Floor lamps aren’t my first choice for lighting up a hobby space. They are often large, cumbersome to set up, and don’t provide the flexibility to move the light where you need it. But, I have a few floor lamps that I use to add more ambiance to my workspace. Importantly, I’ve discovered ways to use them to help me paint and assemble miniatures.
In this article, I review the Lastar LED floor lamp as a lighting accessory in my miniature painting workspace. Disclaimer: A representative from Lastar provided the lamp to me for this review. But, as with any product review, I’m under no obligation to provide anything but my honest opinion.
Looking for more lighting options for painting miniatures? Check out my full review of the best lamps for painting miniatures and models.
TL;DR: Summary of the Lastar Floor Lamp for Miniature Painting and Hobby Task Lighting
The Lastar Floor Lamp is a decent LED light source for adding more light to your work area. It’s not my first choice for task lighting, but it’s a good option if you want something that’s out of the way and doesn’t take up a lot of space. It’s also super affordable and compact , making it an attractive option for small rooms or apartments.
The lamp has three brightness settings and four color temperature settings. I found the cool white setting (6000K) to be the most useful for painting, and the warm white setting (3000K-4000K) to be better for relaxing or reading before bed.
What I liked:
- The lamp is very thin and doesn’t take up much space
- It is lightweight with a compact form factor, so it’s easy to move around
- The price is very affordable for what’s included, as compared with competitors
- The floor lamp is fairly short but tall enough to provide lighting flexibility to any standard desk or table height
What I didn’t like:
- Brightness may be inadequate for larger projects (i.e., I estimated around 400-500 lumens)
- Lack of CRI or lumen information
- The lightbar isn’t wide, so you may need to move it around a bit more for best placement
- While the height is decent, this may also restrict how you can use the light with larger models
RELATED: HIGHLY-RATED FLOOR LAMPS FOR TASK LIGHTING AND HOBBY WORK
Is a Floor Lamp Better for Miniature Painting?
If you’re looking for the best light source for painting miniatures, I’d recommend getting a desk lamp instead of a floor lamp. Desk lamps are more focused and provide more directed light, which is helpful when you’re trying to see fine details.
That being said, there are some advantages to using a floor lamp for miniature painting. Floor lamps are typically more affordable than desk lamps, and they take up less space. If you have a small table workspace, a floor lamp might be a better option because it won’t clutter up your desk.
Another advantage of floor lamps is that they’re easy to move around. If you need to reposition your light source, you can just pick up the lamp and move it. With a desk lamp, you might need to unscrew it from the clamp or base, which can be a bit of a pain.
So, if you’re looking for a cheap, space-saving light source for your hobby workspace, a floor lamp is a good option. Just keep in mind that you might need to move it around a bit more to get the best lighting.
Read on for my full review of the Lastar Floor Lamp.
Laster Floor Lamp Review for Miniature Painting and Hobbies
Here are my topline notes on the key technical features of the lamp that you may be interested in as a hobbyist or miniature painter, e.g., wargame models, scale model kits, and 3D printing projects.
The Lastar Hobby Floor Lamp is a good enough light for painting miniatures. Its 4 levels of dimming and 3000-6000K color temperature adjustment allow you to create the perfect light for any situation, while it’s 66 evenly distributed LEDs and 360° adjustable neck provide optimal illumination and prevent eye fatigue.
Additionally, its heavy base minimizes potential tipping over hazards, and its flexible neck makes it easy to place the LED illumination in tight spaces. Finally, its elegant modern style makes it a great addition to any setting.
Notable Features of the Lastar Lamp:
- 4 levels of dimming
- 3000-6000K color temperature adjustment
- 66 evenly distributed LEDs
- 360° adjustable neck
- Heavy base to minimize tipping over hazards
- Flexible neck for placing LED illumination in tight spaces
- Simple modern style (will look good in any space)
Unboxing and First Impressions
The Laster Lamp arrived in a nicely presented packaged box, typical of most online retailers. For starters, I could read the label and quickly identify the lamp at a glance.
I was impressed by the small size and compact form factor of the box. The dimensions are 11 x 6.5 x 3 inches, which is about the size of a shoe box. The weight is 2.2 pounds, making it very easy to carry around.
At first, I wasn’t sure it was the right floor lamp sent to me. But, upon opening the cardboard box, it was clear that the Laster Lamp is a very compact and lightweight product.
What’s Included with the Laster Floor Lamp?
