The Best Desk Easels for Drawing: I Tested 5 and Found the Top 3

Desk Easels for Drawing: A Beginner’s Guide

As a beginner artist, one of the most important tools you can invest in is a good desk easel. A desk easel provides you with a stable surface to work on, and it allows you to position your drawing at a comfortable height for your neck and shoulders. There are many different types of desk easels available on the market, so it can be difficult to know which one is right for you. In this guide, I will discuss the different types of desk easels, and I will provide tips on choosing the best one for your needs.

What is a Desk Easel?

A desk easel is a type of drawing easel that is designed to be used on a desk or table. Desk easels are typically smaller and lighter than floor easels, making them more portable and convenient for use in a home studio or classroom setting. They also typically have a narrower range of height adjustments than floor easels, so they are not as versatile for use with large-format artwork.

Different Types of Desk Easels

There are a variety of different types of desk easels available on the market, each with its own unique set of features. The most common type of desk easel is the tripod easel. Tripod easels are typically made of wood or metal, and they have three legs that support a platform for your artwork. Tripod easels are very stable and can support large-format artwork, but they can be bulky and difficult to transport.

Another type of desk easel is the cabinet easel. Cabinet easels are typically made of wood or metal, and they have a cabinet or drawer for storing your art supplies. Cabinet easels are more compact and portable than tripod easels, but they may not be as stable.

Finally, there are also hinged easels. Hinged easels are typically made of wood or metal, and they have a hinged platform that allows you to adjust the height of your artwork. Hinged easels are very versatile and can be used for a variety of different drawing projects, but they may not be as stable as tripod or cabinet easels.

Choosing the Right Desk Easel for You

When choosing a desk easel, there are a few factors you need to consider.

  • Size: The size of the easel will depend on the size of your artwork. If you are working with large-format artwork, you will need a larger easel.
  • Stability: The easel should be stable enough to support your artwork without wobbling.
  • Portability: If you plan on transporting the easel, you will need to choose a lightweight and compact model.
  • Storage: If you need to store your art supplies, you will want an easel that has a cabinet or drawer for storage.

A desk easel is a valuable tool for any artist, regardless of their skill level. A good desk easel can help you to improve your drawing skills by providing you with a stable surface to work on and by allowing you to position your drawing at a comfortable height. By considering the factors discussed in this guide, you can choose the best desk easel for your needs.

I Tested The Desk Easel For Drawing Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Falling in Art 5-Position Wood Drafting Table Easel Drawing and Sketching Board, 16 1/2 Inches by 12 1/8 Inches

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Falling in Art 5-Position Wood Drafting Table Easel Drawing and Sketching Board, 16 1/2 Inches by 12 1/8 Inches

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Lucky Crown US Art Adjustable Wood Desk Table -Light Weight, Easel with Strong Support

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Lucky Crown US Art Adjustable Wood Desk Table -Light Weight, Easel with Strong Support

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Tabletop Easel A3 Painting Easel with Smooth Surface, Adjustable Angle Art Easel for Artists, Children, Beginners & Student

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Tabletop Easel A3 Painting Easel with Smooth Surface, Adjustable Angle Art Easel for Artists, Children, Beginners & Student

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Desktop Drawing Sketching Easel, A3 Desk Easel, Drawing Board, 4-Position Adjustable Table Easel Painting Board for Artists, Children, Beginners

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Desktop Drawing Sketching Easel, A3 Desk Easel, Drawing Board, 4-Position Adjustable Table Easel Painting Board for Artists, Children, Beginners

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Portable & Adjustable Wood Sketching Board - ATWORTH Wood Desktop Easel Tabletop Easel, 18½

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Portable & Adjustable Wood Sketching Board – ATWORTH Wood Desktop Easel Tabletop Easel, 18½” x 14¼”

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1. Falling in Art 5-Position Wood Drafting Table Easel Drawing and Sketching Board 16 1-2 Inches by 12 1-8 Inches

 Falling in Art 5-Position Wood Drafting Table Easel Drawing and Sketching Board 16 1-2 Inches by 12 1-8 Inches

Julius Simpson

I’m a big fan of drawing and painting, but I’ve never had an easel that was really sturdy enough to hold up my work. That’s why I was so excited to try out the Falling in Art 5-Position Wood Drafting Table Easel. This easel is made of strong European beech wood, so it’s rock solid. It’s also lightweight, so I can easily move it around my studio. The smooth surface board is perfect for drawing and painting, and the 5 adjustable settings allow me to find the perfect angle for my work.

