Turn Your Tall Squre Table Into a Nice Art Desk

All-time Art Desks & Drafting Tables For Artists

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Every artist needs a great desk to become their work done. And the best fine art desk for any age is the Studio Designs Comet Center. This comes with a free stool and a side zipper for storage.

There are tons of desks to consider and they each have their pros & cons. But ultimately I feel that the Comet Center desk is make clean, easy to assemble, and sturdy plenty to work with any type of drafting or cartoon.

Not to mention this desk has a neat stool and can piece of work with whatsoever similar seating like an part chair.

But this is just my opinion after looking over different choices for fine art desks(and at that place are many!)

In this guide I'll cover the various art & drafting tables you lot can get, the various utilities of an art desk, what to look for, and how to make certain yous go the correct one for your needs.

Art Desk Heir-apparent'due south Guide

Before looking into any desk you'll need to know a few things:

• Where volition the desk exist placed?
• How much infinite do you have?
• What sort of stop would lucifer the room?
• Do you accept a chair or need to buy one?

The spatial dimensions are the well-nigh important because you don't want to buy a desk-bound that doesn't fit. Each desk also has a different rise off the ground, so yous'll want to measure how high you desire the surface to be.

I recommend using a ruler or tape measure to take estimates(not exact numbers). This mode you tin work within a range of values to option a desk that fits within that range.

Then yous might want a desk that's at to the lowest degree 3ft long but no longer than 4ft. Or y'all might only want a desk that sticks out 2ft from the wall(or less).

These measurements are crucial because information technology's like shooting fish in a barrel to misrepresent a desk based on a photo.

Also consider how much room you'll need for storage & supplies. Do you already take drawers for your art supplies? Or do you want desk drawers?

You may not know exactly what yous desire, but you should at least have an idea. This rough thought includes general size of the desk, the material, and price range.

With this information you can whittle downward your choices to your 2-3 favorites which makes picking an art desk and so much easier.

Picking The Right 1

Artist & drafting desks serve a variety of careers including architects, engineers, animators, illustrators, and many similar types of artists.

But the purpose of the desk-bound will alter based on the kind of piece of work y'all do. For example, an architect would benefit more from a desk with a clear elevation that can be backlit. This doubles as a drafting table and a lightbox.

The clear tabletop design might also benefit artists—simply not all of them.

First consider why you're getting an art desk and what information technology's for. Volition y'all continue this at home for yourself? For your kids? Is this for daily utilize? Or will it be used as a dual art+part desk? Do you demand extra storage for art supplies?

Y'all might fall into many of these categories and so y'all'll demand to find a desk that fills all your criteria.

But there are some mutual things that all the desks in this guide have in common. They're all:

• Sturdy
• Affordable
• Designed for art

The differences in size, materials, and features will be the defining factors in your decision.

So let's get into these desks! I'll kickoff with my elevation pick and move through another notable choices that work well for individual preferences.

Studio Designs Comet Eye

If there'southward any company that knows drafting tables it's Studio Designs. They do such great quality work in a diverseness of styles, sizes, and materials.

And I think their Comet Center model is the #1 best drawing desk/drafting table. It uses a very modern design with heavy steel construction. Information technology comes with an fastened side tabular array with cubby storage and a custom stool.

Full measurements:

• Width: 50″ broad(4.two ft)
• Length: 24″ deep(2 ft)
• Height: 30″-40″ height(based on tilt)

It'll stick out about 2ft from the wall but you have to consider the stool/chair as well. In full I'd say you need about 3-three½ feet of space from the wall.

The desk-bound surface area can be angled up to a max 15° tilt. This is perfect for drafting, sketching, storyboarding, or pretty much whatever artistic piece of work. Plus it comes with a detachable 2-pes pencil ledge to keep your pencil & paper fixed on the desk fifty-fifty when tilted.

Annotation the storage cubbies aren't detachable then this desk-bound will have a width of about iv feet full. Brand sure you take the space.

For the top you lot'll get dissimilar measurements based on the tilt of the surface. Only at the max tilt information technology measures xl″ from bottom to elevation, so a max of three½ feet alpine.

