Nanoleaf is a well-known player in the smart lighting market and has released some unique models. Anyone who likes something special would do well to take a look at the Nanoleaf offering. Are you looking for something simple and futuristic? Then the Nanoleaf Lines are for you.
As the name suggests, the Lines are simple LED strips in the form of lines. They shine directly on the wall, but the smart design makes the lighting indirect and atmospheric. Because you come up with a design yourself, you immediately create your own work of art for the wall. Which can also change color thanks to the different effects.
What is the Nanoleaf?
What started as a Kickstarter project has now grown into a mature Internet of Things company. Nanoleaf has been making unique LED panels for the wall for several years now that can be operated with an app. The light panels fall under the heading ‘smart lighting’ and, in addition to the app, can also be controlled via HomeKit and various voice assistants such as Siri, Google and Alexa. They also invest in Matter and Thread.
In the meantime, you can choose from different models and shapes. Which version you like best is of course very personal. We previously tested the Nanoleaf Canvas, Elements, Holiday Strings and Nanoleaf 4D, but we also found the Lines to be impressive. Time for an extensive review.
Nanoleaf Lines starter pack
If you want to purchase the Nanoleaf Lines you must purchase a starter package, which is necessary because it contains the adapter and the control panel. You can choose from a package with nine or fifteen lines in white, black or pink. You can optionally expand the white version with an expansion package.
We started with a starter package of 15 lines so that you can immediately fill the wall. When you purchase a package, in addition to the lines, you also receive one control panel, documentation, adapter, adhesive strips and connectors to connect the lines.
60 or 90 degrees
The Nanoleaf Lines are available in two versions, connectors for making patterns with 60º or 90º. With the sixty degree pieces you can make six or triangles, with the ninety degree left you can make four or rectangles. So consider in advance what kind of pattern you would like to make.
Installation Nanoleaf Lines
Anyone who thinks that the Nanoleaf smart LED lighting can be hung on the wall in no time is wrong, it will take several hours before you hang your self-chosen pattern on the wall. The process starts with coming up with a pattern. If you have 9 lines, this may be easy to figure out, but the more strips you purchase, the more difficult it becomes.
Devising and developing a pattern
You cannot hang the Nanoleaf lines haphazardly, because each panel must be connected to a different strip to transmit power and data to each other via the connectors. Fortunately, Nanoleaf will help you with some examples on their website, but you can also use the Nanoleaf application.
You can put together a pattern yourself via the Layout Assistant (also available in the demo version of the app) and immediately check whether all lines are supplied with power. If developing yourself is difficult, you can also shuffle through a range of pre-programmed patterns. Once you’re done, you can try out your artwork using AR.
Link Nanoleaf to the app and HomeKit
After coming up with the pattern, it is best to first connect your Nanoleaf lighting to the app and HomeKit, then the connection has already been established. To achieve this, the basic coupling piece with control must be connected to the adapter and supplied with power.
Then pairing the lighting is a piece of cake thanks to the code on the back of the control or in the manual/box. The Lines is immediately linked to HomeKit and you can operate it immediately via the Home app and Siri.
Hang up Nanoleaf Lines
Once the lighting is linked to the app and you have come up with your pattern, you can work it out on a table or on the floor. Connect this directly with the connectors in the right place to check whether all lines are connected to each other. This way you avoid problems when hanging. If everything works, you can hang the lines one by one, using the supplied adhesive strips.
It doesn’t matter which light strip you start with, as long as you hang it straight and level. Once the first panel is hanging, you can easily attach the other Lines straight and level using the connectors. It is best to immediately supply power to the first line so that you can immediately see whether the subsequent lines are also activated.
The versatile Nanoleaf application
The LED lighting is only smart if you can operate it with an app, fortunately the Nanoleaf Lines have an extremely advanced app where the possibilities are almost endless. You can activate different scenes via the app and put them together yourself, so you can give each strip its own color, brightness or effect. It is even possible to display multiple colors on one line or to blend them into each other. At first the application is busy and confusing, but fortunately after a few days you quickly find out how the app works.
