Nanoleaf Smart LED Monitor Stand Review: Customizable Lighting Meets Attractive Design

Nanoleaf is a technology and Internet of Things-focused company that, since 2012, has offered lines of indoor and outdoor smart lighting, accessories, and wellness products. In this review, we look at their Smart LED Monitor Stand created in partnership with FANTAQI. Please note that the photos in this article reflect an earlier version labeled as the fANTAQI ALTAR. The current version’s packaging and labeling will feature the name Nanoleaf Smart LED Monitor Stand.

What’s in the Box

• Wood Panel
• Support Legs (x2)
• Center Support Column
• Locking Screws (x20)
• USB Type-C Charging Cable
• Screwdriver

Design and Build Quality

The Nanoleaf Smart LED Monitor Stand is a welcome accessory for today’s crowded desktops. Measuring 39.4” wide by 8.9” deep and 4.8” high, and with a maximum load capacity of 61.7 pounds without use of the optional included center support and 154.2 pounds with it, the monitor stand can easily accommodate two large monitors and a wide range of accessories.

Made of multi-layered solid wood with a natural walnut veneer, the monitor stand features a beveled edge and flush integrated controls. It has a clean, modern design that fits most environments. The natural walnut color is neutral and a good choice if you are only providing one option, but I think that it would be beneficial to offer others such as cherry, dark oak, and maple.

The legs are made of textured black plastic that nicely offsets the natural wood veneer and gives it a floating appearance that sets the shelf off from the tabletop.

On the right side of the front of the shelf are buttons that control the stand’s functions. These include the power button, plus and minus buttons, arrow buttons, and the music scenes button.

The underside of the shelf features two sets of lights. The front edge has task lights, and the back has ambient LEDs that add multicolor accents based on the user’s preferences.

The Nanoleaf Smart LED Monitor Stand’s underside also features 22 threaded holes for optional compatible accessories. The package includes 20 locking screws for this purpose, making it easy to install devices such as microphones, arms, and speakers.

Setup

The monitor stand comes flat in the box and requires minor assembly. The entire process takes a minute or two and involves loosening the screws on the underside of the shelf, then sliding on the support legs until they click into place.

If the intended setup exceeds the 61.7-pound limit, an optional included center support can be added to the Nanoleaf Smart LED Monitor Stand. The center support also doubles as a cable organizer.

Once in place, connect the USB Type-C power cable to the port on the underside of the shelf and to an appropriate power source. With the shelf in place and powered, you are ready to pair it with your network, device, and app if full control is desired.

Compatibility

The Nanoleaf Smart LED Monitor Stand works with a wide range of technologies, including smart home ecosystems such as Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, Samsung SmartThings, and Homey, as well as integrations like Razer Chroma, Overwolf, and Engine DJ. And, of course, there is an app as well. The Nanoleaf Mobile App lets users control and customize compatible smart lighting.

Performance

The Nanoleaf Smart LED Monitor Stand is just the right size for most desks as it is large enough to accommodate two large monitors and yet small enough to fit on compact desktops. The lighting effects provided by the 102 addressable LEDs are varied and customizable to personal tastes.

If you are a gamer and want to match your gaming rig, Razer Chroma lets you easily match colors and add interactivity. Screen Mirror, Music Sync, and Sync+ offer a wide range of special lighting effects.

If you prefer a more subtle desktop look and just want a warm glow washing over your desk surface, the LED Monitor Stand does the job beautifully with its CRI 97 front task light.

I found the buttons on the shelf itself a bit frustrating, as they seem less than absolute in their actions. Luckily, you do not need to rely on them, as the lighting is easily controlled using the Nanoleaf app or similarly any of the integrations.

Nanoleaf App

The free Nanoleaf Mobile App, available for both Android and iOS, lets users design, set up, manage, and control all their Nanoleaf lights in one place. Pairing and setting up the Smart LED Monitor Stand is as simple as scanning the QR code on the underside of the stand or entering the product number also found there.

Once paired, users can simply control the type and amount of light produced, select from a collection of dynamic scenes provided by the manufacturer, or download others created by the community. Users can also create custom scenes.

The app also allows users to set scheduled routines that automate their daily lighting needs. Integrations with popular smart home assistants such as Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and Samsung SmartThings add functionality like voice control.

Specifications

If you want to improve your workstation ergonomics and customize your workspace, the Nanoleaf Smart LED Monitor Stand is a logical choice. With its neutral, classic design and ideal size and load capacity, it checks many boxes. The design and build quality are such that the stand will complement most decors, and the degree of customization ensures that it will match the desired lighting effects from the subtle to the most engaging.

The Nanoleaf Smart LED Monitor Stand sells for $169.99 (currently on sale for $152.99; it is available directly from the manufacturer and from other retailers, including Amazon.

Source: Manufacturer-supplied review samples

What I Like: Attractive design; Solid construction; Customization; Compatibility

What Needs Improvement: Physical controls are a bit finicky; Could be offered in additional finishes