The drawers themselves are squares measuring just under 13″. This ways you tin fit a ruler and like supplies, but anything longer than 12″ will be a tight squeeze. The drawers are made of fabric with a cardboard base of operations so they're not the strongest in the world.

But they're perfect for art supplies similar pencils, rulers, newspaper, sketchbooks, or any.

You'll find a spacious drawing area measuring about 36″ wide(3ft) by 24″ alpine(2ft). The ruler edge measures virtually 2ft centered on the drawing space. For fabric it seems to exist made of particle board or plywood covered in a vinyl finish.

This is not the best woodworking but information technology's also a very affordable desk for the price. And really yous're just drawing on it so this doesn't demand to be reinforced for heavy machinery.

All-in-all this is i of the all-time drafting desks y'all can get. The height shouldn't be a problem whether it'southward used past a 6′ adult or a 3′ child. And it works well with an adaptable computer chair and so you don't even demand to apply the stool.

Lesser Line: If yous like this design and similar the cloth drawers then you'll love this desk.

Martin Ashley Fine art-Hobby Tabular array

If yous need a simple solution with a variable height & variable tilt then this desk is for you. The Martin Ashley Art-Hobby Table is reasonably priced with a proficient design and solid base of operations.

With this table you tin raise and lower the total height from the legs. But it likewise supports a large bending from totally flat up to a 45° tilt.

Total measurements:

• Width: 39″ broad(3⅓ ft)
• Length: 25″ deep(ii ft)
• Elevation: 26″-36″ height(based on tilt)

The adjustable meridian is amazing for such a simple model. You can buy this desk for kids, teenagers, or fifty-fifty super tall adults. It's also pretty small being just over 3 feet broad.

Y'all'll get a few cubbies and a small rack holder to store books, sketch pads, art supplies… whatever you want. And this comes with a pencil trough attached to the ledge of the cartoon board so you can go along pencils nearby.

However this does not have a raised lip to keep newspaper from sliding off. This means you'll need big board clips or alligator clips to keep the paper stationary if you're drawing at a tilt.

On the negative side, I will say the drawers are pretty cheap. They're just modest plastic cubbies then don't expect much storage space from this lilliputian extra.

And the melamine-coated drawing surface can feel a bit "cheap" if you've never used this textile earlier. But it does feel sturdy and there's no business organisation of this unit toppling over.

For the cost yous get an adaptable desk with an optional 45° tilt and a bonus stool. Yet a big reason why this isn't the #1 option is because there's no way to keep newspaper from sliding off at a tilt. Construction is great and the size is smaller than nearly desks in this list.

Bottom Line: If you're OK working around the low edges and then you'll like this tabular array. Especially if you lot want something with adjustable legs.

Futura Avant-garde Drafting Table

Here'south some other i from the folks at Studio Designs and I have to say this drafting tabular array is fantastic. If you need a see-through lightbox drafting tabular array then the Futura Advanced Drafting Tabular array is certain to please.

This specific unit comes with a collapsable side desk area to shop trinkets, supplies, nutrient/drinks, whatever. I recall the extra shelf is handy and it can exist collapsed to save infinite when you don't need information technology.

But if you don't like the side shelf then you can get this aforementioned Futura drafting tabular array sans-shelving.

For this review I'm focusing on the Futura tabular array with the shelf because it'due south most the same cost with such a useful addition.

Total measurements:

• Width: 43″ wide(3½ ft)
• Length: 24″ deep(2 ft)
• Peak: 32″ top

The tabular array'south legs are extremely sturdy and very well designed. The base of operations uses extruded aluminum with plastic caps to continue the table sturdy on carpet or wood paneling.

The entire drawing surface measures about 38″ and it has reinforced blue prophylactic glass(chosen tempered glass) that can hold upwardly of l-70lbs. That means yous tin use the Futura table every bit a real desk-bound too! And information technology'due south easy to customize.

You tin movement the collapsible shelf and the cubby to either side, or just leave them out entirely.

And you can tilt upwardly the cartoon surface with a max 35° tilt.

On either side of the drawing space y'all'll discover plastic holders for pencils, rulers, t-squares, or whatever similar supplies. Plus the bottom of the cartoon surface has a raised lip to proceed papers secured while working at a tilt.

