Transform Your Creativity with Your Own Art Table: How to Design and Build the Ultimate Workspace

Prue Dickins
Mar 8
8 min read

Creating art is a journey filled with inspiration, exploration, and sometimes a little chaos. One of the best ways to enhance that journey is by designing and building your very own art table. A dedicated art workspace is not just about having a surface to work on; it's about creating an environment that nurtures your creativity and enhances your artistic process.

The Inspiration for my own art table came from a post by Deeann Rieves, I have changed a few things as you can too.

Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just getting started, having the right art table can significantly impact your work. An effective art table helps keep your materials organized, provides necessary storage, and reflects your artistic vision. Let’s explore how to build an art table tailored specifically to your creative needs.

Understanding the Essentials of Your Art Table

Before diving into the design and building process, think about what you truly need from your art table. Every artist has different requirements, and your specific type of art—whether painting, drawing, or crafting—will guide your design.

For instance, if you often work with large canvases, a table with a surface area of at least 122 cm wide can offer the space you need. Conversely, if you focus on intricate details such as miniature painting or jewellery making, a smaller table around 76cm wide with excellent storage options might serve you best.

I opted for following Deann's idea of 2 tables to allow for smaller workspaces if I have others here doing art with me that I can then push together to make my own frames and cover canvases and also package original artworks. (my back was over doing this on the floor)

Identifying your must-haves is the first crucial step in building your perfect art workspace.

Choosing the Right Materials

Choosing the right materials for your art table significantly impacts your satisfaction and performance. Common options include wood, metal, and composite materials. Here are some specifics:

Wood: A classic choice, wood tables provide warmth and durability. Hardwoods like oak and maple are excellent for heavy use, lasting for years without warping or damage. We went for a cost choice and Structaflor was it, I figured if its strong enough for flooring- it will be strong enough for a table...
Metal: For an industrial look, metal tables are incredibly resilient. They can withstand spills and heavy use, making them ideal for artists using liquids. You may want to invest in a surface treatment to avoid scratches that could occur over time. I personally didn't have the tools and know how to create a metal table.
Composite Materials: These options are often lighter and versatile. They come in various finishes and styles but may not last as long as solid wood. For artwork that requires a precise touch, a composite might be ideal due to its relatively smooth surface, again I didn't go this way due to budget,I f I need smooth- in time I can get glass tops cut to size from the local Glass company.

Whichever material you choose, ensure it fits your aesthetic and practical needs as an artist.

Designing Your Art Table Setup

Now that you have a better understanding of your needs, it’s time to design your art table. Here’s a straightforward approach:

Measure the Space: Before you build or purchase anything, accurately measure your available space. A well-fitted art table ensures comfort and reduces crowding, you need to be able to freely move around the table and in my case freely MOVE the table.
Decide on Dimensions: Based on your needs and space, set the table dimensions. A standard height is around 76 cm, mine ended up being 83cm high. Adjust the width and length to accommodate your specific work style, I was able to extend the table from 150cm to 180cm to reduce the amount of cuts we had to make.
Plan Storage Solutions: Think about your storage needs. Will you require drawers, shelves, or both? For instance, a table with three drawers can help store brushes, paints, and tools, keeping your workspace tidy.
After building our own tables- I am learning more dividers could have been handy for canvas storage along with more shelves and pigeon holes for 'Higher" tools such as 500ml paints and Oil Paint additives as the drawers are a little too low in height.
Incorporate a Light Source: Proper lighting is crucial for any workspace. Aim for a mix of natural light and adjustable lamps, which can help reduce eye strain during long sessions. Studies show that well-lit workspaces can improve mood and productivity by up to 20%. Fortunately I work mostly during daylight hours so I haven't yet had to solely rely on overhead lighting- although as things get busier that day is coming and lighting will be the next challenge to overcome.

Building Your Art Table: A DIY Guide

Once you have your design, it's time to start building! Here’s a simple DIY guide:

Materials You'll Need per table- (you can get extra boards if you wanted to add in sections under the table.

2 x Alex Drawers from Ikea
3 x Pine Board 140 x 19mm (Minimum 1.2m lengths)- Bunnings
3 x Yellow Tongue "Structaflor" 80cm x 180 cm x 19mm- Bunnings
2 x Heavy Duty Castor wheels with locks-Bunnings
2 x heavy Castor wheels- Bunnings
50-100 x Wood screws- Bunnings
Saw to cut the boards (or you can request them to be cut at Bunnings) make sure you cut the "tongue" edge off the board- it will make for a neater finish
16 x Bolts/Nuts- Bunnings If you can get 45mm you will be soooo much better off as we had to trim 5 mm off each bolt so bottom drawer would close
3 x Trestles Bunnings
Drill and drill bit
Screwdriver
Sandpaper
Wood Putty
Finishing materials - Paint
Another set of hands -In my case it was hubby Ross who helped with all the heavy lifting/cutting/ remeasuring/bolt trimming & screwing.

