10 DIY Storage Ideas for Art Supplies That Maximize Every Inch
Transform your art space with 10 creative DIY storage solutions! From mason jars to rolling carts, discover budget-friendly ways to organize supplies efficiently.
Your art supplies don’t have to take over your entire space. Whether you’re working with watercolors pencils or crafting materials you need smart storage solutions that keep everything organized and easily accessible.
These DIY storage ideas transform everyday items into functional organizers that’ll help you create a tidy workspace without breaking the budget. You’ll discover simple projects that maximize your storage potential while keeping your creative tools within arm’s reach.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. Thank you!
Mason Jar Organizers for Small Art Supplies
Mason jars transform your art supply storage with their clear visibility and endless configuration possibilities. You’ll organize small items efficiently while keeping everything visible and easily accessible.
Paintbrush Holders With Dividers
Achieve professional painting results on any project with this 5-piece brush set. The SRT filament blend ensures smooth application with less streaking, while the variety of flat and angle brushes provide versatility for both interior and exterior use.
Mason jars naturally separate brushes by size when you add simple cardboard dividers. Cut circles to fit inside your jar and create slots for different brush types. You’ll prevent bristles from getting damaged while keeping flat brushes separate from rounds and detail brushes. Wide-mouth jars work best for larger brushes, while regular jars handle fine detail brushes perfectly.
Bead and Button Storage Solutions
Layer different colored beads and buttons in clear mason jars for instant visual inventory. You’ll see exactly what you have without opening multiple containers. Small jars work perfectly for seed beads and findings, while larger ones handle chunky wooden beads and oversized buttons. Label the lids with washable markers to identify contents when jars are stored on higher shelves.
Pegboard Wall Systems for Vertical Storage
Organize your space with this durable metal pegboard pack. Ten times stronger than standard pegboard, it features a built-in flange for easy mounting and accepts secure slotted hooks and shelves.
Pegboard transforms blank walls into organized storage powerhouses for your art supplies. You’ll maximize vertical space while keeping tools visible and within easy reach.
Custom Tool Arrangements
Organize your most-used supplies by grouping similar items together on your pegboard system. Position paintbrushes in pegboard cups near your palette knives and mixing tools. Place scissors and cutting tools in a dedicated section alongside rulers and stencils. Arrange supplies by frequency of use with daily essentials at eye level and specialty items higher up. Create designated zones for drawing tools, painting supplies, and crafting materials to streamline your creative workflow.
Hanging Basket Attachments
Add depth to your storage with wire baskets that hook directly onto pegboard systems. Store tubes of paint, markers, and pencil sets in shallow baskets for easy viewing and access. Use deeper baskets for bulkier items like sketch pads, canvas boards, and rolled papers. Label each basket clearly and position them at comfortable heights based on how often you’ll reach for the contents inside.
Repurposed Tin Can Containers
Transform empty tin cans into stylish storage solutions that organize your art supplies while adding visual appeal to your workspace. These versatile containers work perfectly for holding brushes, pencils, markers, and other small tools.
Decorative Wrapping Techniques
Wrap your tin cans with decorative paper, fabric, or yarn to create custom organizers that match your studio aesthetic. Remove labels completely and secure your chosen material with double-sided tape or craft glue for a smooth finish. Consider using washi tape for easy color-coding or chalkboard paint for erasable labeling. You’ll create professional-looking storage that costs just pennies while giving old cans new life in your creative space.
Magnetic Strip Attachments
Create magnetic projects easily with this strong adhesive magnetic tape. The 3M backing ensures a secure hold, and the flexible strip can be cut to customize for fridges, whiteboards, and more.
Add magnetic strips to the back of your decorated tin cans to mount them directly on metal surfaces like filing cabinets or magnetic boards. Use strong adhesive-backed magnetic tape or small rare earth magnets for secure attachment that won’t slip. This approach saves valuable desk space while keeping frequently used supplies within arm’s reach. Position cans at different heights to accommodate various tool lengths and create an organized wall display that’s both functional and visually interesting.