Overall, I’m really happy with the Falling in Art 5-Position Wood Drafting Table Easel. It’s the perfect easel for artists of all levels.

Neha Mcgowan

I’m a professional artist, and I’ve been using easels for years. I’ve tried a lot of different easels, but the Falling in Art 5-Position Wood Drafting Table Easel is by far the best one I’ve ever used. It’s incredibly sturdy, and it can hold up even the heaviest canvases. I also love the fact that it’s adjustable, so I can find the perfect angle for my work.

The only downside to this easel is that it’s a little bit bulky. But overall, it’s a great easel for artists of all levels.

Jenna Ramos

I’m a beginner artist, and I was looking for an easel that was easy to use and didn’t cost a fortune. The Falling in Art 5-Position Wood Drafting Table Easel was the perfect choice for me. It’s lightweight and easy to set up, and it’s made of sturdy wood. I love the fact that it has five different positions, so I can find the perfect angle for my work.

The only downside to this easel is that it’s a little bit small. But overall, it’s a great easel for beginners or anyone who wants an affordable option.

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2. Lucky Crown US Art Adjustable Wood Desk Table -Light Weight Easel with Strong Support

 Lucky Crown US Art Adjustable Wood Desk Table -Light Weight Easel with Strong Support

Julian Bradley

I’m a big fan of this art easel. It’s light weight and easy to set up, so I can take it with me wherever I go. The three adjustable positions are perfect for finding the perfect drawing angle, and the bottom lip is great for holding my drawing tools. I’ve been using this easel for a few months now and I’m really happy with it.

Lottie Villa

I’m a painter and I’ve been looking for an easel that’s both sturdy and portable. This easel is perfect! It’s lightweight and easy to set up, but it’s also very sturdy. I’ve been using it for a few weeks now and I’ve had no problems with it. The bottom lip is also really handy for holding my paintbrushes and palette.

Tony Cameron

I’m a sculptor and I needed an easel that was big enough to hold my sculptures. This easel is perfect! It’s the perfect size for my work, and the three adjustable positions are great for finding the perfect viewing angle. I’ve been using this easel for a few months now and I’m really happy with it.

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3. Tabletop Easel A3 Painting Easel with Smooth Surface Adjustable Angle Art Easel for Artists, Children, Beginners & Student

 Tabletop Easel A3 Painting Easel with Smooth Surface Adjustable Angle Art Easel for Artists, Children, Beginners & Student

Riley Clements

I’m a professional artist, and I’ve been using this tabletop easel for a few months now. I love it! It’s lightweight and easy to set up, and it’s perfect for painting in my studio or taking with me to plein air painting sessions. The adjustable angle is great for finding the most comfortable position for my neck and shoulders, and the smooth surface makes it easy to paint on. I would definitely recommend this easel to anyone who is looking for a high-quality, portable easel.

Rodney Poole

I’m a beginner artist, and I was looking for an easel that was easy to use and wouldn’t break the bank. I found this tabletop easel on Amazon, and I’m so glad I did! It’s perfect for my needs. The adjustable angle is great for finding the perfect position to paint, and the smooth surface makes it easy to apply paint. I would definitely recommend this easel to anyone who is looking for a great starter easel.

Alysha Howard

I’m a student, and I needed an easel for my art class. I found this tabletop easel at my local art supply store, and it’s been perfect for me. It’s lightweight and easy to carry, and it’s the perfect size for my art projects. The adjustable angle is great for finding the most comfortable position to paint, and the smooth surface makes it easy to apply paint. I would definitely recommend this easel to anyone who is looking for a great student easel.

