Discover how to carve out the perfect creative art workspace in a small apartment—even if you don’t have an extra room!
The Problem: No Dedicated Art Space in Your Home
You love creating art, but your living space is limited. Whether you’re in a small apartment or a house without a spare room, finding a place to work on your artwork feels impossible.
You might be using your kitchen table, only to pack everything away before dinner. Maybe your supplies are scattered in different areas, making it hard to get into a creative flow. The frustration of constantly setting up and breaking down your art station can drain your inspiration before you even begin.
The Solution: Design a Functional Art Space Within Your Existing Home
The good news? You don’t need an entire room to have a dedicated art workspace. With a little creativity, you can transform a corner, closet, or small area into a functional, inspiring studio.
Here’s how to create a personal art space—no matter how small your home is.
Step 1: Choose Your Art Space
Even without a separate room, you can still establish a defined art zone. Consider these options:
✅ A Corner of a Room
- Pick a low-traffic area in your living room, bedroom, or hallway.
- Use a folding drafting table or a compact tabletop easel to maximize space.
- A rolling storage cart keeps supplies organized and easy to tuck away.
✅ A Walk-In Closet or Nook
- If you have a large closet, convert it into a mini art studio.
- Use wall-mounted shelves or a folding storage rack to store supplies.
- Install a clip-on light for extra brightness.
✅ A Multi-Use Workspace
- If your space serves multiple purposes, choose furniture that folds or rolls away.
- Use a storage tote or case to keep your materials mobile.
Step 2: Choose the Right Art Furniture & Storage
Creating art in a small space is all about smart furniture choices. Here are the best options for compact art desks, easels, and storage solutions.
🎨 Drafting Tables
1. Folding Drafting Table – A collapsible desk that provides a sturdy surface and can be folded away when not in use.
👉 Check it out
2. Drafting Table with Stool & Storage Drawers – Perfect for small spaces, this set includes a comfortable stool and built-in drawers for easy access to supplies.
👉 See it here
🖌️ Easels
1. Floor Easel with Drawer – A classic wooden easel with a built-in drawer for supplies, great for standing work.
👉 Get it here
2. French Easel – A portable, foldable easel with drawer storage for paints and brushes—perfect for working indoors or outdoors.
👉 Shop it here
3. Deluxe French Easel – A portable, foldable easel with metal side tray, metal-lined drawer storage for paints and brushes—perfect for working indoors or outdoors.
👉 Find it here
4. X-Large Tabletop Easel – A compact solution that sits on your desk. It’s adjustable wooden drawing board has a ledge to hold watercolor paper, paper blocks, etc.
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5. Large Tabletop Easel – A compact solution that sits on your desk. It’s adjustable wooden drawing board has a ledge to hold watercolor paper, paper blocks, etc.
👉 See it here
6. Sketchbox Tabletop Easel – A compact solution that sits on your desk. It’s inner compartment provides space to organize, store and carry colored pencils, pens, markers, paintbrushes, and other tools. The wooden drawing board is adjustable and includes a ledge.
👉 Get it here
📦 Storage Solutions for Small Spaces
1. Wooden Storage Box with 3 Drawers – Keeps paints, brushes, and tools organized in a stylish, compact box. Also available in a variety of sizes: 4, 6, 10, or 12 drawers. Great for storing and organizing supplies on top of a table, desk or shelf.
👉 Find it here
2. Rolling Storage Cart with Metal Tabletop, Side Pockets & 12 Drawers – Ideal for small apartments, these carts can be rolled away when not in use. The drawers are metal and the side pockets are made of fabric.
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3. Rolling Storage Cart with 5 Drawers – Ideal for small apartments, these carts can be rolled away when not in use. The drawers are clear plastic.
👉 See it here
4. Rolling Storage Cart with Wooden Tabletop & 8 Drawers – Ideal for small apartments, these carts can be rolled away when not in use. Available with multiple drawer color options.
👉 Get it here
5. Rolling Storage Cart with Metal Tabletop & 12 Drawers – Ideal for small apartments, these carts can be rolled away when not in use. Available with multiple drawer color options.
👉 Shop it here
6. Folding Storage Rack – A collapsible storage solution to store canvases, sketchbooks, and supplies neatly. The storage basin is made of sturdy canvas fabric.
👉 Find it here
7. Tote Bag Art Supply Organizer Caddy – Perfect for artists who need a portable option for carrying their materials. The tote bag is made of nylon fabric and comes in a variety of color options.
👉 See it here
Step 3: Keep Your Art Space Organized & Inspiring
Once you’ve set up your workspace, keep it functional with these tips:
- Use vertical space – Install shelves or pegboards to store supplies off the table.
- Label storage bins – Keep brushes, paints, and tools neatly categorized.
- Keep it flexible – Choose furniture that folds, rolls, or stacks for easy storage.
- Personalize your space – Add small decorations, inspiration boards, or plants to make your studio feel inviting.
Start Creating in Your Perfect Art Space Today!
You don’t need a massive studio to create beautiful artwork. With the right space-saving furniture and organization, you can turn any small area into an inspiring art workspace.
👉 Upgrade your creative space today! Browse the best compact art desks, easels, and storage solutions using my Amazon affiliate links above. For additional art studio furniture ideas, see more recommendations here.
👉 Are you documenting your artwork? Learn the best way to digitize your art to preserve and showcase your paintings. Read More…