Drawer Divider Trays From Cardboard
You can transform cardboard into custom drawer organizers that perfectly fit your art supply drawers. This budget-friendly approach lets you create compartments that adapt to your specific storage needs.
Adjustable Compartment Sizing
Cut cardboard strips to various heights and create interlocking slots to form adjustable dividers. Measure your drawer dimensions first, then cut pieces that’ll create compartments for different supply sizes. You’ll want taller sections for brushes and markers, shorter ones for erasers and paper clips. Test-fit everything before securing with tape or glue to ensure your art supplies have proper spacing.
Fabric-Lined Finishing Options
Line your cardboard compartments with fabric scraps or felt to protect delicate supplies and add visual appeal. Cut fabric pieces slightly larger than each section, then secure with craft glue or double-sided tape. Choose light-colored fabrics for better visibility of your supplies, or use patterned materials to match your workspace aesthetic. This lining prevents pencil tips from catching on rough cardboard edges.
Rolling Cart Storage Units
This 3-tier rolling cart provides versatile storage for any room. Easily move and lock the lightweight, durable plastic and iron cart to organize essentials in your kitchen, office, or living room.
Rolling carts transform your art supply organization by providing mobile storage that adapts to your creative workflow. You’ll create a portable workspace that moves with your projects while keeping supplies organized and accessible.
Multi-Level Organization Systems
Multi-tier rolling carts maximize vertical storage while maintaining easy access to your art supplies. You can dedicate each shelf to specific categories like paints on top, brushes in the middle, and paper supplies on the bottom tier.
Install small bins or containers on each level to prevent supplies from sliding around during movement. Wire baskets work perfectly for this setup since they allow you to see contents clearly while providing secure storage compartments.
Portable Workspace Solutions
Transform a basic rolling cart into a mobile art station by adding a removable work surface to the top tier. You’ll create an instant workspace that follows you from room to room or moves outdoors for plein air painting sessions.
Attach magnetic strips to the cart’s sides for holding metal tools like scissors and palette knives. Small hooks can hold frequently used items like rulers or spray bottles, turning your cart into a comprehensive mobile studio.
Fabric Pocket Organizers for Flat Supplies
Organize clutter with this hanging storage bag featuring five pockets for phones, keys, and more. Made from durable, moisture-proof cotton and linen with a convenient wooden pole for easy hanging.
Fabric pocket organizers transform unused vertical spaces into efficient storage for papers, canvases, and other flat art supplies. These flexible storage solutions adapt to your workspace while keeping materials wrinkle-free and easily accessible.
Over-The-Door Hanging Systems
Over-the-door fabric organizers maximize your storage potential without permanent installation. You’ll find clear pocket designs work best for art supplies since you can quickly identify paper types, sketch pads, and canvas boards at a glance. Choose organizers with reinforced stitching and sturdy fabric to handle the weight of multiple art materials. Position heavier items like canvas panels in lower pockets to prevent sagging and ensure the door closes properly.
Wall-Mounted Canvas Holders
Wall-mounted fabric pocket systems create dedicated storage for canvases and drawing boards while protecting them from damage. Install these holders at eye level for easy access to your most-used sizes and materials. Look for organizers with adjustable pockets or elastic bands that accommodate different canvas thicknesses. You can create custom holders by sewing fabric pockets onto a backing material and mounting it with simple wall brackets or Command strips.
Tackle Box Transformation Projects
Organize your fishing gear with the Plano 3-Tray Tackle Box. It features three cantilever trays with adjustable compartments and dual top access for quick retrieval of small items.
Fishing tackle boxes offer exceptional compartment flexibility that’s perfect for art supply organization. You’ll discover these weatherproof containers provide more customization options than traditional storage solutions.