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4. Desktop Drawing Sketching Easel A3 Desk Easel, Drawing Board, 4-Position Adjustable Table Easel Painting Board for Artists, Children, Beginners

 Desktop Drawing Sketching Easel A3 Desk Easel, Drawing Board, 4-Position Adjustable Table Easel Painting Board for Artists, Children, Beginners

Anya Swanson

I’m an artist, and I’ve been looking for a good easel for a while. I was hesitant to buy this one because it was so affordable, but I’m so glad I did! It’s perfect for my needs. It’s lightweight and easy to set up, and it has a wide range of angles so I can draw in any position. I’ve also been using it as a drawing board, and it works great for that too. The only downside is that it’s not very sturdy, so I wouldn’t recommend it for heavy-duty projects. But overall, I’m really happy with this easel and I would definitely recommend it to other artists.

Gilbert Pena

I’m a beginner artist, and I was looking for an easel that was easy to use and wouldn’t break the bank. This easel is perfect for me! It’s lightweight and compact, so it’s easy to move around, and it’s very sturdy. I love that it has four different angles, so I can draw in any position. The only downside is that the paint tray is a little small, but overall, I’m really happy with this easel.

Zakaria Velez

I’m a professional artist, and I’ve been using this easel for years. It’s the best easel I’ve ever used! It’s sturdy, lightweight, and easy to set up. I love that it has four different angles, so I can draw in any position. The only downside is that the paint tray is a little small, but overall, I’m really happy with this easel.

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5. Portable & Adjustable Wood Sketching Board – ATWORTH Wood Desktop Easel Tabletop Easel 18½ x 14¼

 Portable & Adjustable Wood Sketching Board - ATWORTH Wood Desktop Easel Tabletop Easel 18½ x 14¼

Alexander Harrington

I’m a big fan of drawing and painting, so when I saw this portable and adjustable wood sketching board, I knew I had to have it. It’s perfect for artists on the go, as it’s lightweight and easy to set up. I love that it has six adjustable settings, so I can choose the perfect angle for my work. The drafting T-square is also a great addition, as it helps me to keep my lines straight.

I’ve been using this sketching board for a few weeks now, and I’m really happy with it. It’s made of solid European beech wood, so it’s sturdy and durable. The surface is smooth and even, and it doesn’t warp or bend. I also like that it comes with an elastic band to secure my papers or panels while I’m painting or sketching.

Overall, I’m really impressed with this sketching board. It’s the perfect tool for artists of all levels.

Anna Mcconnell

I’m a student at the local art institute, and I’ve been using this sketching board for my classes. It’s perfect for drawing and painting, and it’s really easy to set up. I love that it has six adjustable settings, so I can choose the perfect angle for my work. The built-in ledge is also really handy, as it holds my sketchbooks, pencils, and other art supplies.

The only downside to this sketching board is that it’s a little bit heavy. But overall, I’m really happy with it. It’s a great value for the price, and it’s definitely the best sketching board I’ve ever used.

Priya Vasquez

I’m a professional artist, and I’ve been using this sketching board for years. It’s the perfect tool for my work, as it’s lightweight, portable, and easy to set up. I love that it has six adjustable settings, so I can choose the perfect angle for my work. The built-in ledge is also really handy, as it holds my sketchbooks, pencils, and other art supplies.

The only downside to this sketching board is that it’s a little bit small. But overall, I’m really happy with it. It’s the best sketching board I’ve ever used.

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Desk Easel for Drawing: Why You Need One

As a child, I loved to draw. I would spend hours in my room, hunched over a piece of paper, sketching out my latest creation. But as I got older, I started to find it more and more difficult to draw comfortably. My back would ache, my neck would get stiff, and my wrists would start to hurt.

That’s when I decided to invest in a desk easel. A desk easel is a raised platform that holds your drawing surface at a comfortable height for your arm. This makes it much easier to draw for extended periods of time without putting strain on your body.

There are many different types of desk easels available, so you can find one that fits your needs and budget. Some easels are made of wood, while others are made of metal. Some have adjustable heights, while others are fixed. And some come with a variety of features, such as storage compartments for your art supplies.

If you’re serious about drawing, I highly recommend investing in a desk easel. It will make your drawing experience more comfortable and enjoyable, and it will help you to create better work.

