Art is a powerful form of self-expression that can bring joy, reduce stress, and spark imagination for both children and adults. Whether you’re a parent wanting to nurture your child’s artistic talents or an adult looking to rediscover your creative side, setting up a dedicated art space at home can make all the difference. Here’s a comprehensive guide to creating an inspiring and functional art area that will encourage creativity to flourish.
Why a Dedicated Art Space Matters
Before diving into the how-to, let’s understand the importance of a dedicated art space:
- Encourages Creativity: A designated area signals that art is valued and important
- Reduces Barriers to Entry: When supplies are organized and accessible, you’re more likely to start creating
- Provides a Sense of Ownership: Having a personal creative space can boost confidence and motivation
- Minimizes Mess and Stress: A well-planned art area makes cleanup easier and less intimidating
Choosing the Right Location
The perfect art space doesn’t require a large room. But you may need to factor in the ease to clean up once everyone is done. I would recommend placing a plastic tablecloth, or investing in a wipe clean tablecloth that can be used every time you have art time. You’ll also want to make sure your supplies are washable and that everyone is wearing smocks. Art doesn’t have to be chaos, it can be fun and easy to do with the right methods.
Consider these potential spots:
- Kitchen Table: Great for easy cleanup and supervision of children
- Corner of a Living Room: Allows for family interaction while creating
- Spare Bedroom: Offers more privacy for focused artistic exploration
- Basement or Garage: Ideal for messier projects or larger installations
Essential Elements of an Art-Friendly Space
1. Storage Solutions
Invest in smart storage that keeps supplies organized and accessible: When the supplies are easily accessible, you’ll be more likely to take down the paint and create art! Note that if you have little children around, you may want to make sure the supplies are out of reach and only bought out when it’s a good time to draw and paint for your family.
- Open Shelving: Allows visual access to materials, inspiring creativity
- Clear Plastic Containers: Perfect for sorting different types of art supplies. You can also keep all the supplies in one bigger plastic container and then bring it out when needed. These are a good choice.
- Rolling Cart: Mobile storage that can be moved around as needed. Ikea have a great one, although I wouldn’t recommend this if you have toddler around!
- Pegboard: Versatile hanging solution for tools and lightweight supplies. Again Ikea have a great one and having your supplies in front of you will make you more tempted to get creating!
- Lazy susan organiser– this one is great for when you want to give your children a chance to color and have easy access to the markers, pens, glue and whatever else you fit inside these. It’s easy to keep organised and for everyone around the table to access.
2. Workspace Considerations
Create a comfortable and functional work surface:
- Washable or Disposable Tablecloth: Protects surfaces and makes cleanup easy. This is the best hack as you don’t need to scrub anything clean after art time!
- Good Lighting: Natural light is best, but ensure adequate task lighting. If you are painting, it’s important to have great lighting so you can see the values and hues easily.
- Comfortable Seating: Chairs with proper support for extended creative sessions. Plastic chairs that are easy to wipe clean are a great option.
3. Essential Art Supplies
Stock a basic collection of versatile art materials: You can also check out our previous blog on art supplies: https://letsartit.com/art-supplies-101-essential-tools-for-every-artist-teens-and-adults/.
- Drawing Supplies: Pencils, colored pencils, markers, crayons
- Painting Materials: Watercolors, acrylic paints, brushes, water cups
- Paper Collection: Variety of sizes and textures
- Additional Tools: Scissors, glue, tape, clay, craft sticks
Practical Tips for Maintaining Your Art Space
- Regular Cleanup Routine: Teach children (and remind yourself) to clean up after each session. Paintbrushes should be left to dry standing up. Use a towel that you can dedicate for art time and then you won’t worry about hands getting yoru nice towels dirty.
- Dedicate one sink in the house where art supplies can get washed up so you know that sink is the only one which may need wiping down after.
- Rotate Supplies: Keep things interesting by changing available materials
- Create a Schedule: Set aside dedicated art time
- Be Flexible: Allow the space to evolve with changing interests and skills
Embracing Creativity, Embracing Mess
Remember, the most important aspect of an art space is the creativity it fosters. Don’t worry about perfection—embrace the mess, the spontaneity, and the joy of creating.
Once you have a method to how to contain the mess, either by keeping everything in an easily accessible place, or having a dedicated art space that doesn’t require a lot of clean up, it will me much easier to create the time for art.
Whether you’re helping a child discover their artistic potential or rekindling your own creative spark, a thoughtfully designed art space can be a gateway to endless imagination and self-expression.
Creating art can also be extremely therapeutic. So if you are looking for a way to calm down your kids or want some quiet time- having them paint or draw or create artwork is a great choice.
Start small, be patient, and watch creativity bloom!