Table Easels

The table easel is great for artists who have limited space or who work on a medium scale. They are suitable for oil, acrylic, and watercolor, and most feature a tilting facility to create the ideal working angle.

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Table Easels for Artists

Table easels are popular for artists who have limited space or who work on a small to medium scale. Designed to easily fit on a tabletop or desk in your home or studio.

If you prefer to work sitting down, have limited floor space, or are unlikely to work on canvases larger than 85cm high, then a table easel might be the right choice. Most table easels are designed primarily for indoor use.

Tripod Table Easels look like mini A-frame easels and are available in wood or aluminium. They fold into a conveniently compact size and are adequate for light work, but tend not to offer as much stability as a H-Frame Table Easel.

Some H-Frame Table Easels have a drawer at the bottom which is particularly useful if you’re going to carry yours around a lot and need everything in one place. The most accommodating designs have telescopic upper and lower canvas supports which enable them to hold larger canvases.

Box Table Easels use the lid of the box as the canvas support, which can be positioned to your desired working angle. They also offer a good amount of storage for paints, drawing media, and tools. They are a sturdy and ergonomic solution to painting indoors while occupying minimal space.


Maintaining and caring for your easel ensures its longevity and optimal performance. Follow these tips to keep your easel in excellent condition:

Regular Cleaning: Remove any paint splatters or debris. Use a damp cloth to wipe down wooden parts and a soft brush for metal components. Avoid using harsh chemicals that could damage the finish.

Protect from Moisture: Keep your easel dry to prevent wood warping and metal rusting. If you paint with watercolor or other wet mediums, ensure the easel is completely dry before storing it.

Lubrication: For easels with adjustable parts, such as those with height and angle adjustments, regularly lubricate the moving joints with a light oil. This will ensure smooth operation and prevent squeaking.

You can also use linseed oil to help maintain the finish of your easel. Wood that has been fed linseed oil will not absorb paint spills and stain as easily, and is less likely to splinter. If your easel is lacquered it can be conditioned by rubbing a little beeswax into its surface with a soft rag.

Tighten Screws and Bolts: Periodically check and tighten any screws and bolts. These can loosen over time, affecting the stability of the easel.

Storage: Store your easel in a dry, cool place. For portable easels like sketching easels or plein air easels, store them in a protective cover when not in use.

Avoid Overloading: Respect the weight limits of your easel. Overloading it with a heavy canvas or board can strain the structure and reduce its lifespan.

Surface Protection: Use easel accessories such as canvas holders and clamps to protect the surface of your easel from damage. These tools also help secure your canvas, preventing it from slipping during painting sessions.

By following these maintenance tips, you can ensure your easel remains a reliable and durable tool in your artistic practice.



The Ultimate Easel Guide