Does your art space look like a colorful explosion that never quite settles down? Maybe you spend more time digging for that perfect shade of blue than actually painting with it. We have all been there! Finding the right home for your paints, brushes, and sketchbooks can feel like a giant puzzle.
Choosing art supply storage is tricky because you need solutions that keep things safe, organized, and easy to reach. Plastic bins hide everything, while open shelves gather dust on your expensive pastels. The wrong setup leads to frustration and wasted time searching for that one crucial item.
This guide cuts through the clutter. We will explore smart, practical storage ideas perfect for any artist, no matter the size of your collection or your budget. You will learn simple tricks to tame your supplies and reclaim your creative zone.
Ready to transform your messy desk into a streamlined studio? Let’s dive into the best ways to store your treasured art materials!
Top Art Supply Storage Recommendations
Bestseller No. 1
Citylife 17 QT Plastic Storage Box with Removable Tray Craft Organizers and Storage Clear Storage Container for Organizing Bead, Tool, Sewing, Playdoh
- 【Multi-layer separation design】The storage box has 5 partition trays that can be placed or taken out according to your purpose and type. The removable tray keeps some of your smaller items neat and organized, and the extra depth allows for larger, bulkier supplies;
- 【17-Quart Capacity】Capacity: 17-quart. Overall Dimensions: 15.94"L * 11.61"W * 7.28"H. Perfect for arts and crafts supplies, stationery, lego, kids building blocks, sewing kit, and other small tools;It also functions perfectly as a dedicated medicine storage box for neatly organizing medications and first-aid supplies;
- 【Perfect Solution for Craft Storage】If you need to organize art or craft supplies, this plastic storage bin is an ideal solution. Colorful beads, sewing art, fishing equipment, figurines, sewing kits, cardstock, and other items are also great for this storage box;
- 【Transparent and Portable Design】The high transparent base and cover allow you to easily identify the contents inside, so that you can store them quickly. The clasp on the lid makes it easy to carry and effectively prevents the contents of the box from being poured out;
- 【Stylish Superior Quality】Made in USA. Made of high-quality and durable PP5 plastic, it has a long service life and resists wear and tear. Odorless and BPA free.
Bestseller No. 2
BTSKY 3-Layer Plastic Dividing Storage Box Craft Organizer and Storage with Adjustable Spacers Portable Handled Art Supply Organizer Multipurpose Home Utility Box for Medicine Sewing(Haze Green)
- Premium & Durable Quality: This clear plastic craft box is made of premium pp material, which is non-toxic and odorless. It is lightweight and has long service life. Can be used as a universal medicine box at home, office, school etc.
- Large Storage Capacity: Measures by 13x7.9x5.7inches/33x20x14.5cm with 10.6x5.5x1 inches/27x14.x2.5cm trays. Enough large space for storing many different items such as pencils, markers, brushes, erasers, first aid supplies, cosmetics and other small items. Completely solve the problem of cluttered items.
- 3 Layers Muti-grid Design: The 2 trays of the dividing storage box have 8 compartments for pencils, clips or adhesive tape, etc. Lower drawer can store sewing threads, craft supplies, skin care product, tool accessories and more. Unique design with 3 folding layers, which really saves your space. Removable grids can be adjusted flexibly as your need and makes your desk organized.
- Portable & Convenient: The sturdy handle and snapping latch make it secure and easy to transport. Transparent vision, the contents of the storage organizer can be seen at a glance and you can find what you want in a second, convenient for you to take the items quickly . It’s a great helper in your work and life.
- Multifunctional Plastic Storage Box: The handled storage container is very suitable for school, home, office, travel and more scenarios. It can be used as medicine box, office storage case, home utility box, sewing organizer and craft supplies storage box, etc., perfect for your items storage to provide convenience and save space.
