As artists, we all know what happens to our supplies over time when we don’t organize them properly: they pile up, roll around, and eventually we can’t find what we’re looking for. To not let that happen to you, I’ve put together the 10 best art supply storage ideas that work for any type of art and tools. No matter what kind of artist you are, you’ll find the best way to store your craft supplies!
Creating art is fun, but—let’s be honest—over time, art supplies start to stack up.
I’m sure you know the struggle: tubes of paint rolling off the table, brushes standing in random jars, sketchbooks stacked in wobbly piles.
Creative chaos can be inspiring, but when you can’t find what you need, it quickly becomes frustrating.
The best storage solutions for craft supplies protect your materials and help you stay focused. Whether you’re working in a spacious studio or a small corner of your living room, there are smart ways to store your art in any setting.
In this post, I've put together the best art supply storage ideas for every type of creative setup, from compact rolling carts and wall-mounted organizers to drawer systems and portfolio cases.
No matter your space or budget, there’s a way to organize your materials so they’re neatly tucked away, yet easy to access!
10 Art Supply Storage Ideas
What kind of storage is best for craft supplies?
The best way to store your art depends, first of all, on the supplies and the mediums you work with.
Because you’d obviously store media like paper, canvas, wood, ceramics, and so on differently.
Generally speaking, you want to keep your artwork away from direct sunlight and humidity. You also want to make sure that dust and dirt don’t pile up on it.
Transparent bins or labeled containers help you find supplies fast. Stackable boxes are great for storing lots of supplies in minimal space, and pegboards and wall organizers let you keep your tools handy and your artwork in plain sight.
Below, I'm showing you ten art supply storage ideas for various materials and space settings.
I’m linking to comparable items that you can easily order from Amazon, so you don’t need to start roaming the internet yourself to find what you’re looking for.
With that said, let’s get into it!
10 Art Supply Storage Ideas
1. Storage Shelves
Shelves are the easiest way to store your art supplies—and your artwork as well. They make use of vertical space, which is especially valuable in small studios.
You can put your canvases upright next to each other and separate the pieces with cardboard sheets. Paired with baskets, bins, and portfolio cases, you can also keep your supplies organized on the shelves.
There are different types of shelves for every need, from wall-mounted shelves to freestanding units in different colors and materials. Here are some suggestions:
2. Rolling Carts
Rolling carts are the artist’s best friend. ʕᴖᴥᴖʔ They’re super-practical and compact. You can keep your most-used materials organized while still being able to move everything wherever you need to work.
With multiple tiers of storage, rolling carts are great for separating supplies by category—like paints on one level, tools on another, and smaller items in trays or containers.
3. Storage Racks
A classic solution to store your canvases are racks. They come in different sizes and materials, such as metal or wood.
Equipped with rolling wheels, they keep everything organized while still allowing you to quickly grab what you need while creating.
4. Portfolio Folders
Portfolio folders are one of the best ways to safely store and transport your artwork, especially paper-based pieces like drawings, prints, and sketches.
These folders come with protective sleeves and sturdy covers that help prevent bending, dust, and moisture damage.
Portfolio folders are lightweight and easy to carry around. Depending on the size, you can simply tuck them in your rucksack or a big bag when you’re on the move.
5. Storage Cabinets with Drawers
Drawers are another great way to store art supplies and stationery. They’re also an option for storing your artwork if it’s not too big.
In any case, storage cabinets with drawers keep your space clean looking and the contents protected from dust.
6. Flat Files
Flat files are especially practical if you want to store large, flat artwork such as drawings, prints, or posters. They protect the art from creases, warping, and any surface damage.
You can get flat files as cabinets but also as wall-mounted options, which are particularly space-saving.
7. Storage Boxes
Boxes provide a super flexible storage solution. They come in a wide range of sizes, materials, and designs. Because they’re portable and stackable, you can easily fit them on shelves, inside cabinets, or under a desk.
Boxes hide the clutter and make it easy to find what you need: clear boxes allow you to see the contents at a glance, while opaque ones can be labeled.
8. Portfolio Cases
Portfolio cases are great for transporting and organizing artwork, especially flat pieces like drawings, prints, and sketches.
Portfolio cases are popular among artists, students, and professionals because they make it easy to carry work to classes, exhibitions, or client meetings.
9. Dynamic Art Frames
Dynamic art frames are an excellent option to display and organize your artwork on paper. They protect your work from dust, scratches, bending, and other damage, and can store up to 50 sheets in a single frame.
10. Portable Storage Disks for Digital Art
If you’re a digital artist, you likely have various storage media for your work. But as a traditional artists, you also might want to keep scans, photos, and other virtual files of your pieces.
I personally keep backups of all my works on an external hard drive. You never know when something might happen to your computer or laptop, so having your digital art safely backed up provides extra peace of mind. ʕᴖᴥᴖʔ
