Life is busy with dinner preps, work commutes, and laundry that seems to multiply overnight, so finding creative space and time to wind down can be a challenge.

Whether you’ve got a full spare room or just a corner of the dining table, here are some easy, space-smart tips to make your very own DIY art station that works for you and your lifestyle.

1. Choose an art set-up that fits your space

Not every home has space for a full studio and that’s totally fine! Here are three flexible ideas that might help you create more often, with minimal room required.

The Pack-Away Table Setup

Best for: Kitchen tables, outdoor spaces, dining areas

Works with: Desktop Table Easel

If you’re working with areas that feel communal, it’s hard to stake your claim over a whole table. Instead, invest in a station that you can grab and move so you can always find a quiet corner. 

Our Desktop Table Easel folds flat and stores easily in a cupboard or under a bed and is packed with handy storage. With adjustable angles and a built-in drawer, it’s great for adults or teens who want a tidy place to sketch, paint, or plan projects. Just pop your sketchbook or canvas on the easel, store your paints inside, and away you go! Once you’re done, fold flat and store away.

The All-in-One Station

Best for: Spare nooks, garage corners, or anywhere near natural light

Works with: Creative Art Station

If you’re after something more permanent but still compact, this one’s a great in-between. The Creative Art Station gives you a dedicated surface to paint, draw or sketch without needing a full room. With drawers for storing your materials, pen and brush holders, and an adjustable tabletop, it’s ideal for anyone wanting a space they can come and go from with any kind of project or medium.

The Corner Paint Studio 

Best for: Patios, spare corners, verandas

Works with: French Box Easel

Sometimes the best spot to create is wherever the natural light hits. A box easel is a flexible option for those who like to move between spaces – inside, outside, or wherever there's room to breathe. It folds open into a mini workstation with a built-in drawer and packs down to a briefcase-sized box. 

Whether it’s a weekend sketch session or a pop-up painting day on the patio, this setup gives you everything you need to make the most of spare corners or seasonal light.

2. Make art clean-up easy (so you’ll actually keep going back to it)

Keeping things mess-free helps the whole house enjoy creating without the dread of tidying up. Here are a few clean-up helpers to keep nearby:

-      Surface protection: Use a plastic drop sheet, laminated tablecloth, or silicone mat under your setup

-      Paint-friendly aprons: Keep a few aprons handy, especially if you’ve got any little artists at home!

-      Quick rinse tools: A brush washer makes cleaning brushes faster and less drippy so you can keep on top of it as you create

-      Wipes or cloths: Baby wipes or damp microfibre cloths are great quick clean-up of spills

-      Rubbish-ready: Pop a mini bin, paper bag, or cardboard box nearby for paper scraps and packaging

Keeping your setup stocked with the right gear means you can get painting and pack down in under 10 minutes.

3. Add personal touch

Make the space feel functional and inspiring by adding:

-      A small sketchbook or art journal pile for quick ideas and brainstorming

-      A studio tidy to hold brushes and pens

-      Drawers to keep your most-used products close at hand

-      A cork or peg board with inspo images or colour swatches

The goal? Make it feel like your space… even if it’s shared.

BONUS: Creative corner for kids

If your house is home to little artists, we’re here to help! Trust us, crafting with kids doesn’t have to take over the whole house. Here’s how to set up a fun but practical space just for them:

Pick a spot:

-      A corner of the dining table

-      A fold-out table in the garage

-      On the patio for outside time

Stock some drawers or desktop easels with:

-      Kids Modelling Clay for low-mess sculpting

-      Washable Paints for bold colour play (and easy clean-up)

-      Recycled bits and bobs (cardboard, bottle caps, toilet rolls, fabric scraps) for mixed media and collage

-      Studio tidies for organising markers, scissors, and paint brushes

-      Drop sheets to swap out between projects for quick clean-up

Encourage the kids to pack away their station when they’re done. Having a consistent system makes art feel like part of the everyday routine and builds their sense of responsibility.

We’re here to say: you don’t need a spare room or studio to stay creative! Just look for a spot that’s got enough room for a tabletop easel or even a desk and claim it. Staying creative is so good for the mind and body so it’s worth the investment ⭐

If you’ve got a creative corner or studio space at home, send us a pic! Just tag us on Instagram or Facebook @montmarteart or use #montmarteart to show us where you create.

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