Two series of Cd-Ln clusters: nano-drum [Ln₈Cd₂₄L₁₂(OAc)₄₈] and nano-double-drum [Ln₁₂Cd₄₄L₂₀Cl₃₀(OAc)₅₄] (Ln = Nd and Yb) were prepared using a flexible Schiff base ligand bearing two aryl-Br groups. Chloride (Cl(-)) ions, together with the interactions of Br with other electronegative atoms, play a key role in the formation of the nano-double-drums. The structures were studied by TEM and photophysical properties were determined.