Over the last few years, I’ve had plenty of Nanoleaf lighting products living in my GameSpace, including multiple sets of Shapes Hexagon and Black Triangles. Each kit I tested performed as expected – I was able to create a cool-looking RGB design on my wall. No more, no less. Now, with the release of the Blocks Combo XL Kit, Nanoleaf is adding more dimensionality and functionality to a lighting kit. Let me tell you what makes the Nanoleaf Blocks Combo XL Kit better than other RGB light kits.
Nanoleaf Blocks Combo XL – Specifications
- Dimensions: Large Square/Pegboard 231*231*29mm, Small Square 115.5*115.5*29mm
- Weight: Large Square 550g, Small Squares 135g, Light Pegboard (Per Panel) 900g, Shelf 227.5g
- Shelf Load Bearing Capacity: 1.5kg
- Light Pegboard Load Bearing Capacity: 3kg
- Communication Protocol: WiFi (2.4 GHz b/g/n)
- Control via Nanoleaf App (Android & iOS) for mobile/tablet or The Nanoleaf Desktop App (Windows & Mac).Compatibility: Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, SmartThings, Razer Chrom
- Color Temperature: 1200K-6500K
- Max Colors: More than 16 million
- Color Rendering Index (CRI): 80
- Cable Length: 2m
- Power: 100 – 240V AC
Nanoleaf Blocks Combo XL – In The Box
At first glance, the Blocks Combo XL kit looks similar to another Nanoleaf product, the Canvas Smarter Kit. Beyond their square shape, that isn’t the case at all. While the Canvas squares are thin panels, the Blocks kit adds more depth to its display. The Blocks Comb XL kit comes with both small and large sized squares. The larger squares measure 231 x 231 x 29mm (9.1 x 9.1 x 1.15 inches), with the smaller squares at 115.5 x 115.5 x 29mm ( 4.5 x 4.5 x 1.15 inches).
The kit has a total of nine squares: four small squares, four large squares, and one large square covered with a metal pegboard (3.0kg limit). The kit also has one metal shelf to display your collectibles (1.5kg limit), panel connectors, controller, and power cord. Add-on kits are available to expand the display, including textured panels for a greater 3D effect. Even though the Blocks panels are thicker than other Nanoleaf wall lights, they use the same rigid connectors and are designed to connect with other Smarter Kits for a maximum of 500 panels per controller (additional power supplies needed).
Even though they are thicker and heavier than other Nanoleaf panel kits, the setup of the Blocks Combo XL kit only requires a level and a screwdriver and is quite simple. The small and large Blocks can be attached to smooth walls with the included double-sided tape. Due to their weight and holding capacity, the Pegboard and shelf require screws and anchors, which are also included. The shelf can be placed anywhere in the display and comes with a cover to place over the screws if it is placed at the top or bottom of a design.
The Blocks kit is capable of generating an amazing display of RGB lighting. The kit doesn’t have touch control, but other features I’ve come to expect from Nanoleaf are included. As mentioned, the kit has Connect+ functionality for integration in a larger display with other Nanoleaf Blocks and Shapes. The kit also features Screen Mirror and Sync+ to match the colors on your display across the Blocks kit and any other Nanoleaf products in the room, as well as Rhythm Music Visualizer to create a lighting display that syncs to the beat of music and sound.
Like all other Nanoleaf kits, the lighting has basic controls via the included controller and has expanded functionality through the Nanoleaf App. The kit is also compatible with Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, SmartThings, and Razer Chroma for integration with other lighting in your home.
Overall, the Blocks Combo XL Kit makes for a good presentation. The extra thickness of the panels gives the Blocks kit a premium look compared to the typical Nanoleaf panels. The pegboard and hooks also have a premium look and feel, and I love the option to hang my headphones as part of the display.
I wish I had the same positives for the shelf. Made of thin metal, the shelf just doesn’t have the same quality look as the rest of the kit. It is capable of holding up to 1.5kg, which is probably sturdy enough to hold anything that would fit on the shelf, but I would prefer something a little more stylish, even if using something like a thicker piece of wood limited its placement in the display.
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for some good RGB lighting that also has some extra depth to add additional elements (headphones, controllers, collectibles, etc), then the additional elements that the Blocks Combo XL kit offers are perfect for you. Not only are there multiple add-on kits available for more flexibility in your design, but the Blocks kit can also be integrated into your existing Shapes to add an additional dimension to the primarily flat design of Nanoleaf’s other kits. Even so, creating a large design is going to be an expensive proposition.