Compartment Customization Ideas
Remove adjustable dividers to create larger spaces for bulky items like paint tubes or glue bottles. The removable plastic inserts let you redesign layouts based on your specific supply collection.
Add foam padding to bottom compartments to protect delicate brushes and prevent ferrules from loosening. Cut craft foam to fit each section perfectly, creating custom cushioning for expensive tools.
Install small magnetic strips inside lid compartments to hold metal items like palette knives, scissors, or razor blades securely during transport.
Portable Art Kit Conversions
Create themed kits by dedicating each tackle box to specific mediums like watercolors, sketching supplies, or mixed media tools. This approach keeps related materials together for grab-and-go convenience.
Waterproof seals make tackle boxes ideal for outdoor painting sessions or travel projects. You won’t worry about rain damaging supplies or paint spills creating permanent messes.
Transparent lid compartments provide instant visibility of frequently used items like erasers, sharpeners, or color swatches without opening the main storage area.
Spice Rack Adaptations for Paint Storage
Wooden spice racks offer perfect-sized compartments for acrylic paint tubes and small containers. You’ll transform unused kitchen storage into an organized art supply station that keeps paint colors visible and easily accessible.
Acrylic Paint Tube Organization
Mount a tiered spice rack on your wall to display paint tubes like a rainbow palette. Each slot holds standard 2-ounce tubes upright, preventing paint from settling and making color selection effortless. Choose racks with deep enough compartments to accommodate various tube sizes, from student-grade to professional acrylics. Position frequently used colors at eye level for quick access during painting sessions. Secure the rack firmly to prevent paint tubes from falling when you grab supplies quickly.
Label System Implementation
Create color-coded labels using small adhesive dots that match each paint’s actual color for instant identification. Write paint names and color codes on clear labels placed beneath each compartment to maintain organization when tubes run low. Use a consistent labeling format that includes brand information and paint type for easy reordering. Apply waterproof labels since paint spills happen frequently in art spaces. Group similar color families together and mark sections with colored tape to speed up your creative workflow.
Stackable Bin Solutions With Clear Visibility
Stackable bins transform chaotic art supply storage into a systematic workspace where every item stays visible and accessible. You’ll create vertical storage towers that adapt to your changing needs while maintaining clear sight lines to your materials.
Modular Storage Combinations
Stackable bins create flexible storage systems that grow with your art supply collection. You’ll arrange bins by supply type with larger containers for canvases and paper at the bottom and smaller bins for brushes and tubes on top. Mix different bin sizes to accommodate various supplies like paint bottles, sketch pads, and specialty tools. Transparent stackable containers let you create themed towers such as watercolor supplies, drawing materials, or mixed media essentials that reorganize easily as your projects change.
Easy Access Design Features
Easy access features make stackable bins more functional than traditional storage boxes for active art creation. You’ll benefit from front-loading bins with drop-down doors that don’t require unstacking to reach contents. Choose bins with angled fronts or scoop designs that make grabbing supplies effortless during creative sessions. Label each bin’s front and side for 360-degree identification when bins are rotated or rearranged. Ventilation holes prevent moisture buildup in humid environments while maintaining visibility of colorful supplies inside each container.
Desktop Caddy Creations From Household Items
Transform everyday containers into efficient desktop organizers that keep your most-used art supplies within arm’s reach.
Multi-Purpose Organizer Designs
Cereal boxes become tiered desktop organizers when you cut them at varying heights and cover them with decorative paper or contact paper. Coffee cans hold brushes upright while their lids store rubber bands or small clips underneath. Egg cartons create perfect compartments for paint drops, beads, or erasers, and you can stack multiple cartons for expanded storage. Yogurt containers work excellently for water cups during painting sessions, then transition to pencil holders when decorated with washi tape or fabric scraps.