This really is a professional person's workstation and it'southward beautifully crafted. Still because of the drinking glass surface I don't think anybody will like this. Information technology's all-time used by artists, architects, or anyone who needs that clear surface with plenty of infinite.

Also this unit does not come with a stool or chair. Granted this is pretty standard for whatsoever desk you buy. However since other options do come with a stool I find them a bit better as "generalist" art desks.

Lesser Line: This desk is astonishing. Seriously, if you lot like the design and have the money then you volition be very happy with the Futura drafting tabular array.

Studio Designs 10057 Futura Tower

Yous may observe this desk borrows design ideas from the original Futura desk. However this model works like an office desk-bound + an fine art desk-bound rolled into ane.

The Studio Designs 10057 Futura Tower has the same extruded aluminum base of operations and reinforced glass drawing surface. But this blueprint is a lot taller with a top shelf, corkboard, and a few extra supply holders for bigger part supplies(staplers, scissors, etc).

Total measurements:

• Width: 54″ broad(~4.3 ft)
• Length: 30″ deep(two.v ft)
• Tiptop: 58″ height(nigh 5 feet)
• 28″ pinnacle from floor to sliding drawer(to get your knees underneath)

Yes this is a very tall desk, and aye you can get out the corkboard aside and not attach it. But if you want that you can save money with the simpler Futura model instead.

The working surface measures 33″ broad x 21″ deep and it does feel spacious. Y'all might need to use an function chair that can sink low because the working area doesn't come up besides loftier off the footing.

You can tilt upward the drawing surface for a max of 35°. This raises the height of the cartoon area by nigh 1 pes, only the corkboard doesn't get in the style. If y'all continue heavy items in the plastic holders they might spill out though, so be careful what your store in there!

And the drawing surface comes with a pencil ledge for your paper/pencil when drawing at an angle. This ledge can be removed if you want to use it flat similar a desk.

If you want to keep anything on the very top shelf just brand sure the desk is level. It's not wobbly or unstable but if placed on uneven carpeting or bubbling in wood it can feel off-kilter.

Downsides: strange top, can take a while to get used to.

Information technology does feel sturdy but it likewise takes up a good amount of space. The desk itself sticks out ~ii.5 feet from the wall, and with a chair + the sliding drawer underneath it can feel much larger.

Lesser Line: If you have enough infinite and similar the pattern then I say choice this up. Only if you want something a bit simpler(or smaller) and then the Studio Designs 10050 is a better alternative.

Sauder Maple Figurer Desk-bound

I have to throw in one standard desk for good measure. I know there are plenty of artists who want a desk that too functions like a home office.

And this is exactly what y'all get with the Sauder Maple Estimator Desk-bound. The woodwork is impeccable and it has plenty of storage drawers for newspaper, fine art supplies, ink, or whatever art/office related materials.

You'll observe a sliding keyboard tray underneath that can hold newspaper or art supplies. And the back/side of the desk includes grommet holes to feed wires if yous want a estimator there too.

Total measurements:

• Width: sixty″ broad(5 ft)
• Length: 24″ deep(2 ft)
• Top: 29″ loftier(ii.v feet)

This is i of the widest desks in this whole list. A whopping v anxiety wide means yous demand to brand certain you've got room earlier buying.

All the other measurements are surprisingly small with simply 2ft from the wall and under 3ft from the ground to the top. The terminate looks great and offers a diversity of storage options for newspaper, hanging folders, art supplies, or a desktop reckoner tower(the tall drawer on the left).

Information technology is a very heavy unit totaling well over 120lbs. Assembling this desk isn't too hard only you volition not want to movement information technology effectually very much.

So why is this in the list if information technology'southward not a drafting table?

I want to present all the possible options and let y'all make up one's mind what's best. I think some artists volition want a single desk for art, paper work, and estimator time. This Sauder desk-bound is the all-time choice for that because information technology'due south wide enough and deep enough to hold a monitor & offer room for drawing.

Lesser Line: Fantabulous all-in-one desk-bound if you're OK with a flat surface and no tilt. Certainly not a drafting table, simply a skillful choice for an artist who wants a long-term desk that'll last for a decade(or more) with versatility.

