Wooden Tabletop Easels: Compact Support for Everyday Creativity
Wooden tabletop easels combine classic style with practical function. These compact easels sit on desks or tables and offers a stable surface for painting, sketching, or showcasing art
When you're working in a smaller studio, kitchen, or shared space, finding tools that offer both performance and portability is important. One item that continues to stand out for artists of all levels is the wooden tabletop easel. Whether you’re sketching, painting, or just looking for a way to display your artwork, this style of easel offers a dependable solution in a small footprint.
Why a Wooden Tabletop Easel Works for Creative Spaces
The wooden tabletop easels provide stable, adjustable platform for painting, drawing, and display. Designed to sit on top of desks or worktables, these tabletop easels are ideal for artists who want a supportive surface but don’t need a full-sized floor easel.
This type of easel is perfect for:
- Working on small to medium canvases
- Creating art while sitting
- Moving your setup between rooms or taking it outdoors
- Presenting finished pieces at art fairs or home studios
Many models fold up neatly, so you can store them when not in use. Others come with adjustable tilts and canvas holders, offering flexibility depending on your medium, whether it’s watercolor, acrylic, or graphite.
Common Types of Wooden Tabletop Easels
The tabletop wooden easel includes several different forms, each built for a particular use case. Here’s a quick overview of the most common types and when they’re useful.
Sketchbox Easels
These combine an easel and a portable storage box. They're often used by traveling artists or anyone who likes to work in different locations.
Highlights:
- Integrated drawers for brushes and paints
- Folds up like a briefcase
- Great for plein air or on-the-go use
- Works well with oils, acrylics, and dry media
A-Frame Tabletop Easels
Featuring a triangular shape, A-frame easels are easy to fold and store. These easels provide a simple and lightweight solution for painting or displaying.
Highlights:
- Takes up minimal space
- Fits neatly in corners
- Quick to set up
- Ideal for casual use or small spaces
H-Frame Tabletop Easels
These wooden table easels offer more support and a flat base, which makes them sturdy for longer projects. They’re a good choice for heavier canvases or more intense use.
Highlights:
- Stable base preventing movement
- More height and angle adjustment
- Some include a tray or brush holder
- Great for oil and acrylic painting
Display Easels
These wooden table easels are meant for showing finished artwork rather than creating it. You’ll often see them used at shows, pop-ups, or studios.
Highlights:
- Holds lightweight items like signs or framed work
- Simple design
- Great for showcasing art, menus, or presentations
- Not meant for active painting
Top Brands You Can Choose From
Below are some of the best-selling wooden tabletop easels available at Blick Art Materials. Each brand offers unique strengths, whether you're a beginner, hobbyist, or professional.
Blick
Blick offers a broad range of easels that balance price and quality. Top Products:
- Blick Studio Sketchbox Easel
- Blick Tabletop Lyre Easel
Key Features:
- Beechwood construction
- Multiple tilt positions
- Foldable and compact
- Suitable for painting or display
Best
Best’s oak-crafted easels are known for their strength and reliability. Top Product:
- Best Classic Table Easel
Key Features:
- Red oak hardwood
- Smooth angle adjustments
- Fully assembled
- Built to last
American Easel
Built in the USA, American Easel models combine function with solid construction. Top Products:
- American Easel Mini Table Easel
- American Easel Display Easel
Key Features:
- Natural fir or birch wood
- Simple, clean design
- Lightweight and easy to move
Bob Ross
Designed with Bob Ross technique fans in mind, these are ideal for wet-on-wet oil painting. Top Product:
- Bob Ross Tabletop Easel
Key Features:
- Suitable for specific painting techniques
- Stable frame
- Holds canvas firmly in place
Conda
Conda makes affordable, entry-level easels good for beginners. Top Products:
- Conda Sketchbox Table Easel
- Conda Display Easel
Key Features:
- Budget-friendly
- Lightweight
- Suitable for acrylics, watercolors, and sketching
Daler-Rowney
A British art brand offering beginner to mid-range options. Top Product:
- Daler-Rowney Simply Table Easel
Key Features:
- Beechwood construction
- Compact and easy to use
- Good for students and hobbyists
Jullian Paris
Stylish and functional, Jullian easels are inspired by French art tradition.Top Product:
- Jullian Escort Table Easel
Key Features:
- Elegant design with brass hardware
- Foldable for easy transport
- Great for plein air use
Mabef
Known for Italian craftsmanship, Mabef easels are premium-grade and durable. Top Products:
- Mabef M/29 Sketchbox Easel
- Mabef M/31 Table Easel
Key Features:
- Oiled beechwood construction
- Professional-grade design
- Smooth hardware and tilt controls
Meeden
Meeden offers reliable tabletop easels with a natural wood aesthetic. Top Product:
- Meeden Beechwood Sketchbox Easel
Key Features:
- Foldable with storage drawers
- Good for various mediums
- Compact and beginner-friendly
Richeson
Richeson’s tabletop easels combine style and functionality. Top Product:
- Richeson Table Easel Basic
Key Features:
- Lyptus hardwood (eco-friendly)
- Simple and sturdy
- Smooth adjustments for different canvas angles
Where to Buy a Wooden Tabletop Easel?
When it’s time to shop, stick to well-known retailers that offer verified products and solid customer support.
- Blick Art Materials – Carries a wide range of tabletop easels, complete with artist reviews, product details, and trusted shipping. Blick is a top choice for both beginners and professionals.
Final Thoughts
A good wooden tabletop easel can make a big difference in how you create or display your work. From flexible angle adjustments to foldable designs, these easels are built for convenience without compromising support. Whether you're working on a new piece or showcasing a finished one, there's a model to match your space, medium, and style.
FAQs About Wooden Tabletop Easels
Can I use these easels for oil painting?
Yes, just make sure to choose a sturdy model like an H-frame or sketchbox style for better support.
Do they include storage drawers?
No. Only sketchbox easels come with built-in storage. Others focus on canvas support and stability.
Are they easy to carry?
Most are. Look for foldable models with handles if portability is important to you.
Can I use this easel for display purposes?
Yes. Display-style easels are specifically designed for showing finished art or signage.
How do I clean and maintain this type of easel?
Wipe it with a dry or slightly damp cloth. Avoid harsh cleaners and store in a dry area to prevent wood damage.