Where to Find Structaflor at Bunnings.

Step-By-Step Instructions for this table

Order and Assemble you Alex Drawers
I saved up my art sales from the Christmas Markets to purchase 4 sets of drawers- a huge investment for me- and then on top of that , we live in a rural area so delivery from Sydney was quoted at $600 and Melbourne $250- Remember to factor in cost of freight if you can not collect from an Ikea Store. If you wanted to add more that 2 sets of drawers per table a third one could go in the centre with the 1.8m table length- you would probably need an extra castor wheel for support- the Alex drawers are pretty heavy......the Alex drawers come with teeny castor wheels- you can give these to your local Mens Shed, School or thrift shop
Cut Your Structaflor to the length you require: According to your designed dimensions, cut panels for the tabletop, bottom and mid section.
You can cut them a little wider than the Alex Drawers and recess the drawers for a better looking finish. We left our boards 1.8m long and 66.5cm wide. Flush with the Alex drawers.
Make sure to measure precisely to avoid misalignment, Sand if required.
Cut your Pine Board to the same width as the Structaflor: Again you can get Bunnings to do this for you when you purchase we got the 2.4m board and cut to 66.5cm lengths. We got 3 cut per table- you might want more for additional segmented storage.
Wash and Paint all Panels with prep-coat
Screw Wheels onto bottom Board: Place bottom board onto the trestles, measure and fasten the Heavy Duty castor wheels to each corner of the bottom panel, locating 1 x lock wheel at each end. Make sure you can easily locate the lock on the wheel.

Attach Castors to each Corner using bolts and nuts, trim bolts if required.
Fasten Alex Drawers to each end: Remove all drawers out of the cabinets and lift onto each end of the board- mark and fasten to the bottom board by screwing though the cabinet into the Structaflor panel- it is always a good idea to predrill your holes.

Fix Drawers to Bottom Panel
Install Pine wood Dividers: Place the Pine wood dividers where ever you need then along the next Structaflor panel- measure - pre drill and screw to fasten them.
Fasten Mid Bench top: Add this next Structaflor panel to the top of the Alex Cabinets, measuring, predrilling and fastening with screws. Ensure the Pine wood Dividers are on TOP of the Structaflor panel, putty any holes. ( I painted white gloss at this stage to the bottom floor sides and top of the Mid panel. I had pre-painted with gloss the pine board)

Pre- paint Pine Wood Dividers
Table Top: Place the final Structaflor panel on the top of the dividers- measure , predrill and fix with screws the table top along the dividers, putty the holes, when dry, sand.
Sand and Finish: Once assembled, sand all surfaces you can see. Apply the finish of your choice to protect the wood and enhance its appearance. Using a colour that resonates with you can boost your creativity, I personally used a gloss white to go with the Alex Drawers & enable easy clean up- In time we will cover the table with glass to protect and also enable mixing paints on, to compliment we running classes at the table.
Final Touches: Allow the finish to dry completely. Once dry, position your art table in a way that encourages a creative flow and complements your workspace.

Personalizing Your Art Table

Your art table should not only be functional; it should also express your personality and artistic style. Here are some ideas to personalize:

Colour: Pick a colour scheme that inspires you. Bold colours can energize your creativity, while softer hues can foster calmness. A well-chosen colour can enhance your focus. For me, white is good as it helps me to focus on the art I am creating.
Decor: Add personal touches like your artwork, inspiring quotes, or plants to make your space feel welcoming. These elements can make your workspace uniquely yours. I have one of those indoor plants that is slowly growing around my wall. once a month I add another hook to support it.
Tools and Accessories: Use organizers that match your style, Ikea does have some drawers inserts- I cut up tissue boxes as drawers organiser inserts. Having tools that you love can motivate you to create more.

Organized and completed art workstation featuring ample drawer and shelf storage for creative supplieSs.
Side View Organized and completed art workstation featuring ample drawer and shelf storage for creative supplies.

Final Thoughts

Building your own art table is a valuable investment in your creative journey. Not only does it provide a dedicated workspace, but it also allows you to tailor your environment to maximize productivity and inspiration.

By designing a table that caters to your specific needs, choosing the right materials, and putting in a bit of effort, you can create an art table that represents your artistic vision.

After building this table I really feel like I have backed myself with my Art journey and I feel super proud of it- it really looks and feels like I own this space and have a place I belong.

Remember, your art workspace is an extension of who you are—so make it a space that fuels your creativity and inspires your next masterpiece! Happy Creating!