Nanoleaf products have always been a welcome addition to any space, helping set the mood or reacting to what’s on the screen or what music is playing. One thing they’ve rarely been is utilitarian, forcing you to choose between decorative lights and useful things like shelves.
That changes with the new Nanoleaf Blocks.
What Is It?
Nanoleaf Blocks are a fully-redesigned light panel that come in two sizes and have pegboard panels and shelves that fully integrate into the system.
The panels have been upgraded from the company’s previous square offerings. They’re now thicker and sturdier, providing edge-to-edge lighting without any dark spots. The edge lighting provides a nice diffuse glow on the wall behind the blocks as well.
There’s even a 3D-textured diffuser that you can use on their own or use to replace the flat plastic panel on the large squares to provide a bit of visual interest. My only wish is that they had small ones for the small squares.
The biggest new accessory is the backlit pegboard which pairs a diffuser with a metal pegboard upon which you can hang whatever you like using the two included hooks. The drawback is that you have to drill into the wall to place anchors. That takes away the fun of rearranging your blocks, so you’ll want to place your pegboard wisely.
The other accessory (and the one I’m going to have to get a bunch of) is the new shelf. These can be inserted on top of a block, underneath, or between blocks. Nanoleaf says you have to use anchors for the shelf as well but I found that two large blocks provide enough wall attachment that I didn’t need to use them. Of course, I’m only placing a scant pound of Transformers toys on there, so the overall weight isn’t excessive. If you’re going to place anything substantial on the shelf, use the anchors.
Are They Easy to Install and Use?
Honestly, creating a layout and figuring out where things will go is the hardest part of any Nanoleaf installation and Blocks are no different. It might take you a little more time if you’re installing anchors for the pegboard and shelf (included, thankfully).
I love having the small block options but I end up with analysis paralysis. Even after multiple layouts, I still ended up switching things up as I put them up on the wall. Thankfully the non-anchored blocks are all very forgiving when it comes to that initial attachment. It’s only after they’ve been mounted for a minute or so that the adhesive (which can be pulled off without damaging the wall when you’re ready) really sticks.
After I had my initial layout up, I decided to expand it further and was pleased with how easy it was to pop off the diffuser and light panel so that I could add more connectors. The mounting bracket stayed in place, letting me get creative without having to redo everything.
Setting everything up in the app was simple. A QR code scan, followed by a scan for iOS Home, and the Blocks were ready to integrate into my system. There are several new scenes just for the Blocks that can be shared with your other lights. Given that I put my blocks right near my record player, the new music sync scenes were particularly appreciated.
The pegboard and shelf offer utility and additional decoration options, allowing you to organize your space and make your gear part of your decoration. I got creative and made a charging station for my Sonos Ace, employing the powerbank function of my Anker Qi charger. And the shelves work wonderfully, with just enough room for a few of my favorite music-themed robots.
How Much Do They Cost?
Nanoleaf has multiple starter kits and add-ons for sale at launch. You can get a 6-square starter kit for $199. A Combo kit that includes square, small squares, a pegboard, and shelf is $249. There are also additional sets with more squares or pegboards as well as add-on kits for textured squares, regular squares, small squares, pegboards, and shelves.
You can check them all out on the Nanoleaf site.