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Nanoleaf effects
Via the dashboard tab you have direct access to all installed scenes and effects. There are already quite a few scenes and effects available by default, but via the ‘Discover’ tab you have access to thousands of new effects created by Nanoleaf itself, but also from other users. These are immediately available to download and install on your own Nanoleaf lighting.
You can easily switch between scenes by tapping them. Swipe from right to left on a scene to save it as a favorite or delete it. You can adjust the scenes via the pencil icon and, for example, choose different colors, adjust speed or fix the brightness. At the top of the dashboard you can directly view the playing scene, manage it or change the brightness.
Discover tips and new scenes
Via the ‘Resources’ tab you can get additional information, news and tips about your Nanoleaf product. The tab is very useful, especially in the beginning, but soon you no longer look at it and it is a shame that it takes up such a prominent place.
The Discover tab, on the other hand, is a page you will visit regularly. Via the tab it is possible to download and install new scenes for your Nanoleaf products. There are thousands of light shows available for download for all categories. With one tap on the scene you can view it in real time on your lighting and via the download button you can add it to your own library. So are you looking for energetic scenes or color combinations to fall asleep to? You will undoubtedly find them in the discover tab.
Create Nanoleaf scenes yourself
In addition to downloading pre-programmed scenes, you also have the option to put them together yourself. You can get started immediately via the plus button on the dashboard. It is not an easy task if you are not technically inclined, but with practice you can go a long way.
The dynamic scenes in particular are worth a try. Choose your favorite colors, an effect and the speed of the change and your own scene is born. It is even possible to provide each light panel with its own specific color and brightness.
Other useful options in the app
- Possibility to automatically adjust the brightness of the lighting based on the ambient light
- Set schedules to automatically play effects
- Save settings and data in iCloud (backup)
- Sync scenes with other devices
- Full access to your HomeKit home directly from the app
Rhythm: Light show tailored to the music
The Nanoleaf Lines has a built-in Rhythm function. This allows the lighting to respond to sound. The built-in microphone of the control panel records the sound and converts it into illuminated LED strips.
Various effects are available and you can also create an effect yourself in the app. With the Rhythm function you can transform your living room into a discotheque during a party.
The registration of music works well and gives a very nice effect, even at a greater distance. Moreover, the light show is very accurate and moves well to the beat of the music.
Using the Rhythm function in combination with other sound, for example watching a film or series, has no added value. The lighting of the panels is so fast (panicky) that it can quickly be experienced as disturbing. Of course you can opt for quieter Rhythm scenes, but it will still be too busy.
Conclusion: Nanoleaf Lines
REVIEW SCORE
The Nanoleaf Lines is truly a product that enchants you when you see and experience it for the first time. At first you don’t need the light strips, but as soon as you come into contact with them you will want to have them and immediately start creating your own work of art. The LED lighting is more than just a gimmick for the wall. The system offers numerous useful functions and effects that not only creates atmosphere in your home, but also a unique experience.
The design is minimalist, the execution futuristic. You can see the Lines as light art on the wall in a pattern that you have devised yourself. Thanks to the various effects, your boring wall suddenly becomes a spectacle to look at and can also provide peace and quiet at times. That makes the Nanoleaf special, not only do the effects create a pleasant atmosphere, the colors are also sublime. From soft warm tones to deep colors with lots of contrast. The purchase price is high, but you do get something unique in return.
You can operate the Nanoleaf Lines via the app, limited with smart assistants and HomeKit, or via the included physical controller that you can place on each connector. This means you can always adjust the lighting easily and quickly, at any time.
- High quality LEDs, with bright and full colors
- Can be fully personalized to your own wishes
- Suitable for HomeKit, Google Home and Alexa, among others
- Beautiful effects that you can adjust in detail
- Quick manual operation via integrated controller
- Advanced app sometimes makes creating effects complicated
- Control panel is difficult to operate in the dark
Buy Nanoleaf Lines
You can purchase the Nanoleaf Lines from: Bol.com, Coolblue, Amazon, Media Markt and the Nanoleaf website. The starter pack of nine Lines (€ 199.99) will take you a long way. Do you have a large surface to fill? Then go for 15 LED strips (€ 299.99). The Lines are available in white, black or pink with 60º or 90º connectors.
