MeinMMO editor Caro is always looking for inspiration and new gadgets that make painting tabletop miniatures more enjoyable and easier. Now she has come across another thing that she uses every single time. And once again she has to say thanks to IKEA.
This is not the first time that IKEA has contributed to my daily life with miniatures. I have already reported how a picture frame for 6 euros serves as a nice little shelf for my little guys. But now I have come across something that I can already use during the actual painting process: lighting, more specifically the decorative light with the wonderful IKEA-esque name SMÅSNÖRE.
SMÅSNÖRE is a sort of rubber tube that can be placed anywhere on the table using two stands, allowing an arch of light to illuminate the entire surface or object beneath it.
Not only am I very happy with how SMÅSNÖRE works in my workspace – it also only cost me 13 euros.
I love my previous lamp, but it will now only serve as indirect light
I previously painted with the light of a normal desk lamp. However, it gave off only a cozy, warm light – which, while nice for the atmosphere in the room, was rather impractical for painting. Plus, depending on how I held the miniature, I had to constantly reposition the lamp so that my hands or head wouldn’t cast shadows.
Ever since I started using this somewhat odd-looking light arch, I haven’t had that problem anymore. The miniature is constantly illuminated, and you can work with both a warmer and a cooler light, which can also be dimmed.
Since the tube is quite thin, it doesn’t obstruct the view at all, and thanks to the one-sided cover, you aren’t completely blinded when you’re 10 centimeters away.
The only drawback: The LED has an energy efficiency rating of G and therefore uses a lot of energy. However, since I only use it for painting and put it away otherwise, I can turn a blind eye to that.
Solid alternative for hobby painters
If you’re more deeply involved in the hobby and enjoy seeking input from professional miniature artists and content creators, you’ve probably come across various lighting recommendations quite often. You can certainly delve deeper into lumen (brightness), kelvin (light color), and other aspects if you really want to create the optimal conditions recommended by professionals.
Those who find this particularly exciting can check out a short but quite interesting guide by miniature expert Robert Rangel.
I’m more at a stage where I’d prefer a practical gadget that’s as affordable as possible and suits my skill level, rather than spending over 100 euros on a hobby lamp. But that’s just my personal opinion.
Maybe that will change once I eventually have a proper hobby setup for miniatures. But until then, SMÅSNÖRE and I will continue on our journey together.
What kind of lighting do you use for your miniatures? Or do you know of any other IKEA products that are perfect for the hobby? Let us know in the comments!
One thing for which I have not yet found a definitive solution is the safe transport of miniatures. However, my interim solution has proven secure so far: Warhammer fan wants to transport his miniatures safely and receives useful tips to save money
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