Organising your art studio with vintage charm
Tired of boring plastic bins? Repurposed vintage containers keep your art supplies organised and accessible while adding a touch of whimsical history to your workspace.
Studio storage solutions
As creatives, we all have unique ways of storing our tools. Whether you have a massive studio or a corner of the kitchen table, here is how I use found objects to keep my creative energy flowing.
VINTAGE CHARM WITH A PURPOSE:
The joy of vintage isn’t just the aesthetic,it’s the story. Here are my favorite ways to repurpose old treasures:
Colourful tea tins & cans: These are perfect for brushes, pencils, and markers. I love the intricate designs and vibrant hues they add to my shelves.
Baskets & wooden drawers: These offer a timeless appeal and are sturdy enough for heavier items like paint tubes and ink bottles.
Industrial metal boxes: I love the rugged patina of old metal. These are nearly indestructible and provide a great edgy contrast to softer vintage pieces.
THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX:
Sometimes the best art storage wasn't made for art at all. My absolute favorite hack is the cutlery tray.
Whether they are wooden or metal wire, cutlery trays are ideal for organiSing erasers, sharpeners, and small tools.
They keep everything neatly separated within a drawer or out on a tabletop. Plus, they are incredibly easy to grab if you need to move your supplies to a different part of the room.
IKEA WITH A TWIST:
Even my modern storage is second-hand!
My trusty “Råskog” trolleys, a staple in many artist studios, were flea market finds.
By keeping an eye out at antique stores or online marketplaces, you can find these functional pieces at a fraction of their original cost.
A NOTE ON GLASS JARS:
Antique glass jars are stunning for storing pencils, especially those with intricate patterns.
However, a quick reality check: I am a bit clumsy!
While I use basic glass jars for paint water (because they are easy to clean), I prefer sturdier metal or wood for my permanent storage to avoid accidents in the heat of the creative process.
Unique finds
Beyond the small tins, a few larger vintage pieces truly anchor my space:
A wooden file cabinet for paper and prints.
A teak drawer cabinet where I keep my linocut blocks.
An old metal haberdashery organiser for sorting tiny supplies.
I even have two vintage printing presses and an antique leather brayer that is so beautiful, I’ve never actually dared to use it!
