All artists need excellent desks or tables on which to work. Today, the market is replete with numerous amazingly good tables artists can choose, buy, and use. There are hundreds of different types of tables worth considering. Each type of a drafting table has its fair share of pros and cons. It is equally important for artists to know what to look for in the table. The choice depends on the amount of space an artist has, the preferred style, and budget among others. With a good drafting table, the artists will have no issue drafting, painting, drawing, crafting, and doing whatever pertains to their trade. What follows is a list of the best drafting tables for artists.
Our Recommendations
- Studio Designs Comet Center – Best Overall
- Martin Ashley Art-Hobby Table – Best For Kids And Adults
- Blick Studio Polaris Table by Studio Designs – Best For Sketching And Tracing
- Studio Designs Futura Advanced Training Table – Best In Aesthetics
- Sauder Maple Computer Desk – Best In Storage
- Coaster Desks Artist Drafting Table – Best In Construction
- Studio Designs 10053 Vision Craft Station – Best Multipurpose Drafting Table
#1 – Studio Designs Comet Center
Introduction
Constructed using heavy gauge steel, you can expect this drafting table to last a long time. The six-floor levels fitted on the table also make it unsurprisingly stable. It comes with a silver stool too. It is beautifully designed and attractive. More importantly, the beautiful design does not affect the table’s performance.
It provides the sort of comfortable workspace that the artist needs to concentrate on work. Artists can keep all the supplies they need on top of the table and within easy reach. The adjustable top makes work easier for the artist too. The three adjacent drawers provide the artist with storage space.
Pros
- It is ergonomic; hence, no reason for using it while worrying about your health or back.
- It is beautiful.
- The manufacturers also designed it beautifully perhaps bearing in mind that an artist will use it.
- Needs only 20 minutes or less to set up and make ready for use.
- It is priced correctly.
- It looks stunning.
- It has a sturdy construction, there is no need for worrying yourself to death thinking you will need a new one shortly.
- The tilting working surface is great news for artists who struggle with back-related issues.
- The side table with three drawers is also a great addition since it provides extra storage space.
Cons
- The only possible drawback worth mentioning here is that the drawers are part of the frame.
- What this means is you cannot take them to the left side if you’re left-handed. In this regard, it may seem the wrong choice for left-handed artists.
- The stool might be unable to hold an adult for long or with regular use. It does well when holding a child or teen.
2. Martin Ashley Art-Hobby Table
Introduction
Any artist who buys this drafting table will also get a matching stool. The vinyl-padded stool saves you from spending money on any other type of chair, which would probably not compliment it.
The drafting table also comes with four drawers, which artists can use as storage space. It also has a pencil trough for keeping all those colored pencils you use to draw, sketch or paint one masterpiece after the other.
The drafting table’s melamine surface is easy to clean and maintain in excellent condition. The table can be adjusted to between 26-30 inches above the floor. Apart from that, it also serves kids and adults well.
Pros
- It takes roughly 1 hour to assemble.
- The parts arrive well marked for easy identification.
- The instructions are easier to understand if you pay close attention.
- It is the right size for people of average height.
- The melamine surface is easy to clean.
- It looks stylish.
Cons
- Its plastic clamps require a bit of cautious handling, so they don’t break easily.
- The stool can be a bit off level; hence, you need to watch out for that.
- It can appear short, even after extending to full height and this might present a bit of a problem to the exceedingly tall artists.
3. Blick Studio Polaris Table by Studio Designs
This is one of the classic drafting tables with a very beautiful design. Studio Polaris Table is perfect for sketching and tracing. This one is constructed with a tempered glass top. It also has a durable, powder-coated steel frame.
Blick Studio Polaris Table comes back with many benefits. It has rear stabilizers for rigidity. It also has two swivel floor levers that offer stability to this drafting table. You will simply love its wittingly designed pullout drawer and a slide-up pencil ledge that will help keep all your supplies close at hand.
This convenient drafting table will allow you to adjust the tilt angle of the work surface up to 40 degrees. It has two of these tilt mechanisms that provide greater support for the table especially when it is in use. It comes with a 10years manufacturer warranty and it requires assembling.
Pros
- It is of high quality.
- The construction is solid and long-lasting.
- It has great height and does not cause back strain.
- It is easy to assemble.
- It is aesthetically pleasing.
- It has storage places.
- It has a 10 years manufacturer’s warranty.
- It is very convenient.