Bestseller No. 3
SWTYMIKI 3-Tier Rolling Cart with Drawers - Under Desk Storage Utility Cart with DIY Divider, Wood Shelf & Locking Wheels - Art Cart Organizer on Wheels for Office, Craft Room & Studio Espresso
- [Flexible Craft & Office Storage] Maximize your workspace with this rolling storage cart with drawers, ideal as both a craft cart with wheels and utility cart with drawers. The wooden top shelf with adjustable DIY dividers lets you sort paints, stationery, and office supplies with ease. A perfect under desk cart for teachers, artists, and professionals seeking streamlined organization
- [Dual Drawer System for Smart Organization] This versatile storage cart with drawers combines a non-woven drawer and an open mesh drawer to help you sort and access tools effortlessly. Whether used as a drawer cart, rolling cart organizer, or craft cart organizer with wheels, it’s built to simplify your everyday storage needs
- [360° Mobility with Locking Stability] Designed as a rolling drawer cart with four swivel wheels—two with locks—this utility cart with drawers moves smoothly and stays in place. Shift it easily between work areas or art rooms. It's the mobile arts and crafts organizer storage solution you've been searching for
- [Space-Saving Style with Functional Design] This art storage organizer is built with a stylish black metal frame and rustic wood shelf, combining aesthetic appeal with practicality. Slide this storage drawers with wheels setup under a desk or beside a workstation to save space without losing storage capacity
- [Quick Assembly & Built to Last] The art organizers and storage unit features easy setup and a durable mix of mesh metal, wood, and fabric. Whether used as a rolling drawers system, a craft cart with wheels, or art supply storage, it fits seamlessly into your office, classroom, or creative studio
Bestseller No. 4
Citylife 17 QT Plastic Storage Bins Clear Storage Box with Lids Multipurpose Stackable Storage Containers for Organizing Tool, Craft, Crayon
- 【Organization Made Easy】With the modular Citylife plastic storage bins with lids, taking a minimalist approach to storage can give you maximum flexibility. Perfect sort and storage screws, nuts, washers, craft organizers and storage, and crayons to help get your work area in order;
- 【6 Detachable Tall Inserts】These inserts help separate the craft storage containers into multiple organized sections. This prevents the items from moving around and getting mixed up in a container. The plastic storage bins with dividers can also be used in drawers and desktops;
- 【High Transparency】This clear design of art supply storage organizer keeps the look neat and clean and lets you quickly identify the contents stored inside;
- 【Stackable & Nestable】The grooved lid design of the art supply storage organizer for extra stacking stability. When more space is needed. Remove all of the inserts so the storage box can nest inside one another;
- 【Durable Construction】Including 1 storage bin and 6 inserts. This organizer bins measurement is 15.94"L x 11.61"W x 7.28"H/17 quarts. Single insert measurement: 5.12"L x 4.72"W x 5.71"H/1.7 QT. Made of premium durable and thicker PP5 plastic so you don't have to worry about chipping. This can make it last a lifetime.
Bestseller No. 5
Rolling Storage Utility Cart Organizers with 8 Drawers and Wooden Tabletop for Living Room,Office,Classroom,Craft Room,Bedroom,Dorm,Green
- 8 DRAWER STORAGE CAPACITY: Utility cart with 8 drawers provide ample space for you to store stuff by different categories.The overall size of this cart is 15.55"D x 12.60"W x 31.18"H.There are different color drawers for to store and classifying your stuff to keep them tidy and clean.Slide-out drawer design,with smooth slide track and ergonomic handles,easy to open or close.
- WOODEN TABLETOP & THICK DRAWERS & METAL FRAME: Storage drawer cart with wooden tabletable top allows you to put plants,paper cutting printer, printer and other decorations.Drawers are made of thick and durable plastic material.Holds 33 pounds on tits op plate and 11 pounds per drawer.The utility cart with drawer boasts a sturdy and durable powder-coated steel frame with water and rust resistance ensures a sturdy construction and built to last.
- FIT YOUR DIFFERENT STORAGE NEEDS: Whether you are a housewife,an office worker,a student or a craftsman,this rolling storage cart with 8 drawers will be very helpful to you.More drawers great to storage tools,sewing supplies, embellishments, punches, stamps,paper,scrapbooking,school supplies,toys,stationery,office supplies,art and craft materials and beauty products.Perfect for living room,bedroom,office,sewing room,craft room,classrooms,dorm,art studio or homework station.
- FLEXIBILITY MOBILITY & LOCKABLE WHEELS: Four universal wheels can swivel 360 degree and help you move it easily. Locking wheels provide maneuverability and stability when needed. Smooth wheels, scratches and noise during movement can be effectively avoided.
- USER-FRIENDLY & CONSIDERATE SERVICE: Comes with clear instructions and all required accessories to shorten your assembly time. There are detailed installation videos on the product page to help you better assemble. If your item arrives damaged in any way, feel free to contact with us.
