7 Clever Ideas for Creating an Art Studio Even if You're Tight on Space. Number 5 Might Surprise You.
May 28, 2021
*No time to sit down and read the blog? listen to the audio I've made just for you. In case you like to multitask!
So you think you don't have room for an art space? Not so fast!
I've used everything from the kitchen table to a screened-in porch as an art space. It was only a few years ago, once my oldest child moved out on his own, that I was able to claim a whole entire room for creating art. Yes, I was in heaven!
You may not be able to claim a whole room in your home or afford to rent expensive studio space yet but with a little creativity, you can find some space to call your own right in your own home.
Start with assessing your existing space for any spot you could carve out as your own. Look at your home with fresh eyes and see if there is an obvious space to set up a place to create art. If not, you'll have to get creative.
Next set a budget. Decide how much you're able to spend on creating a space for your art. Keep in mind any furniture, storage, or lighting you may have to add to your space.
Once you have a space picked out and the budget set, go to work on creating your own art space. Your imagination is the limit!
Some ideas for art space:
- Corner in a room- is there a corner somewhere in your house that could be transformed? You may need to repurpose some furniture or even donate some to free up space. Do you really need that raggedy armchair your Aunt Stella dumped on ...uh, gifted you? Use furniture for dual purposes. Your space could be as simple as a drafting table or small desk with a few storage bins for supplies.
Cost Offs Adjustable Drafting Table
- Garage- Do you have space in the garage? You'd be surprised how well a garage can clean up and become a spiffy art space. Spiffy? Am I showing my age? Sigh.
Little Truth Studio Garage Makeover
- Shed/Greenhouse- She-sheds have been all the rage for a few years. I mean someone burned down Cheryl's she-shed. Ok maybe lightning struck it but State Farm covered it. You would need a portable heater and AC but it's very doable depending on your budget.
The Garden Room Studio by The Garden Room Guide
- Dining Room- Be honest, how often do you actually use your dining room for its intended purpose? 3-4 times per year max? That means that it sits idle for at least 361 days a year. Wasted space. Turn that space into a productive art space.
- Closet- Is there a closet you could clean out and set up a work table inside with some shelves and add more lighting to brighten it up. Closets can make the perfect little studio with very little effort.
- Attic- If you have finished attic space, you could consider commandeering it for your art space. The key is a "finished" attic space. Don't set your studio up in a cloud of exposed insulation and wires. That might be a disaster waiting to happen.
- Armoire- Convert an oversized armoire into an art space. Similar to setting up a closet but your work table may fold out from the armoire and then fold back up to be stored.
These are just a few ideas to give you some inspiration for carving out space for your art.
Next, let's talk about your basic needs for your art space.
There are a few things you'll need no matter how big or small your space will be.
- A work surface. You'll need a place to create your masterpieces. This can be anything from a table, desk, or countertop. You could even make a DIY floating tabletop surface that folds down against a wall when not in use.
- Lighting- Good lighting is a must for artists. Natural light, desktop lamps, overhead lighting can all be good sources. Be sure to get lamps that mimic natural daylight.
- Storage- A place to put your supplies when not in use. This is especially important if you have young children or pets that could get into your supplies. Storage could be a dresser drawer, plastic bin, high shelf, or cabinet. Go verticle in a small space with storage with a pegboard, shelving, or stacking bins.
- Water- access to water for painting and cleaning brushes. If you can't find a space near running water, consider storing water in gallon jugs and storing them in your space.
Still don't have any room for a studio space?
- Rolling art cart- get a rolling storage cart and put all of your supplies on it. Roll it out next to your kitchen counter, table, or another work surface when you're ready to paint. Pack it all back up when your done and store it away out of sight.
- Potable art kit- Get a canvas tote or some other carry-along bag and store your supplies inside. You may need to switch to travel-sized supplies but at least they'll be ready for action when you are!
I hope these ideas inspire you to find and carve out your very own art space. You are only limited by your imagination.
