What are the best ways for artists to store and organize art?
I am an artist myself and I love creating art!
However sometimes the art builds up everywhere and there comes a day when one’s got to find a better way to organize it all.
That’s why I decided to put all my art storage ideas here in this blog post for anyone else interested in organizing their art.
So that you can keep the studio a beautiful and clean place to help you create more beautiful works of art in the future!
How can I store my art safely?
- Keep your artwork away from direct sunlight
- Keep your art away from humid conditions
- Consider separating each canvas with a cloth or towel when in storage
- Consider keeping a digital storage of your art as well
Now that we’ve gone over the basics of storing art, here are some ideas of ways to organize your art.
The best art storage method for you will depend on what type of media you work with (paper, canvas, ceramics, etc).
Also take into account whether you want to display your art or keep it tucked away and away from the light. Do you want to keep your art upright or lay it flat?
I hope that you can find the best method that works for you!
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1. Shelves
How can you store art using shelves?
I like to use shelves to store my medium to large-sized canvas paintings. Stand each canvas upright next to each other and separate the pieces with a cardboard sheet or cloth.
Kind of like books on a bookshelf, but with canvases instead!
Also, feel free to use shelves to store other forms of art too.
What makes shelves so great is that they are a versatile way to store many things. You can not only store canvases, but art materials or even smaller canvases if you use storage bins.
You can also store paper works by utilizing a file organizer. I have some linked later in this blog post.
And let’s not forget wall shelves! Wall shelves create a space to not only store your art, but also put them on display.
1. Bamboo Bookshelf
2. 5 Cube Bookcase
3. Wall Shelves
2. Portfolio Folder
For artists with works on paper, a portfolio folder may be a better way to go.
Below are some examples of portfolio folders.
Also, file folders work too (3rd option)! And they can be found at pretty much any office supply store.
1. Nicpro Art Portfolio Folder
2. Dunwell Art Portfolio Folder
3. Maimis Expanding File Folder
3. Drawers
I love shelves when it comes to storing my paintings, but drawers can be another great way too!
Drawers may not work if your art is too big.
However, what makes drawers so great is that it keeps the space looking clean because the contents inside the drawers don’t show.
Another pro of using drawers is that your art is kept safe from sunlight and dust.
If your art is small enough to fit inside drawers, I’d recommend it as an option for storing your art!
1. Organizer with 5 Drawers, 1 Side Cabinet
2. 20 Drawer Rolling Storage Cart
3. 7 Drawer Chest
4. Racks
One of the classic methods of storing art is by using racks.
Below are a few examples of different racks you can use.
1. Art Drying Rack
2. Art Storage Rack (larger size)
3. Art Storage Rack (smaller size)
5. Art Frames
If you are looking for a way to display your works on paper while also organizing it, perhaps art frames are the way to go.
This one is from Amazon and can store up to 50 sheets in the frame.
6. Flat Files
If you are looking for a more sturdier place to organize your art, perhaps flat file cabinets are the way to go.
Flat files are a great way to store art on paper.
Flat files can be a little more on the expensive side, so I also included a document organizer as an alternative option for those who want a more economical option.
1. Safco Flat File
2. Stackable Plastic Drawer Box
3. File Organizer
7. Portfolio Case
This art storage option is a great one for those who have to be on the go with their art in tow.
Many art students use portfolio totes so I thought I’d include it as an option to consider.
The portfolio case below is from Amazon and can be found here if you are interested.
8. Storage Bins
If you have shelves, adding some storage bins may be a good idea to organize smaller works of art like small canvases, ceramics, etc.
1. Collapsible Fabric Storage Cube
2. Craft Organizer with 3 Dividers
3. Storage Cube with Lid
9. External Hard Drive
If you are an artist, you will likely have scans, photos, or even digital works on your computer.
I keep all of my drawings, paintings, and digital art backed up on an external hard drive.
One never knows when something will happen to their computer or laptop, so it is just an extra sense of security that the digital art or scans are protected for the future.
I buy my external hard drives from Amazon (This 2TB one is the one I currently use). I have a lot on it (videos, files, photos, and more) and there’s still plenty of room on it.
Feel free to do your own research however and choose the one that works best for you and your budget.
10. Other Useful Things
Consider using labels to keep everything organized.
Label makers are great if you are planning on using a lot of labels.
I also recommend washi tape if you want an easily removable and aesthetic option.
1. Label Maker
2. Wall File Organizer
3. Basket and Bin Labels
4. Acrylic Drawers
Thank you so much for stopping by this blog post!
I hope you found this article helpful to help you get your art and studio space organized nice and neat.
Let me know in the comment section down below which method you like best to organize your art!
Also, if you have your own method that I didn’t cover in this blog post, feel free to share it as well!
(Comments may take a while to show up because I have to manually approve each one)
I am wishing you all a wonderful day or night, and until next time my lovely blog readers!
Keep creating!