Bestseller No. 6
Homsorout 3 Tier Rolling Cart - Metal Utility Cart with Storage Drawer and Wheels, Versatile Art & Craft Organizer for Home, Office, or Studio - Ideal for Storing Brushes, Paints, and Supplies
- [Effortless Organization] Streamline your space with this 3-Tier Utility Cart, perfect for the living room, office, or studio. Measuring 16.9"L x 9.3"W x 37.4"H, this compact cart offers versatile storage solutions to keep your room tidy and clutter-free.
- [Sliding Storage Tray] Designed with a convenient sliding tray, this cart provides an ideal spot for organizing smaller items like craft supplies, papers, and tools. The wooden shelf above offers additional space for frequently used items, keeping everything within easy reach. The fabric drawer reduces the weight of the shelf while making it look more stylish.
- [Customizable Tiered Compartments] The top section features adjustable compartments with removable dividers, allowing you to organize brushes, paints, and craft materials according to your needs. Adapt the space to fit larger items by simply removing dividers.
- [Brush-Friendly Top Panel] The cart’s top panel is engineered with multiple slots, specifically designed for storing brushes upright. This unique feature makes it easy to access tools while maintaining a clean and organized workspace.
- [Smooth Rolling & Locking Mechanism] Equipped with four sturdy wheels, this cart glides smoothly across various surfaces. Two lockable wheels ensure stability when stationed in place, offering flexibility to move and secure it where needed.
Bestseller No. 7
IRIS USA 6 Qt. Storage Bins with Lids, 4-Pack, |Made in USA|, Small Plastic Craft Container Sensory Totes for Art Supplies, Paper, and Office, Stackable - Clear
- DIMENSIONS: 14"L x 11"W x 3.25"H. Perfectly sized container for notebooks, paper, folders, and any paper related items you may have.
- MADE IN USA: IRIS USA’s Storage Bins with lids are perfect storage container organizers that can fit all your items safely by using our anti-break, durable polypropylene material manufactured in the USA with global materials.
- MULTI-PURPOSE BINS: This flat storage container box is a perfect solution tool to store variety of items at your home, office or dorm. This craft box conveniently accommodates standard (8.5 X 11) paper, files, documents, notebooks art supplies.
- BUCKLE UP: The storage buckles latch onto the durable plastic lid, separating the inside and outside. Any valuables are safe from dust and liquids when securely buckled. The buckles also help keep each bin steady when stacked upon one another.
- CLEAR VIEW: No more looking for your precious stuff. The clear design of these flat storage bins with lids allow you to find any stored items instantaneously from any angle and is perfect for keeping sewing projects, fabrics, scrapbook paper, and more together and within view.
Bestseller No. 8
Vtopmart 4 Pack Large Stackable Storage Drawers,Easily Assemble Acrylic Bathroom Closet Undersink Organizers and Storage,Plastic Bins for Kitchen Cabinets,Pantry,Makeup,Medicine Organization
- Stackable Storage Bins--The top of the drawer has groove design ensures stacking. Use these stackable drawers to save space, which is also keep organized
- Pull-out & Install Easily--Built inside sliding rail allows you to open and close these acrylic drawers. Put anti-slip silicone pads on the bottom of the acrylic box to make it more stable and not easy to slide. Just insert the connecting holders into the groove of the bottom plates and install the upper plate
- High Quality Acrylic Organizer--These storage bins are made by PET material, which is 12"L x7.5"W x 7"H, and the using size is 11"L x 5.8"W x 6.5"H. It can bear 15lbs when stacked
- Clear View Organizer Bins--Visual organizer bins allow you to see exactly what you want to take out, which saves your time. It's easy to access everything!
- Multi-use Organizer Drawers: Suitable for all kinds of places in the home, you can use these clear storage drawers for organizing snacks, drinks, facial masks,cosmetics,makeup,medicine,baby bottles and other daily items in pantry, cabinets, bathroom closet, bathroom undersink
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Art Supply Storage
Finding the right storage for your art supplies keeps your tools safe, organized, and ready for your next masterpiece. Good storage saves you time and protects your valuable paints, brushes, and paper. This guide helps you choose the best solution for your creative space.
Key Features to Look For
Organization and Accessibility
- Compartments and Drawers: Look for systems with many different-sized spaces. You need small spots for erasers and large spots for sketchbooks.