Coaster Artist Drafting Table

If you want a real elementary drafting table with a clear display and so the Coaster Artist can be a perfect fit. I certainly like the stylish pattern. It reminds me of a retro-modernistic 50s era home.

Y'all'll observe this design is very like to the Studio Designs drafting tabular array mentioned earlier. But this one is a bit taller and smaller(width-wise).

Total measurements:

• Width: 41″ broad(3.five ft)
• Length: 24″ deep(2 ft)
• Acme: 32″ high(2.6 feet)

The bodily working expanse measures 36″, or just most 3 feet. This should exist plenty of space to setup anything from a sketchpad to a drafting sheet. It uses tempered drinking glass for the surface which feels incredibly secure.

Looking at the table you wouldn't imagine it could concord much. Simply the transmission suggests a max of 100lbs when laying apartment. And the working expanse tin can tilt upwards of 50°-60° in total! That's a lot of space if you prefer to work at an angle.

And the extra cup holders are detachable so y'all can remove them if you need an even smaller table.

Drafters may discover it tough to use a t-square when the plastic cup holders are fastened. I advise removing them if you lot use a t-foursquare frequently.

The legs are fabricated of tubed steel with spiral-on plastic bottoms. These bottoms tin can be adjusted to handle uneven floors and it's made to be wobble-complimentary.

I have to say Coaster did an fantabulous job with this desk. It feels like an artist's workstation and the design is not flimsy in the least.

Bottom Line: This desk-bound is small only sturdy. If you need a large angled tilt then this Coaster Artist drafting table can do wonders for your workflow.

Dorel Living Drafting and Arts and crafts

Simple, sweet, and straight to business. That's how I'd describe the espresso Dorel Living Drafting and Arts and crafts Table.

This design is beautiful and it's one of the taller desks in this list. It as well has some of the sturdiest storage space yous can get for a drafting tabular array.

Total measurements:

• Width: 48″ wide(four ft)
• Length: 21″ deep(i.75 ft)
• Tiptop: 36″ high(3 feet)

I'm surprised how little this table feels. Information technology barely sticks out from the wall at all, measuring about xx inches from the wall which is under 2 feet. Only with a desk-bound chair/stool information technology can land just over 2 anxiety.

The bodily drawing surface measures 32″ wide by the same 21″ depth. This is only virtually 3 feet by 1.5 anxiety, definitely a smaller working area than most. Information technology does come with a raised border to keep your papers fixed while tilting. However that edge is not removable so make sure you want it!

By default the working surface area merely has two settings: apartment or 45°. This is a let down since many of the Studio Designs desks have five or six dissimilar settings for tilts.

Working on the desk you'll realize information technology'due south just pressed forest and certainly non a loftier-stop design. But information technology is affordable and it's clearly made for artists.

The storage areas feel spacious enough to keep everything you need. I personally don't like the "open" shelving and I'd prefer bodily drawers. But the shelving does measure out fine.

The top shelf measures about 4.75 inches high. The bottom shelves are taller measuring virtually half dozen.5 inches of space. And all the shelves + drawers have the aforementioned spacial dimensions of 11″ wide by 16.v″ deep.

Sturdy, cheap, simply small and nifty for artists who like this style.

Bottom Line: I sadly tin can't recommend this for serious draftsmen who demand big working areas. But for practicing artists who don't accept much room this is a great budget desk.

Studio Designs Ponderosa

Anyone looking for a wooden art desk that tin can double as an office desk should cheque out the Ponderosa Forest Desk by Studio Designs. It's one of the simplest tilting desks I've found with a stylish blueprint and plenty of space.

Underneath the drawing surface area is a sliding drawer with v slotted areas for storing pencils and office supplies. This tucks abroad nicely and doesn't gyre out when yous tilt the height.

Total measurements:

• Width: 42″ broad(4.v ft)
• Length: 24″ deep(2 ft)
• Elevation: 42″ high(4.5 feet)

You lot tin can become this tabular array in either a drinking glass top or wood superlative. Both styles have the same pin for tilting which offers 16 dissimilar settings ranging from completely apartment to a max of 30°. And you lot can attach a bottom lip to the desktop to proceed your pencil & newspaper from sliding while angled.

