Your art supplies are everywhere. Paint tubes roll off tables. Brushes hide in random cups. Paper scraps cover your desk. Sound familiar?
Most artists face this same problem. You want to create, but you spend more time looking for supplies than actually making art. Your space feels chaotic, and inspiration gets lost in the mess.
Good news: you can fix this without spending a fortune or moving to a bigger place. Smart storage turns any space into a creative haven. A tiny corner can work just as well as a full studio.
These 11 storage ideas will help you get organized fast. They work in apartments, shared rooms, or dedicated art spaces. Pick the ones that fit your needs and watch your creativity flow again.
Art Supply Storage Ideas
The right art supply storage can change how you work. These solutions fit different spaces and budgets. Start with one or two that match your needs.
1. Rolling Storage Cart
Rolling carts give you storage that moves with you. Load up the tiers with paints, brushes, and paper. When you’re done creating, roll it into a closet or corner.
This art supply storage option works great for shared spaces. You can set up anywhere and pack up quickly. No more carrying supplies back and forth.
Look for carts with different-sized compartments. Small spaces work for tubes and markers. Larger areas hold sketchbooks and canvases.
2. Pegboard Wall Organizer
Pegboards turn empty walls into storage gold mines. Hang hooks, bins, and shelves to hold everything you need. Your supplies stay visible and within arm’s reach.
This system grows with your collection. Add more hooks when you buy new tools. Rearrange things as your needs change.
Mount the pegboard at eye level for easy access. Paint it to match your room or leave it natural for a clean look.
3. Clear Plastic Bins with Labels
See-through bins end the guessing game. You know exactly what’s inside each container. Stack them high to save floor space.
Labels make this art supply storage system foolproof. Use words or pictures so everyone can find things. Kids love bins with colorful picture labels.
Buy bins in different sizes for different supplies. Small ones hold beads and buttons. Large ones store fabric and yarn.
4. Tiered Countertop Organizer
Desk organizers with levels keep small items sorted. Each tier holds different supplies. Your workspace stays clean and functional.
These organizers work on any flat surface. Put them on desks, tables, or shelves. They contain the mess without taking up much room.
Choose organizers with compartments that fit your supplies. Deep sections hold markers upright. Shallow areas work for erasers and clips.
5. Glass Jars & Mason Jars
Glass jars turn storage into display. Fill them with colorful pencils, markers, or beads. They look good and keep supplies fresh.
This art supply storage method costs almost nothing. Use old food jars or buy mason jars in bulk. Group similar items together for the best look.
Different-sized jars hold different supplies. Wide mouths work for thick markers. Tall, narrow jars hold pencils and brushes upright.
6. Drawer Dividers
Drawer organizers stop small items from becoming a jumbled mess. Each section holds one type of supply. Open a drawer and find what you need instantly.
Adjustable dividers work best because you can change the layout. Move walls to fit new supplies. This flexibility keeps your system working.
Use dividers in desk drawers, plastic bins, or storage boxes. They work anywhere you need to separate small items.
7. Magnetic Tool Strip
Magnetic strips grab metal tools and keep them handy. Mount one on the wall above your workspace. Your scissors and rulers stay put and visible.
This storage trick works great in small spaces. You free up drawer space while keeping tools easy to reach. No more digging through containers.
Buy strong magnets that hold heavier items. Test the strip with your tools before mounting it permanently.
8. Over-Door Organizer
Door organizers use space you might forget about. Hang shoe organizers or pocket systems on closet doors or bedroom doors. Fill the pockets with supplies.
This art supply storage solution works perfectly in shared rooms. Keep your supplies contained and out of the way. Everything has a pocket.
Choose organizers with clear pockets so you can see inside. Deep pockets hold paint bottles. Shallow ones work for markers and pens.
9. Floating Shelves
Wall shelves hold containers without taking up floor space. Install them above your work area to keep supplies close. Use different shelf lengths for visual interest.
Group similar containers on each shelf. Put heavy items on lower shelves for safety. Keep frequently used supplies at eye level.
Paint shelves to match your walls or make them pop with bright colors. Add small bins or jars to keep items organized.
10. Wall-Mounted Hanging Baskets
Baskets on walls hold lightweight supplies like yarn, ribbon, and fabric scraps. Mount them at different heights for easy access. This system looks decorative too.
Wire baskets let you see what’s inside. Solid baskets hide messy supplies. Mix both types for function and style.
This art supply storage method works great for craft rooms. Hang baskets near your work area so you can grab materials quickly.
11. Flat File Drawers for Paper & Prints
Wide, shallow drawers keep paper flat and safe. No more bent corners or wrinkled artwork. Each drawer holds different paper sizes or types.
These drawers work for finished art, too. Store prints, paintings, and drawings without damage. Label each drawer so you know what’s inside.
Look for drawers with smooth slides and tight seals. This protects your paper from dust and moisture.
Design & Organization Tips
- Think vertically: Use walls for pegboards, shelves, and baskets to save floor space. Empty walls are free storage waiting to be used. Mount things at eye level for easy access.
- Use Clear Containers: See what’s inside and track your supplies easily. Clear bins and jars end the guessing game. You’ll know when supplies are running low.
- Make It Mobile: Choose carts with wheels or bins with handles for easy moving. This art supply storage works great in shared spaces. Set up anywhere, then roll it away.
- Label Everything: Labels help everyone find and return items to the right spots. Use words or pictures so kids can help too. Good labels keep your system working.
- Purge Often: Toss dried markers and empty supplies monthly to keep things fresh. Dead supplies take up space and make finding good ones harder. Regular cleanouts keep your collection useful.
Conclusion
A tidy art space changes everything. You spend less time searching and more time creating. Your supplies stay safe, and your mind stays clear.
These 11 art supply storage ideas work in any space. Pick the ones that fit your room and budget. Rolling carts work great for small apartments. Pegboards maximize wall space. Clear bins keep everything visible.
Start small with one or two solutions. Try drawer dividers or glass jars first. Add more storage as your collection grows.
Your creativity deserves an organized space. Choose what works for you and start building your perfect art storage system today.
FAQs
Can I Use These Ideas in Small Studios or Apartments?
Absolutely. Pegboards, over-door racks, and rolling carts work perfectly in small spaces. These solutions use vertical space and corners that often go unused. You can create great art supply storage without taking up floor space.
What’s Best for Tiny Items Like Beads or Clips?
Small glass jars, drawer dividers, and containers with tight lids work best for tiny materials. You can see what’s inside, and nothing gets lost. Ice cube trays also work great for sorting small beads by color.
How Do I Keep These Systems From Getting Messy Again?
Spend 5-10 minutes cleaning up after each art session. Put supplies back in their spots right away. Set a weekly time to sort through everything and toss out dried-up materials. Quick resets prevent big messes.
Do I Need Special Storage Products?
Not really. Many solutions use items you probably already own, like mason jars, shoe boxes, or plastic containers. Old food jars work great for brushes and pencils. Repurpose what you have before buying new storage.
How Can I Store Supplies in a Shared Room Without Taking Over?
Choose portable art supply storage like rolling carts, bins with handles, or over-door organizers. Set up your supplies when you want to create, then pack everything away. This keeps peace with roommates and family members.