- Portability: If you move your supplies often (like for classes or outdoor painting), choose storage with strong handles or wheels.
- Visibility: Clear plastic bins let you see what is inside quickly. Opaque boxes hide clutter but might require labels.
Protection and Durability
- Sturdy Construction: The material must hold the weight of heavy items like jars of ink or tubes of oil paint without bending or breaking.
- Dust and Moisture Resistance: Supplies like pastels and charcoal ruin easily when dusty or damp. Look for containers with tight-fitting lids.
Important Materials for Art Storage
The material directly affects how long the storage lasts and how well it protects your gear.
Wood
- Pros: Wood looks attractive and feels very sturdy. It works well for permanent studio setups.
- Cons: It can warp if it gets wet, and good quality wood can be expensive.
Plastic
- Pros: Plastic is lightweight, easy to clean, and usually waterproof. It is often the most budget-friendly choice.
- Cons: Cheap plastic can become brittle over time, especially if left in direct sunlight.
Metal (Often used for rolling carts)
- Pros: Metal is extremely strong and can hold very heavy items like large bottles of medium. It rolls easily.
- Cons: Metal can sometimes rust if exposed to high humidity.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality Enhancers
- Adjustable Shelves: These allow you to customize the space as your supply collection grows or changes.
- Hardware Quality: Metal hinges and smooth-gliding drawer slides make daily use much better. Cheap plastic runners often break quickly.
- Acid-Free Interiors: For storing important paper, photos, or delicate drawings, make sure the interior lining is acid-free to prevent yellowing or damage.
Quality Reducers
- Flimsy Lids: If the lid doesn’t secure well, dust gets in easily, lowering the protection quality.
- Sharp Edges: Poorly finished metal or plastic edges can scratch delicate items like soft pastels or brush handles.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about *how* you create art. This guides your choice.
The Studio Artist (Permanent Setup)
You need large capacity and easy access. Consider tall shelving units or dedicated supply cabinets. Drawers should pull out fully so you can see everything inside without digging.
The Traveling Artist (Plein Air or Classes)
Portability is key. Look for tackle boxes or rolling carts with secure latches. The case must balance weight and capacity well. Ensure handles are comfortable even when the box is fully loaded.
The Beginner Artist (Small Space)
Vertical storage saves space. Use stackable drawers or over-the-door hanging organizers. Keep items grouped by type (e.g., all pencils together, all watercolors together).
Art Supply Storage FAQ
Q: How should I store paint tubes so they don’t leak?
A: Store paint tubes standing upright in small, divided containers or jars. This keeps the caps facing up and prevents pressure from building up at the bottom, which can cause leaks.
Q: Is it okay to store brushes in a closed box?
A: Yes, but only after they are completely dry. Store brushes bristle-side up or laid flat in a divided tray. Storing them wet encourages mold growth.
Q: What is the best way to store large sheets of paper?
A: Keep paper flat in large, sturdy containers or specialized flat file drawers. If you must store it vertically, use a protective tube with tight-fitting plastic caps to prevent moisture and bending.
Q: Should I worry about storing oil paints near acrylics?
A: Yes. Try to keep them separate. Oil paints often have stronger fumes (solvents) than acrylics. Good ventilation or separate storage areas are recommended for safety and to prevent odors from transferring.
Q: What if my storage unit gets bumped a lot?
A: If your area is busy, choose storage with strong, non-slip feet or consider securing tall cabinets to the wall using safety straps. This prevents tipping accidents.
Q: How often should I clean my art storage?
A: Aim to clean major containers at least twice a year. Wipe down plastic bins to remove dust, and check tubes or jars for any dried spills or leaks.
Q: Are open shelves better than closed cabinets?
A: Open shelves give you faster access and let you see everything at a glance. Closed cabinets hide visual clutter and offer better protection from dust and sunlight, which is better for light-sensitive materials.
Q: What storage works best for markers and pens?
A: Markers work best stored horizontally (flat) in their original cases or specialized tiered trays. This keeps the ink flowing evenly to both ends of the felt tip.
Q: Does the color of the storage container matter?
A: It matters for light sensitivity. If you store highly pigmented materials like certain inks or vibrant watercolors, use opaque (non-see-through) containers to block UV light exposure.
Q: I have limited space. What is the most space-saving option?
A: Look for stackable, modular systems. These let you build vertically and only use the footprint you need right now. Under-bed rolling bins are also great for flat items.