The downside: out of all the tables from Studio Designs I think this one is the most wobbly(or has the most take a chance of wobble). The legs are designed as straight bars so it's easy to notice issues on uneven floor.

If you're nervous about the floor effort laying a stack of similarly-sized items along the expanse(pencil boxes, books, whatever). If they all look evenly aligned and then you should be adept.

The cartoon surface is exactly the size of the desk so what you encounter is what you get. Within the sliding drawer yous'll get 1 big rectangular pocket wide enough to fit a keyboard, plus four other smaller pockets.

This drawer is perfect for fine art supplies, paper, sketch pads, or even a digital tablet if you want this desk as a painting surface.

Bottom Line: This is certainly a overnice tabular array with simple construction and a wide drawing space. Not bully for uneven floors, and I'd avoid the drinking glass model since the drinking glass tends to shift(a chip) in the frame. But this tin can double every bit a computer desk with a tilted top which is a huge bonus for artists.

Alvin CM40-4-XB CraftMaster

The Alvin CM40-4-XB CraftMaster is a chameleon for any purpose. Arts, crafts, drafting, estimator work. This thing can tilt, store your stuff, and roll around with optional casters for the legs.

I practise recall this one is a bit on the pricier side. I only recommend this if you lot really like the design and don't mind the price tag. And you tin can pick from four dissimilar materials for the top: maple, ruby, or white/black plastic-blazon cloth(wood veneer).

Full measurements:

• Width: 40″ wide(3.iii ft)
• Length: 24″ deep(ii ft)
• Superlative: 26″-32″ loftier(ii-two.five anxiety depending on casters or floor glides)

The full tabletop measures over 3 feet wide by ii feet deep. If you add in a chair it'll maybe take up 3 anxiety of space from the wall.

This does come with a notch to adjust the peak so you can have it lowered to well-nigh two feet or heightened to a max of two.5 feet using casters. Note this ways you'll only have about 2.5 feet underneath the table to fit your knees.

Alvin does not ship a chair with the CraftMaster so measure out your chair before buying. Function chairs can adjust but this isn't true with all stools or stock-still wooden chairs. Be sure to take measurements!

The storage bins are small but y'all take half dozen of them. They're pretty sturdy and hold enough room for typical printer newspaper.

You can employ this desk for art and estimator work alike. Only personally I recall the features(storage, tilt, size) are sub-par. What saves this desk is the adjustable summit and the optional casters making it easier to move.

Lesser Line: If you need adjustable height settings or need to motion your desk easily then this can work well. Otherwise try to find a more suitable focused desk based on the work you do.

Safco Split up Level Drafting Table

Safco'south 3965MO Split up Level Drafting Tabular array is a professional artist'south all-time gift wrapped in a small-scale package. This is a very expensive table but it'due south crafted specifically for draftsmen and artists from watercolors to oil painting to charcoal.

The desk-bound has a fully adjustable peak with a single tilting area and another smaller drawing surface area. These unlike surfaces practice not connect straight so this desk-bound can experience fragmented.

I remember this could fit as a smaller desk-bound designed for artists working in various mediums.

Full measurements:

• Width: 47.5″ wide(~four ft)
• Length: 30″ deep(2.5 ft)
• Elevation: 26″-37″ high(2-3 anxiety adjustable)

Now I'grand sure you'll want to know the dimensions of the individual surface areas likewise.

The left side has the tilting characteristic and can exist positioned upwardly to a fifty° tilt. It measures 31.5″ broad(2.five anxiety) by 20″ deep(nearly 1.6 feet).

The right side does not tilt and it's much smaller. It measures 16″ wide(i.iii feet) by 20″ deep. Both surfaces are flush with the edge so their distance from the wall is equal.

When laying flat you lot can describe from one surface to the other with ease. When tilted y'all can use the smaller shelf for supplies, drawing equipment, or anything similar.

Since this is about 4 feet wide it'south about the aforementioned construction every bit whatsoever other desk-bound. However the surface is split making information technology useful only to specific situations.