- It is rigid and stable.
Cons
- The directions on the instruction page are not helpful.
- It needs assembling.
- It is a bit pricey.
#4 – Studio Designs Futura Advanced Training Table
Introduction
Stylishness defines this drafting table for artists. The highly convenient table is one that any artist should plan to buy. The collapsible side shelf made of glass provides all the convenience an artist requires when drawing, sketching, or tracing. The rectangular tubing makes its frame look sleeker.
The worktop surface is made of blue safety glass. Artists can adjust the top angle by as much as 35 degrees. The three drawers made of plastic are detachable and can be used as storage space. This drafting table is produced for the efficient artist. The table is also aesthetically appealing.
Pros
- The table is sturdy and durable. At no point will you ever see it wobbling.
- The side drawers are detachable. Therefore, the artist can detach and set them on the left side.
- The detachable side drawers are perfect for left-handed artists. The drafting table is not only sturdy but also well-constructed.
- It takes around an hour to assemble by following the instructions in the manual.
- The stylishness and beauty are also a plus.
Cons
- The trays are not as sturdy as they should be. Therefore, be careful with them.
#5 – Sauder Maple Computer Desk
Introduction
Artists can also use standard desks as drafting tables. In this regard, you will not find a better computer desk worth using for this than Sauder Maple. With its impeccable woodwork and sufficient storage, the artists will not go wrong with this desk. It has enough space for storing all the items and supplies an artist uses.
It has sufficient space for placing the printer an artist uses too. It is wide enough – five feet wide to be more precise. Therefore, check if you have enough space for placing this desk unless you want to be one highly disappointed artist. It can serve as a top-notch all-in-one desk. It has enough room for working and storage without inconveniencing you.
Pros
- It has adequate grommet holes through which you can access power sources for all electrical cords. Each of the drawers has metal runners. They also have safety stops.
- It enables artists to work in style at home or in the office. It has the looks that can inspire an artist to come up with a true masterpiece.
- The wood is strong and durable.
Cons
- The drawers close cumbersomely. Each drawer hits the one above it when closing or opening. It takes hours to assemble and make ready for use.
#6 – Coaster Desks Artist Drafting Table
Introduction
The gray finish and a glass top are just two of the qualities that make the Coaster Desks Artist Drafting Tables a must-have. With a design that is not only contemporary but also clean, it is little wonder that artists are flocking the stores to buy this drafting table. The solid construction guarantees that artists will continue using and enjoying this table for years.
The table is the perfect addition to the home office where the artist works. It features a mini cabinet on one of the sides, which artists can use to keep their work essentials. The table’s legs can be adjusted when on uneven floors. It weighs around 100lbs. You can adjust it to the angle of your choice. The maximum angle you can adjust it is 75 degrees.
Pros
- The quality of this table shocks artists and other users all the time. It is one of the sturdiest drafting tables in the market today.
- It also functions just like the manufacturer intended and promised. It is multifunction. Therefore, feel free to use it for drafting or any other purpose.
- Well constructed and sturdy.
Cons
- The instructions on how to assemble this table are not easy to understand.
#7 – Studio Designs 10053 Vision Craft Station
Intro
If you’re in search of the best drafting table that will make it convenient and easier for you to sketch, draw or write your project, then you have to pay some attention to the Studio Designs 10053 Vision Craft Station table.
Pros
- Can be used for doing multiple things such as sketching, writing, and drawing
- It has a pretty large working area that measures 35.5 by 24-inches
- The working surface is made from tempered glass that is of high-quality
- The tabletop can easily be adjusted from 0 – 70 degrees which offer an ergonomic position
- Designed with three slide-out drawers that you can use to keep all your working tools
- It has a deep pencil ledge that measures 2-inches that helps you keep and organize your items when working
- Has four-wheel casters that are attached to the legs for mobility purposes
- For stability, the table has two casters that lock when you need to work
- Due to the heavy gauge power coated build the table is very durable
- Available in two different colors – silver/blue glass and black/clear glass
- You have the option of buying it without a bench or with a bench
- Affordable
Cons
- The table and bench are sold separately and buying the two together takes the cost up
- The plastic used in making the drawers are of low-quality
Final thoughts
Drafting tables have been in existence for ages. They are still as useful now as they are then. However, as seen from the five best tables discussed above, nowadays artists have a wide variety of options when it comes to material and design. You just need to find the best one whose design, size, and material fit your needs.