17 Creative Solutions For How to Organize Kids Art Supplies

This post is all about how to organize kids art supplies.

This post is inspired by the glitter that ends up in every area of your home, tiny beads that roll into nooks and crannies and all of the crayon masterpieces that grace the walls of your home. 

I am a huge fan of exploring the creative process with the kids that I work with but there is no denying that it can quickly turn into a mess! Without the right art storage systems in place crafting supplies can take over your home

This post will share all of the best tips for organizing kids’ art supplies that will truly work for any space.  

That way your kids can feel free to create and your home stays tidy!

a kid creating art in an art room
Photo by Vlada Karpovic

The Best Kid Art Supply Organization Tips

1. Use clear containers to group craft supplies

This tip isn’t super groundbreaking but it is popular for a reason!

Clear containers allow your kids to be able to see exactly what they are looking for so that they don’t have to rummage through boxes to find what they are looking for.

Use a mix of different sizes to ensure there are groups and not just single large bins.

2. Use clear storage drawers

If your kids are younger, they may find it more difficult to slide craft boxes in and out.

These little drawers make crafting a bit easier for little hands.

3. Create an art supply wall with pegboards

Pegboards are the perfect craft storage option because they are perfectly customizable.

You can add and take away bins and baskets as their art collection grows and shifts.

Pegboards are also a great way to display the creations that your kids make!

Rather than stuffing them in a drawer, add mini shelves to your pegboard or use pins to hold their artwork up.

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4. Thrift unique canisters to hold art supplies

Head to your local thrift store or upcycle containers you already own to bring an eclectic look to your kids desk or crafting area.

Clear plastic bins are popular and effective but sometimes it is fun to add your own unique twist to it!

5. Use a mixture of different art organization ideas

Depending on how many craft supplies you have you may have different needs.

Don’t hold back from using a combination of ideas from this post to design the perfect craft storage system.

6. Use a cabinet or armoire to hide away your craft supplies

Aren’t these armoires stunning?! I love keeping art supplies up and away, especially when you have young children.

Even if you try to incorporate plenty of art time it doesn’t mean it is the best idea for them to always have access to the art supplies!

Choose a free-standing cabinet (or use a closet!) to hide away art supplies until it is time to play.

7. Repurpose coat hooks to hang art storage containers

Repurpose a coat rack to hold your kids’ art supplies.

You can use buckets to hang on the pegs or even bags.

8. Add an art station to the playroom or your kids’ bedroom

Designate a specific corner solely for the purpose of creating art. Use a few of the ideas on this list and show your kids where everything goes.

Get them to help you set it up so they know that any kind of crafting supplies stay in that area.

9. Use rolling carts to organize kids’ art supplies

If you don’t have the space to create a designated art area, pick up a rolling cart to have a mobile art room.

That way depending on if they want to craft at the kitchen table or in their room they can grab the cart and go!

Add a few buckets onto the side to create even more space as your craft collection grows!

10. Use turntables to maximize space

Use up all of your shelving space with turntables. They are the perfect way to use deep bookcases and ensure your kids don’t have to take everything out from the front to get to what they want.

11. Mix up the storage baskets that you use to minimize visual clutter

Aside from organizing the individual craft supplies, don’t forget to keep the end in mind. Try to mix up the types of storage containers you use so the space looks balanced.

Clear bins are helpful but if their are too many supplies on display it can make the space look overwhelming.

12. Label everything

It can’t be an organization post without labels! Be sure that every art supply organizer has a label on it.

If every item has a spot and it is clear where it’s home is, it makes it easier for kids to clean up the right way rather than stuffing items in random areas and calling it clean!

13. Use pictures of art supplies if your kids can’t read yet

The great thing about labels is that you can easily customize them!

Adding a photo is a cute way to elevate the labels and is also helpful as your kids are working on their reading skills.

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14. Create an art station that can be easily moved around

If a rolling cart art station is too much, keep it simple with jars (or cups depending on your kids age) and a basket.

I love these because you can pull them out to work on school projects or a quick craft time and they hold just the basics.

15. Hidden storage for art supplies

Don’t be afraid to completely hide away the art supplies!

If you like a more minimalist look you can keep it simple with solid storage bins and labels.

16. Opt for dividers in a large drawer

Have a craft storage drawer if you don’t like free standing organizer options. Use storage bins inside of drawers to keep things separated but still hidden away.

17. Use a behind the door organizer to store art supplies in a closet

Repurpose a shoe organizer you no longer use to store your kids art supplies! The pockets make the perfect spot to stash supplies and you can put more messy craft items higher up if needed.

I hope this list gave you plenty of kids’ art supply organizing ideas to keep things tidy but not stop the creative process for your little one. 

Feel free to use a combination of the different ideas on this list as you create an art area in your playroom, living room, or in your kids’ bedroom!

Have any other kids art supply organization ideas? Let us know in the comments below! I’m sure others in the community would love to learn from you as well.

Stay well, 

Maggie

This post was all about how to organize kids art supplies.

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a mom and daughter making crafts in a craft room

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