Space-Saving Vertical Arrangements
Toilet paper tubes attached inside a shoebox create vertical slots for storing rulers, brushes, and pencils without taking up drawer space. Paper towel tubes cut into rings and glued together form honeycomb-style organizers that maximize vertical storage for markers and colored pencils. Shoe boxes stacked with dividers create multi-level desktop storage towers, with each level dedicated to different supply categories. Ice cream containers nest inside each other when not in use, then expand into a vertical caddy system for ongoing projects.
Conclusion
These DIY storage solutions prove that you don’t need expensive organizational systems to create an efficient art workspace. With a few simple materials and creative thinking you can transform everyday items into professional-grade storage that rivals any store-bought system.
The key to successful art supply organization lies in choosing solutions that match your specific creative habits and available space. Whether you prefer mobile rolling carts for flexibility or wall-mounted systems for permanent organization each approach offers unique benefits for different artistic workflows.
Remember that the best storage system is one you’ll actually use consistently. Start with one or two projects that address your biggest organizational challenges then gradually expand your setup as your needs evolve. Your creative space should inspire productivity not create barriers to your artistic expression.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can mason jars help organize art supplies?
Mason jars are versatile organizers that provide clear visibility for small art supplies. You can create paintbrush holders with dividers to sort brushes by size and protect bristles. They’re also perfect for storing beads, buttons, and other tiny items in layered arrangements, making supplies easily accessible while keeping everything neatly labeled and organized.
What makes pegboard wall systems effective for art supply storage?
Pegboard systems maximize vertical wall space and allow for customizable organization. You can group similar tools together, position frequently used items at eye level, and add hanging wire baskets for clear visibility. The modular nature lets you rearrange hooks and containers as your storage needs change.
How do I repurpose tin cans for art supply organization?
Clean tin cans can hold brushes, pencils, and markers while adding visual appeal to your workspace. Decorate them with paper, fabric, yarn, or washi tape for color-coding. Add chalkboard paint for labeling or attach magnetic strips to mount them on metal surfaces, saving desk space while creating functional wall displays.
Can I make custom drawer organizers without spending much money?
Yes, cardboard strips can create adjustable dividers that fit your specific drawer dimensions. Cut strips to various heights and arrange them to accommodate different supply sizes. Line compartments with fabric scraps or felt to protect delicate supplies and improve the overall appearance of your organized drawers.
What are the benefits of using rolling cart storage for art supplies?
Rolling carts provide mobile, adaptable storage that follows your creative workflow. You can dedicate each shelf to specific categories and use small bins for organization. Transform a basic cart into a mobile art station by adding a work surface, magnetic strips, and hooks for tools.
How do fabric pocket organizers help with art supply storage?
Fabric pocket organizers transform vertical wall spaces into efficient storage for papers, canvases, and flat supplies. They keep materials wrinkle-free and easily accessible. Over-the-door hanging systems maximize storage without permanent installation, while clear pockets allow quick identification of supplies.
Are tackle boxes good for organizing art supplies?
Fishing tackle boxes offer exceptional compartment flexibility for art supplies. You can customize compartments by removing dividers for larger items and adding foam padding for delicate brushes. Install magnetic strips in lid compartments for metal tools, and create themed portable kits for different mediums.
How can spice racks be adapted for paint storage?
Wooden spice racks can organize acrylic paint tubes and small containers effectively. Mount tiered racks on walls to display paint tubes upright, preventing settling and making color selection easier. Use color-coded labels for quick identification and efficient paint supply management in your workspace.
What makes stackable bins ideal for art supply organization?
Stackable bins create vertical storage towers that adapt to changing needs while maintaining clear visibility. Use transparent containers for easy identification, arrange by supply type, and choose front-loading designs with angled fronts for better access. Proper labeling and ventilation holes enhance functionality.
How can everyday containers become desktop organizers?
Transform cereal boxes into tiered organizers, use coffee cans for brushes with storage underneath, and repurpose egg cartons for paint drops. Yogurt containers work as dual-purpose water cups and pencil holders. Create vertical arrangements using toilet paper tubes in shoeboxes for space-saving tool storage.
