Home Art Studio Essentials

I have had a home art studio for close to twenty years now. I wouldn't want it any other way at this point. My current home art studio is a hub in our house in many ways, and my kids and I spend countless hours in the space reconfiguring it as we need. Here is what I have found essential to a home studio that works as a versatile space.

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A table that functions for your needs
My kids and I built the table I currently have. I didn't make plans but decided it needed to exist over my large flat file, which was previously wasted space in the studio. I also wanted it to be large enough to create larger quilts than my drafting table, and it needed to be standing height. My husband and I picked up the wood, and my kids and I slowly pieced together the table to work for the space, building a bit as we went. The result was a beautiful custom white and milk paint piece that's a studio staple. I also built a flexible smaller table on wheels that slightly slides under one edge of the large table. The smaller roller piece serves to hold materials or food as needed.

A large standing desk is a must for my home art studio.

Lighting

How the studio is lit, is so essential to the functionality of the space. I love natural light, but sometimes my studio time is in the evening when it’s dark, or before the sun is up in the morning. I have tried many different brands of lighting and tripods but my favorite by far is the CANVAS lamp. I use a marble base to hold the lamp permanently on my antique drafting table. I also move the lamp (when needed) and attach it to my large standing table in order to make process reels or get better lighting in the early mornings. Check out their site here.

An early morning stitching session with my CANVAS lamp in the art studio.

Storage, storage, and storage

I use flat files for my paper quilts, extra paper, and small plastic storage trays to hold my cut paper that is ready to be quilted. I have many in-progress works going at once, so storage is vital. I bought both of my flat files used from discount office stores, but they can also be purchased at art stores and online. I appreciate having a smaller one with a base (one like this) that allows for shelf storage below and a larger lower file that holds large pieces safely.

A flat file that has a standing base allows for extra storage underneath and easier access to the drawers.

A landing zone

I have a side sewing table (found by the side of the road one year) that holds extra materials and gets them out of my visual way. All the "things" like cords, tripods, lights, frame kits, and more can add to the visual clutter. I have tried to streamline all this visual clutter, so I don't have to stare at it all the time. Having mostly artwork and in-progress works out helps me focus on what I want to make and not think about the clutter or "to-do" items of photographing and other projects related to being an artist.

Trays

Trays may seem like an odd necessity, but I have found that having some plastic trays that easily slide into my flat file drawers can work for either my items or my kids' items. Things like in-progress art, cut paper, puzzles, or kid homework can easily slide in and be picked up for the next studio visit. Purchase art trays here from amazon here.

Trays are used everyday in the studio to move work around and story puzzles and projects for the kids.

What are your studio essentials? Do you share a space with your family or other artists?