layouts?

Masonry layouts can be appealing for their freeform nature. They allow you to scatter various tiles across the screen however you like, which can create a more dynamic feel.

Creative Freedom: You have unlimited arrangements, so you can create a unique look suited to your personality. You can mix different card types in any format, allowing for a personal touch that some users find appealing.
Quick Setup: If you’re short on time, a masonry layout allows you to quickly throw together a dashboard without needing to organize elements into sections.

The Drawbacks of Masonry Layouts

However, masonry layouts have significant downsides:

Cluttered Appearance: Without structural guidance, it can become visually chaotic. Widgets jumbled together might confuse users who are not familiar with the setup or just want to quickly control specific smart devices.
Difficult Navigation: The freeform nature can lead to having to search for the right tile in a cluttered space. If you’re managing over a dozen device types, this layout can spiral into confusion quickly.

Implementation Tips

For Sections

Define Your Categories: Before you dive in, spend some time determining which categories you need—like “Living Room Lights” or “Home Security”. This will help in organizing your dashboard effectively.
Select the Right Cards: Utilize Home Assistant’s wide array of card types (like Entity Card, Picture Glance, or Overview Card). Customize each card to show only the most relevant information for the devices in your categories.
Use Conditional Cards: If you have devices that operate under certain conditions (like appearing only when they’re on), using conditional cards can keep your dashboard uncluttered.
Regularly Update: As you add devices, revise your sections to keep them relevant and current.

For Masonry Layouts

Mix Up Card Types: Use different cards for variety, from simple switch cards to sensor data cards, but ensure they have a consistent design so it’s not too jarring visually.
Limit Cards: Avoid overwhelming the dashboard with too many elements. Having a handful of well-placed cards can often be more effective than dozens scattered around.
Regular Review: Keep checking how easily you can navigate through your masonry layout, especially if you’re frequently changing it.

Who This is For

Sections: If you’re a user who needs a clear, organized view of various devices and settings—think families with lots of smart devices or individuals who appreciate a structured environment.
Masonry: If you’re an artistic type who values aesthetic customization over organization and doesn’t mind a learning curve, the masonry layout might resonate with you.

Who Should Skip This

Avoid Sections if you prefer a quick and simple dashboard setup and don’t mind sacrificing clarity for visual appeal.
Skip Masonry if you have a large number of devices and find cluttered interfaces challenging to work with.

Bottom Line

For most users, particularly those with multiple devices and varying needs, choose sections for your Home Assistant dashboard. They offer a far superior balance of organization, clarity, and functionality. If you need a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing way to manage your smart home devices, sections will lead to a better user experience overall. In contrast, masonry layouts may suit those who prioritize freeform design but can be cumbersome for more serious users.