In the box, you’ll find:
- The Lastar floor lamp LED housing
- Control panel (3 buttons)
- Light stand with an extension pole
- An AC adapter
- A user manual
I quickly noted the white foam padding to keep all the parts secured. The plastic wrap in my view was a bit over the top, e.g., way too much. And, I think I spent a good minute trying to carefully remove all the plastic before I could get started with assembly.
Assembly Experience: Setting Up the Lastar LED Floor Lamp
The Laster Lamp is very easy to set up. It took me about 2 minutes from start to finish, including reading the manual. The user guide is straightforward to follow.
There isn’t much in there you haven’t seen before if you’ve ever assembled a hobby or office lamp. That being said, it’s always nice to have a reference guide just in case.
The entire process involves four simple steps:
- Insert and twist/screw the LED housing into extension pole
- Secure the standing pole into the weighted base
- Pull the slack out of the wired cord and insert the plug into a power socket
- Turn the lamp on using the built-in control panel buttons
How Well Does the Laster Floor Lamp Work?
The Lastar Lamp has a control panel with 3 buttons: On/Off, Brightness Setting, and Color Temperature.
There is a timer that turns off the light after some time. I did not use this timer function, since my only purpose for this light is for hobby and miniature painting work, not bedtime reading or similar.
To turn on the lamp, press the on/off button. To adjust brightness, click the button to cycle through brightness modes (4 settings). The mood or color temperature button adjusts the warmth or coolness of the LED lighting. For the most part, I used a neutral setting for all my testing. More about this is below.
In general, the Laster LED light is simple to use. The buttons are straightforward to press. I like that the power cord is long enough (6 feet) to give you some flexibility on where you want to place the lamp in the room.
Using the Lastar Lamp for Miniature Painting
The first task I used the lamp for was painting a 28mm miniature figure. It’s not a bright lamp and has a fairly small LED diffuser which limits the light’s spill. There is no information regarding its lumen output, but I would estimate it’s somewhere in the range of 400-500 lumens (based on my comparison with other hobby lamps I have).
Brightness
I used the lamp on its brightest setting and found it okay for light-duty painting. But, I think for most of us, we’d want to have a bit more oomph in the illumination department. I used a second lamp to augment my use of the Lastar Floor Lamp.
Now, where I would say this LED lamp is useful is when you need something simple that fits into a small space. The neck is also adjustable, so you can direct the light exactly where you need it.
In general, I think the brightness is adequate for a small work area. If your goal is to evenly illuminate a larger space, then you’ll likely want something brighter.
Color Temperature
As mentioned, the Lastar LED Lamp has a color temperature button that you can use to adjust the light’s hue. I found this feature useful, but I did not use this often in my testing. For most of my miniature paintings, I found that using the cooler color temperature helped me see the paint colors more clearly.
Where color temperature becomes more useful is you’re using the lamp as a reading light or for office work. A warmer light may be calming or more comfortable.
The one thing I don’t like about the color temperature button is that it’s easy to accidentally press when you go to adjust the brightness. So, if you do use this feature, just be mindful of that when you’re reaching for the brightness adjustment.
Color Rendering Index (CRI) or Utility for Photography and Film
There is no information regarding the light’s color rendering index (CRI), which is a standard way of measuring a light’s ability to accurately render colors. You can read more about CRI and how it’s useful for determining the quality of LED lighting for painting miniatures, photography, and other hobby work in this lighting guide and review.
The lack of CRI info made me question the utility of this light for photography or video work (e.g., vlogging or making YouTube videos).
But, then again, I would not recommend a floor lamp for this purpose, as a photography ring light or something larger with more illumination area would serve you better.
The light is flicker-free, which is important for any type of work that requires long periods of focus and concentration. Flickering lights can cause eye strain and headaches, so it’s good to know that the Lastar Lamp does not have this issue.
General Thoughts: Is the Lastar Light the Best Floor Lamp for Painting Miniatures?
Overall, I would recommend using the Lastar LED floor lamp along with other lighting as I think you’ll want more light for bigger projects where you need to see as much detail and contrast as you can.
In other words, the Lastar LED Lamp is a decent hobby light at a budget price, but it’s not going to replace a more powerful and brighter floor lamp.
I would also recommend the Lastar LED Lamp if you’re looking for an inexpensive way to fill in some light in a small space. The lamp’s adjustable neck and diffuser make it easy to direct the light where you need it without casting too much of a glow in other areas.
If you’re looking for a dimmable LED lamp with a color temperature button, the Lastar LED Lamp is worth considering. Just be mindful of the light’s brightness (or lack thereof) and don’t expect it to evenly illuminate a large space.
