Tips for Choosing the Right Work Table
If you read my blog or newsletter, you know that I’ve had 3 different art studios in the last 9 months. I’ve spent a lot of time researching and thinking about how to set each one up to maximize my productivity (and look cute too!)
Instead of keeping it all to myself, I thought I’d share some ideas with you on the blog. Today I’ll talk about choosing the right work table for your creative space. Whether you have a small corner of the guest bedroom or a huge space dedicated solely to your art, I hope you find something useful.
Before deciding what kind of work table you need, spend a few days observing your work habits, and then consider the following 3 things: height, space and material.
1. Table Height
If most of your work is done sitting down using a sewing machine, stamping or drawing, then a regular 30″ high table would work for you. Some tips for those who sit while working:
- Invest in a comfortable chair to avoid back and neck problems.
- Get up and stretch at regular intervals.
- Keep items that you use frequently on the desk or in storage units under or next to the desk.
- Consider a drawing table if you do a lot of detail work – this will stop you hunching over and hurting your neck and back.
via Design Sponge
If you primarily work standing up, then a 36″ high table is a good choice. Some tips for those who stand while working:
- Invest in a stool for times you want to sit down.
- Stand on a rubber mat to prevent your ankles and knees becoming sore.
- Utilize the extra space under the desk for storage
via Where Women Create & Kelly Rae Roberts
2. Space
How much space do you need to work? If you need to cut large pieces of fabric or paper, then your working surface will need to be larger than someone who creates detailed illustrations.
via Heather Sanders & Harligt Hemma
Also consider how much space you have in the room you create in and if you can leave the table set up permanently or whether you need to fold it away for craft fairs or guests visiting. If work surface space is very tight, use rolling carts to store supplies and keep the whole work area clear.
via Ikea
3. Material
What should the work surface be made of? Consider what you’ll be doing on the work table. If you use heat tools, then a heat resistant top, such as tile is ideal; if you hammer metal for jewelry, then a sturdy wooden work bench is a good choice and so on. Some tips for choosing table top material:
via In My House & A Feminine Tomboy
- Materials to consider include wood (new or reclaimed), stainless steel, tile, particle board or glass.
- Protect your table top with a self healing cutting mat if you use a knife or a rotary cutter.
via Emeline & Annabelle Atelier Coutoure Cafe
- Cover the table with a colorful oil cloth to protect against paint and glue spills.
- Add interest to your space by painting your work table a bright color.
via Helene Soderberg & Pinterest
And one final tip – if your work table is pushed up against a wall, cover it with inspiring photographs and pictures.
If you liked this post, you might also like my post Pegboard Organizing Ideas and I’d love to send you my weekly newsletter, that you can sign up for here.
October 8, 2020 @ 10:25 pm
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