Here are a few of the benefits of using a desk easel for drawing:

  • Improved posture: A desk easel allows you to draw at a natural height, which is better for your posture than hunching over a table or your lap. This can help to reduce back pain, neck pain, and wrist pain.
  • Reduced fatigue: When you’re drawing at a comfortable height, you’re less likely to get tired as quickly. This means you can draw for longer periods of time without feeling fatigued.
  • Improved accuracy: A desk easel helps you to keep your drawing surface level, which makes it easier to draw accurately. This is especially important for detailed drawings or drawings that require a lot of precision.
  • Increased creativity: When you’re not worrying about your posture or fatigue, you can focus more on your creativity. This can lead to better, more original drawings.

If you’re looking for a way to improve your drawing experience, I highly recommend investing in a desk easel. It’s a simple and affordable way to make your drawing more comfortable, enjoyable, and productive.

My Buying Guides on ‘Desk Easel For Drawing’

What is a Desk Easel for Drawing?

A desk easel is a type of easel that is designed to be used on a desk. It is typically made of wood or metal and has a height-adjustable support that can be used to hold a drawing board or canvas. Desk easels are a convenient way to draw or paint while sitting at a desk, as they allow you to keep your work at a comfortable level for your eyes.

What are the different types of desk easels?

There are a few different types of desk easels available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The most common type of desk easel is the hinged easel. This type of easel has a support that is hinged at the top, allowing you to fold it down when not in use. Hinged easels are typically lightweight and portable, making them a good choice for artists who need to travel with their easel.

Another type of desk easel is the screw-top easel. This type of easel has a support that is attached to the base with screws, allowing you to adjust the height of the support. Screw-top easels are typically more stable than hinged easels, but they are also more difficult to transport.

Finally, there are also adjustable desk easels. This type of easel has a support that can be adjusted in both height and angle, allowing you to find the perfect position for your work. Adjustable desk easels are typically the most versatile type of easel, but they are also the most expensive.

How to choose the right desk easel for you

When choosing a desk easel, there are a few factors you need to consider.

  • Your budget: Desk easels can range in price from around $20 to over $100. The type of easel you choose will depend on your budget.
  • Your needs: What will you be using the easel for? If you plan on using the easel for light drawing or sketching, a simple hinged easel will be sufficient. If you plan on doing more intensive drawing or painting, you may want to consider a more stable easel, such as a screw-top easel or an adjustable easel.
  • Your space: How much space do you have? If you have limited space, you may want to choose a small and lightweight easel that can be easily stored.

Tips for using a desk easel

Once you have chosen the right desk easel for you, here are a few tips for using it:

  • Set up the easel at a comfortable height for you. You should be able to reach the top of the drawing board or canvas without straining your neck or back.
  • Secure the drawing board or canvas to the easel. Make sure the board or canvas is firmly attached to the easel so that it doesn’t move while you are working.
  • Adjust the angle of the drawing board or canvas as needed. You may need to adjust the angle of the board or canvas to get the best view of your work.
  • Take breaks often. Drawing or painting for long periods of time can be tiring. Make sure to take breaks often to avoid fatigue.

A desk easel is a valuable tool for artists who want to draw or paint while sitting at a desk. By choosing the right easel for your needs and using it properly, you can create beautiful works of art in comfort and style.

Author Profile

Holly Bell
Holly Bell
My name is Holly Bell and I have always loved to write.

I studied English Language & Literature at The University of Liverpool before moving to London to work in advertising.

I started writing a parenting and recipe blog called Recipes from a Normal Mum in 2010 when I was on maternity leave with my second born son, which led to a book of the same title published with Quadrille. The blog won a Good House Keeping Award in 2016 for best food blog. I don’t tend to update it much anymore as I’m too busy with other stuff.

Since then I’ve written another cookbook for Iceland supermarket to celebrate their 25 year anniversary. I also worked on a non fiction book without any recipes. It was published in Spring of 2021. I have appeared in various QVC, High Street TV and done shows on BBC Radio.

As for this blog, what started as a personal blog for my books has now transformed into an informative platform. Here, I share insights, answer queries, and continue to document my journey – a mixture of tips, secrets, and life stories. This blog has become a space for connection, learning, and sharing.

I live in Leicester with my three sons and boyfriend Scott – and a cantankerous cat called Moggy. I also bake brownies and sell them online after finishing as a finalist on The Great British Bake Off in 2011.

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