I share other recommended budget floor lamp options below.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- How bright should my light be for painting miniatures?
- What is the best color temperature for miniature painting?
- Do I need a special floor lamp for painting miniatures?
- Can I use a desk lamp or floor lamp for miniature painting?
- What about a magnifying lamp?
- Is the Lastar LED Lamp a good option for painting miniatures?
- What are some other budget-friendly floor lamps for painting miniatures?
How bright should my light be for painting miniatures?
For most people, the ideal brightness for painting miniatures is around 800-1500 lumens. This is bright enough to see all the details of your work, but not so bright that it’s overwhelming.
Best light color temperature for miniature painting?
As for color temperature, the best light for painting miniatures is around 4000-5000K. This is a cool, bright light that will help you see all the details of your work. At cooler color temperatures you may find it easier to judge what paint colors you’re using more accurately, as well.
So, if you’re looking for the best light for painting miniatures, I would recommend a bright, cool light with a color temperature around 4000-5000 Kelvin.
Though, I will say that if you find that your eyes are getting tired after painting for a while, try switching to a warmer color temperature (Under 5000 Kelvin). This will help reduce eye fatigue and make it easier to work for longer periods.
Do I need a special floor lamp for painting miniatures?
No, you don’t need a special floor lamp for painting miniatures. Any good quality floor lamp will do. Just make sure that it’s bright enough and has the right color temperature for painting miniatures.
I would also recommend getting a floor lamp with an adjustable neck. This will allow you to position the light exactly where you need it, which is helpful when you’re trying to see fine details.
Although I focus on reviewing the Lastar Floor Lamp, a great budget option, here are a few floor lamps you can pick up at IKEA that may serve well for the avid hobbyist!
Desk lamp or floor lamp for miniature painting?
When I paint miniatures, I prefer to use a dedicated desk lamp. This allows me to position the light exactly where I need it and keep my working area well-lit.
However, there are some advantages to using a floor lamp for painting miniatures. For one, floor lamps are often more affordable than dedicated desk lamps. And, two, they can be easier to set up and don’t take up as much space on your desk or work surface.
So, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option that’s easy to set up, a floor lamp may be the way to go. Just make sure it’s bright enough and has the right color temperature for painting miniatures.
What about magnifying lamps?
If you’re looking for a magnifying lamp, I would recommend the NeatfiX LED Magnifying Lamp. It’s a great option if you need to see fine details while painting miniatures. In another article, I’ve reviewed other magnifying lamps for painting miniatures in detail.
Is the Lastar LED Lamp a good option for painting miniatures?
The Lastar LED Lamp is a good option for painting miniatures, but not my first choice as an upgrade from conventional room lighting. It’s great as a secondary backup lamp for hobby work or for those with limited space.
It’s bright enough for most light hobby or miniature painting tasks and has adjustable color temperature giving it versatility. It also has an adjustable LED diffuser so you can position the light exactly where you need it.
What are some other budget-friendly floor lamps for painting miniatures?
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly floor lamp for painting miniatures, I would recommend the IKEA FORSÅ Floor Lamp. It’s an affordable option that’s easy to set up and doesn’t take up much space.
It’s also bright enough for most miniature painting tasks and has an adjustable neck so you can position the light exactly where you need it.
So, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly floor lamp for painting miniatures, the IKEA FORSÅ Floor Lamp is a great option. Check out this article for other IKEA Lamps that I think would do great as hobby task lamps for painting miniatures.
Summary Table
| Image | Product | More Details and Price |
|---|---|---|
 |
RANARP | Check Price |
 |
FORSÅ | Check Price |
 |
HEKTAR | Check Price |
 |
Lastar Standing Lamp | Check Price |
 |
Brightech Litespan Slim Floor Lamp | Check Price |
 |
Dimunt LED Floor Lamp | Check Price |
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, the Lastar Hobby Floor Lamp! I hope my review has given you a good understanding of what this lamp has to offer and whether it’s the right fit for your needs.
This is a great little lamp for anyone who likes to do detailed work, such as painting miniatures. The different light settings allow you to adjust the brightness to suit your needs (though I tend to use the brightest).
The compact design means it doesn’t take up much space and you can use it in many different places around your work area. If you’re looking for a quality hobby lamp that won’t break the bank, then I would check out the Lastar Hobby Floor Lamp.
Well, what do you think? Is the Lastar Hobby Floor Lamp worth picking up? Let me know in the comments below!
Happy hobby time!
