Nanoleaf Shapes has become a popular brand known for producing top-notch smart lights. Their wall panels and lines have allowed users to showcase their creativity and design their own illuminating wall art. The Nanoleaf Shapes range includes Canvas, Hexagons, and Triangles. Last year, the company released the Nanoleaf Ultra Black Triangles, and this year, they unveiled the Hexagons (currently available only in the UK and US). In this review, we will be focusing on the Hexagons.

The Nanoleaf Ultra Black Shapes offer easy setup and installation, along with excellent app controls. They are a quick and effective addition to any room, but due to their starker black coloring, they are best suited for offices, studios, or rooms with darker walls. Surprisingly, despite the dark backdrop, the lights are vibrant and bright, though they are not powerful enough to illuminate an entire room.

The standard nine-pack of Hexagons allowed me to create a small but impactful accent piece. However, the true potential and technological capabilities of these devices are best demonstrated in larger designs. The Nanoleaf controller can handle up to 500 panels, which is quite impressive. However, it would be beneficial if the power cable could supply more than 21 panels.

Overall, the Nanoleaf Ultra Black Shapes are a sleek and stylish addition to Nanoleaf’s wall paneling. While I did encounter a couple of bugs and quirks, they were generally easy to use and enhanced the aesthetic of my workspace.

In terms of pricing and availability, the Nanoleaf Ultra Black Hexagons and Triangles are priced the same as the starter kits: $219.99 / £179.99 / AU$369.99. Expansion sets are available for $69.99 / £49.99 / AU$119.99. You can purchase them directly from Nanoleaf, Amazon, and select third-party sellers.

The kit includes nine panels, connectors, a power cord, a controller, and mounting tape, allowing users to start creating their wall art. If desired, you can expand your design or mix and match shapes with the expansion kits, which include three additional panels and connectors.

The Nanoleaf Ultra Black panels fall on the higher end of the smart light price range, especially compared to the already-expensive standard white wall panels. However, considering the extensive controls offered in the app and the high-quality build of the panels, they do provide good value for money.

In terms of design, the Nanoleaf Ultra Black Shapes have a sleek, matte black front that exudes sophistication. They are well-made and easily installed, sitting impressively close to the wall. The included mounting tape is strong and bonds quickly. When arranging the panels, you need to consider the placement of the controller and power cable. The controller can handle up to 500 panels, while the power cord can supply up to 21 panels. The in-app layout assistant makes designing your desired pattern hassle-free.

One minor design concern is that the color does not fully reach the edges of the shapes, particularly noticeable on the black backdrop. Placed on a darker wall, this issue is less noticeable. Despite this, the overall design of the panels is visually appealing, and they serve as a great focal point for any room.

When it comes to performance, the Nanoleaf Ultra Black Shapes deliver vibrant colors, though slightly dimmer compared to the standard Nanoleaf Shapes. The Nanoleaf app provides a wide range of customization and design options, as well as downloadable scenes and a scene creator. While the app controls are intuitive and responsive, there may be some bugs and quirks that need to be addressed.

In terms of brightness, the panels are not meant to illuminate an entire room but rather to create ambiance and enhance the overall design. The colors do have a slight muddiness to them, which can be attributed to the all-black design. However, given the device’s design, the colors are still impressively vibrant.

Overall, the Nanoleaf Ultra Black Shapes offer a unique and sophisticated addition to any space. They may have a few drawbacks, but their sleek design and customizable features make them a worthwhile investment for those looking to elevate their lighting game.

Price: 4/5

Specifications:
– Dimensions: 7.75 x 9 inches / 20 x 23cm
– Thickness: 0.24 inches / 60mm
– Cable length: 8.2ft / 2.5m
– Luminosity: 100 lumens
– Colors: 16M+, RGBW
– Features: Connect+, Music Sync, Touch Control
– Compatibility: Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Nanoleaf app, IFTTT

In conclusion, the Nanoleaf Ultra Black Shapes are a sleek and stylish addition to Nanoleaf’s lineup of smart lights. While they may have some minor issues, their easy setup, vibrant colors, and extensive customization options make them a solid choice for those looking to add a touch of elegance to their living or workspace. With their unique design and advanced features, Nanoleaf continues to impress with their range of smart lighting solutions.