Smart Storage Hacks For Small Art Spaces

Painting in a small space can be frustrating, especially when you can't find the art supplies you need. A well-organised art area can help you stay focused and save time. There are many ways to organise your paints and art supplies, and the best method for you will depend on your personal preferences and the amount of space you have.

Group paints by colour

Grouping paints by colour is a great way to organise your art area. This method allows you to see all your shades at a glance and can be a very satisfying way to display your collection. You can group paints by colour family, keeping all reds, pinks and oranges together, for example, and placing less frequently used shades, such as blue and metallic, in a separate, slightly less accessible spot. You can also separate paints within a colour family into different baskets or drawers to save space.

If you use jars of paint, you can paint the lids with the colour of the paint inside, so you can identify each shade at a glance. This method works well if you stack your jars, as you can easily see the shade you need. If you use tubes, you could try storing them in a small wheeled caddy with the lids facing upwards, so you can quickly scan the colours.

If you want to keep your paints in a clear plastic organiser or bin, you can group them by colour and place each group in a clear plastic bag. This method keeps similar shades together and makes it easy to move your paints around. You could also try using a spinning rack to organise your paints by colour, with less frequently used shades placed on the spinner that is hardest to see and reach.

Store in clear plastic containers

Keeping your paints and art supplies in clear plastic containers is a great way to utilise space in a small art area. This storage method allows you to see what is inside each container, making it easy to find the paints and tools you need. Clear plastic containers are also lightweight and durable, so they can be stacked or placed in areas that metal or wooden storage units may be too heavy for.

You can use a variety of clear plastic containers to store your paints and art supplies. Plastic cups with lids are ideal for storing small amounts of paint, glue, water, and other liquids. They are also useful for dispensing paint when you need a small amount for a project. Clear plastic jars with screw-on or snap-on lids are perfect for storing paint mixtures and unused portions from your palette. These jars come in various sizes, so you can choose the ones that best fit your space.

Clear plastic storage containers with multi-packs are another excellent option. These containers are featherlight yet virtually unbreakable, so you don't have to worry about them taking up too much space or breaking if they accidentally fall. You can also find clear plastic containers with drawers, which are perfect for storing paint tubes, small papers, and other small items. If you want to store your paints on a shelf or in a cabinet, clear plastic paint tubes with lids are a great choice. These tubes will keep your paint fresh and are easy to organise.

When using clear plastic containers to store your paints, you can organise them by colour family or separate them based on how frequently you use them. This will help you quickly find the colours you need for your projects. You can also use clear plastic containers to store your brushes, pencils, and other art tools, ensuring that everything has its place and is easy to find.

Use a small, wheeled caddy

If you're working with paints in a small art area, a small, wheeled caddy can be a great way to keep your space organised. This is especially useful if you have limited space and need to keep your paints and tools within easy reach.

One option is to use a small, three-level caddy with wheels, which can be placed next to your easel or work area. You can store jars of paint on the lower two levels and keep the top level clear for your iPad, sketchbook, or other reference materials. This setup allows you to easily move your paints around your workspace and access them as needed.

To further optimise your caddy, consider labelling the paint lids with their respective colours or names. This makes it easier to locate the specific paint you need at a glance, without having to open each jar. You can also use the caddy to store other frequently used tools and materials, such as paintbrushes, palettes, or mediums.

If you work with tube paints, you can store them separately in a plastic storage container. This ensures that your jarred and tube paints are organised and easily accessible. Additionally, you can group similar colours together within the caddy, creating a visually appealing and functional arrangement.

Using a small, wheeled caddy is a practical solution for organising your paints and optimising your small art area. It allows you to maximise your workspace, keep your supplies tidy, and easily access the tools you need during your creative process.

Organise by type and frequency of use

When organising your paints by type and frequency of use, it is important to first consider what kinds of paints you have and how often you use them. Do you have a variety of paint types, such as acrylics, watercolours, and oils? Or are you mainly working with one type of paint?

If you have a variety of paint types, you can start by grouping them together. For example, keep all your acrylic paints together in one section, your watercolours in another, and so on. This way, you create clear categories that make it easier to locate specific paints.

Now, consider how often you use each type of paint. If you use acrylics more frequently than watercolours, ensure that the acrylics are within easier reach or are given more prominent space in your art area. You could also consider keeping the paints you use most frequently on a trolley or a small movable table, so they are always accessible and can be moved around your workspace as needed.

Once you've determined the frequency of use for each paint type, you can further organise them by colour families within their respective groups. This will make finding the right shade much quicker. For example, within your acrylics section, have all the reds together, the blues together, and so on. If you have a lot of shades for one particular colour, you might want to further organise them from light to dark or vice versa.

Additionally, consider the following tips to enhance your organisation:

• Use clear plastic organisers or containers to store your paints. This allows you to easily identify the paints you need and adds a colourful decorative touch to your art area.
• Label your paint containers or shelves. Labelling ensures that you return items to their designated spots, making it easier to locate them the next time you need them.
• Keep your paintbrushes separate from your paints. Use a utensil crock or various jars, coffee mugs, or small baskets to organise your brushes by size or frequency of use.

Store brushes separately

When organizing your art supplies in a small space, it's important to keep your paintbrushes separate from other tools and materials. Here are some ideas to store your brushes separately:

Firstly, you can place your large paintbrushes in a utensil crock, keeping them separate from smaller brushes. A metal crock is ideal as it won't be damaged if a brush is still wet. You can also use various jars, coffee mugs, or small baskets to hold your brushes. These can be placed on a shelf or table, keeping them easily accessible.

Another idea is to use a clear plastic organizer with compartments. Sort your brushes by type or size, so you can easily find the right brush when you need it. You can also use plastic storage bins with lids and labels to categorize your brushes and other art supplies. Clear bins allow you to see the contents at a glance, and labels add a practical touch.

If you're looking for a more portable option, consider a small wheeled caddy with multiple levels. Keep your brushes on one level and other supplies on the others. This way, you can easily move your brushes and supplies around your workspace.

You can also hang your brushes on a wall-mounted rod or board with hooks. This saves space and keeps your brushes visible and within reach. Alternatively, you can use a combination of shelves and drawers to store your brushes. Place the brushes in mugs or creative storage containers on the open shelves, and use the drawers for bulkier items.

Lastly, you can store your brushes in a paintbrush roll or wrap. This is a portable option that allows you to bring your brushes with you on the go. It also protects your brushes and keeps them together in one place.

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