After falling in love with the Nanoleaf Lines product, which had deep, beautiful colors through connectable light bars, it was time to look at another Nanoleaf product. The Nanoleaf Canvas, similar to other Nanoleaf products, allows you to display beautiful colors around the room, but this time, in the form of interactive tiles.
The Nanoleaf Canvas Starter kit includes nine tiles, a power supply, and connectors for the tiles. Additionally, expansion packs are available for purchase, featuring either sets of four or individual tiles. The expansion process is streamlined, as a single power supply is capable of energizing up to 25 connected tiles from a single power point.
Table of Contents
Design and Features
The Nanoleaf Canvas stands out in the realm of smart lighting solutions with its distinct and innovative design. Its modular square-paneled lighting system interlocks like puzzle pieces, with each Canvas tile measuring 15cm x 15cm and is made from lightweight white plastic.
The sleek, edge-to-edge build enables the panels to blend seamlessly with modern interiors, adding a touch of futuristic elegance. The system’s modular nature allows users to expand or rearrange the panels into various shapes and designs, offering a personalized artistic touch to any space.
Like other Nanoleaf Products, the customization potential is what makes the Canvas so great. Each panel emits LED lights, capable of displaying 16.7 million colors, so you can create virtually any color scheme to match your mood or decor. The light panels are also touch-sensitive, a feature that reacts with interaction to provide dynamic lights in response to touch.
Moreover, the Nanoleaf Canvas supports rhythm technology, which can synchronize with music. This functionality turns your room into a live concert or a calming retreat, depending on your choice of music.
Performance and User Experience
In terms of performance, the Nanoleaf Canvas excels. The light output is bright and vibrant, illuminating a room with soft ambient light or as a focal art piece with dynamic colors. All tiles appeared to work correctly with high reliability, consistent brightness, and color accuracy over time.
The user experience is another high point for the Canvas. Installation is straightforward and requires no technical expertise. It was easy to assemble and connect the tiles as they come with easy-to-use, flexible connectors that slide in between each tile. Additionally, the wall connectors utilize simple double-sided mounting tape with four tapes per tile, making it easy to maneuver and position on the wall. If you want something more sturdy, you can purchase a screw mount kit specifically for the tiles.
I found assembling and mounting the Nanoleaf Canvas to the wall simpler than the Nanoleaf Lines product. However, it looks trickier to remove the double-sided tape without causing wall damage, so you won’t want to move it often.
Another key feature is that the Nanoleaf Canvas supports up to 500 panels. You will need a new power supply per 25 panels, making cable management challenging if you are looking for a grand display. However, while this is a niche feature, it could make any wall look incredible.
App Integration and Configuration
The Nanoleaf app is a simple-to-use tool for controlling and customizing the Canvas. It allows users to select color schemes, adjust brightness, create schedules, and even design their own lighting scenes. The app is intuitive and user-friendly, making it easy for anyone, regardless of tech-savviness, to configure and enjoy the lighting system.
Integration with other smart home ecosystems like Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, and Amazon Alexa adds another convenience layer. This combination enables voice control, and you can interact with the tiles using various voice commands. Setting up these integrations is effortless, with clear instructions on the app and the accompanying manual. Additionally, you can configure the Nanoleaf Canvas with IFTTT for even more flexibility in your home automation systems.
Value for Money
The Nanoleaf Canvas sits at a higher price point compared to traditional lighting solutions, which could make you think twice about the product. However, when considering the multitude of features, the innovative technology, and the sheer aesthetic appeal, it becomes evident that Canvas offers an array of features that are hard to beat.
At US$179.99 / AU$349.99, the starter kit is expensive but no more than the other Nanoleaf starter kits. It’s easier to assemble and fit the Nanoleaf Canvas than the Nanoleaf Lines product. However, it comes down to user preference for shapes—both are great options with an array of features.
Overall, the Nanoleaf Canvas is more than just a lighting product; it’s an interactive art piece, a mood enhancer, and a modern design statement for tech-savvy people. For those who prioritize smart home technology, personalization, and aesthetic appeal, the Canvas is an investment that offers both functionality and enjoyment.
Please note: Game Crater was provided the tech for this review.
