I recently embarked on a renovation journey to transform my downstairs computer room, which doubles as an office and lounge space. After countless hours of back-breaking work alongside my dad and brother, including laying a new floor and painting the ceiling, I finally achieved a space that I was proud of. Yet, something seemed missing—a touch of excitement or flair. That’s when I turned my attention to lighting, specifically the smart lighting solutions offered by Nanoleaf.
Nanoleaf’s range of smart lighting options caught my eye due to their versatility and aesthetic appeal. As a designer, I value simplicity and minimalism, and Nanoleaf’s products offered the perfect balance of color and functionality for my newly renovated space.
Enhancing the Gaming Setup
The first area I focused on was my gaming computer setup. Having recently upgraded my peripherals, including a new mouse pad and monitor stand, I wanted lighting that would complement these additions. My desk setup, predominantly black, needed a splash of color to stand out. The Nanoleaf Pegboard Desk Dock seemed like the perfect solution.
I opted for a two-pack of the Pegboard Desk Docks to maintain a symmetrical look. Available in black, they seamlessly matched my existing setup, though a newly released white version also offers a clean aesthetic. These docks are not only easy to set up but also multifunctional, providing a convenient place to hang headphones and gaming controllers. Each dock includes four pegboard hooks, and its reversible design allows for customizable lighting orientation.
“The Pegboard Desk Dock comes with one USB-A port and two USB-C ports, making it a handy fixture for charging devices.”
Illuminating the Lounge Area
Turning to the lounge side of the room, I sought a simple lighting solution to enhance the entertainment unit beneath the TV. The Nanoleaf Matter Smart Multicolour HD Lightstrip fit the bill perfectly. This five-meter lightstrip, equipped with double-sided tape for easy installation, can be cut to the desired length, providing flexibility for any space.
In my case, I trimmed the lightstrip to just over four meters, allowing it to fit precisely. The installation took mere minutes, and the result was a vibrant addition that brings the room to life, particularly in the evening.
Managing Lighting with Ease
Controlling Nanoleaf’s lights proved to be straightforward. For the Pegboard Desk Docks, a simple software download enabled immediate control over the lighting. The Lightstrip, on the other hand, required the Nanoleaf phone app, which connected via a QR code. Both products offer a plethora of preset color options, including multi-color gradients and dynamic effects.
“While the Pegboard Desk Docks cannot be controlled through the app, the ease of use and variety of lighting options make up for this minor inconvenience.”
Future Plans and Considerations
While the Nanoleaf Blocks Combo XL Starter Kit initially seemed like a perfect addition for the wall behind my gaming setup, the rough and uneven texture of my wall made installation challenging. However, this setback turned into an opportunity. My soon-to-be five-year-old son is thrilled at the prospect of having the block-style lighting display in his room, which we are currently updating with new furniture.
As I continue to explore the possibilities of smart lighting, this experience has sparked a new interest and appreciation for the impact lighting can have on a space. The journey of transforming my gaming room has been both rewarding and enlightening, and I look forward to further enhancing my home with innovative lighting solutions.