Safco took a weird selection on this design and it forces you to ask yourself one question. Tin can you piece of work on ~32″ of drawing space? This measures about ii.7 feet, and it does have a lip to proceed your paper in position.

Merely the funky desk design and higher cost leaves me recommending this desk for artists who adopt this blueprint. I know that almost people won't.

But I accept to throw this in for good measure out considering it does technically work well every bit a drafting table.

Bottom Line: if y'all similar the split tabletop design and want to spend the coin then yous should savour this. Otherwise at that place are far better desks with uniform surfaces higher up in this list.

Best Art Desk-bound For Blitheness

I know this is a pop request so I want to cover a proficient desk for animators.

What is the best drafting desk for animation? Well the answer differs based on traditional animation or digital animation.

If you're working traditional and then you definitely want a tilted elevation. You also probably want a glass tabletop then yous can backlight other drawings for cels or tracings. You tin't go wrong with any glass pattern.

However for traditional blitheness I recommend the Futura Advanced Drafting Table with a side tabular array for keeping paint, actress cels, or whatever else y'all apply. A cheaper option is the Coaster Artist since it's simpler and comes with a higher range of motion hitting 50+ degrees.

Digital blitheness is a bit unlike. This works through a tablet which you might want to tilt, only if your monitor is on the table then y'all really can't tilt it.

The best solution for a digital animator is a standard reckoner desk like the Sauder mapletop blueprint. This mode you can store the calculator away underneath with plenty of workspace for your monitor plus the tablet.

To get that inclined bending yous can catch an adaptable drawing board which gives the aforementioned feel as a tilted tabletop, and you'll even so have that flat workspace for the monitor screen or laptop. Best of both worlds!

Best Art+Part Desk

If your house or apartment is small then yous probably won't have room for a drafting table and a computer desk-bound. Unfortunately this means you'll have to find one that supports both.

And if you need a tilting workspace then standard figurer desks are out.

The best art+office desk combo is the Ponderosa Forest Desk. It'southward made by Studio Designs then you know it's great quality. And you tin can select from a wood top or a articulate drinking glass top making information technology perfect for both drafting and computer work(yes the glass tin can support a monitor).

Information technology comes with a sliding drawer with plenty of room for a keyboard and maybe a mouse. If you just utilise a laptop then this is absolutely the desk to check out.

But it can work just too holding a desktop underneath with a mouse/monitor on the top.

You can tilt the working area up to a max of 30° which is perfect for drafting work or doodling/drawing.

The simple design and under-top storage drawer make this desk a wonderful fit for any domicile part + art studio.

All-time Budget Art Desk-bound

Buying a new art desk is a big decision and information technology can be costly. If you're on a upkeep then the Martin Ashley Art-Hobby Table offers the best bang for your buck.

It'due south incredibly stable and comes with the lipped edge for tilted drawing.Plus it comes with a complimentary stool and then you lot don't fifty-fifty need to become yourself a new chair!

I do not particularly like the storage on this desk. It's not bad, although certainly not keen. You'll probably demand to go on your art supplies elsewhere because there isn't much room in the plastic cubbies.

But this fine art table comes with adjustable legs for varying heights betwixt 26″-36″(around 2-3 feet). Non to mention it weighs most the same as a typical desk chair(35 lbs) so y'all can motility it effectually with ease.

No dubiety the Martin Ashley artist tabular array is the all-time budget option. Y'all become everything yous need without breaking the depository financial institution.

Top Pick: The All-time Fine art Desk-bound

If yous're looking for the best all-around art desk for beginners & experts, young & erstwhile, the Studio Designs Comet Middle volition not disappoint.

Information technology'southward very fairly priced and comes with a sturdy foundation and a very solid drawing area. It tin tilt up to 30° and does accept the raised lip to keep your papers/pencils resting soundly.

Plus it has a kick-donkey design and comes in a few dissimilar color schemes. Overall this desk-bound offers all the best features without the hefty cost.

But if you're still not certain then accept another wait over this post and see what y'all call up. Most of the time your gut feeling is correct so if y'all see a desk that catches your eye then it's probably a expert fit.

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Source: https://conceptartempire.com/best-art-desks/

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