Choosing your first easel can feel overwhelming. Walk into any art supply store and you'll find dozens of options ranging from simple tabletop models to imposing studio workhorses. Each promises to be the perfect solution for your artistic needs, yet they all look so different. How do you know which one is right for you?
The truth is, there's no single "best" easel—only the best easel for your specific situation. Your ideal choice depends on where you'll paint, what size canvases you prefer, your available space, and your budget. This guide will walk you through everything you need to consider before making your first purchase.
Understanding the Main Types of Easels
Before diving into specific features, it helps to understand the four main categories of easels available to artists today. Each serves a distinct purpose and works best in particular environments.
Studio Easels
Studio easels are designed to remain in one place. They're typically the largest and most stable option, capable of holding very large canvases—some models support works over two metres tall. The most common designs are H-frame easels, which have a distinctive shape resembling the letter H, and A-frame easels, which fold flat when not in use.
These easels excel at providing rock-solid stability. When you're applying thick impasto strokes or working on a detailed passage that requires a steady surface, a quality studio easel won't wobble or shift. Many feature crank mechanisms for smooth height adjustment and the ability to tilt the canvas forward or backward.
If you're setting up a permanent home studio, a studio easel is almost always worth the investment. The stability alone will improve your painting experience dramatically compared to lighter alternatives.
Tabletop Easels
Tabletop easels sit on a desk, table, or any flat surface. They're compact, affordable, and perfect for artists who don't have dedicated studio space. Many tabletop easels include storage drawers or compartments for brushes and paints, making them essentially portable workstations.
The trade-off is canvas size. Most tabletop easels accommodate canvases up to about 50 centimetres, though some larger models handle 60-70 centimetres. If you primarily work small—which many beginners do—a tabletop easel provides excellent value.
Plein Air and Field Easels
Plein air easels are designed for outdoor painting. They prioritise portability above all else, typically featuring lightweight aluminium construction and the ability to fold into a compact package. French easels combine the easel with a storage box, creating an all-in-one solution for painting excursions.
These easels face unique challenges: wind, uneven ground, and the need to carry everything to your painting location. A good plein air easel manages these constraints while still providing enough stability to work comfortably.
Children's Easels
Designed specifically for young artists, children's easels feature height adjustability to grow with your child, stable wide bases to prevent tipping, and easy-clean surfaces. Many include both a chalkboard and whiteboard side, plus paper roll holders for maximum creative flexibility.
Key Features to Consider
Once you've identified which category suits your needs, examine these specific features when comparing models.
Maximum Canvas Size
Always check the maximum canvas height an easel can accommodate. This measurement indicates the largest work you can comfortably paint. Consider not just what you paint now, but what you might want to paint in the future. Upgrading easels because you've outgrown your maximum size is an avoidable expense.
Buy an easel that accommodates canvases at least 30% larger than what you currently use. Artists almost always gradually increase their canvas sizes as they develop confidence.
Stability
Nothing ruins a painting session faster than an easel that wobbles with every brushstroke. Stability comes from build quality, base design, and weight. Heavier easels are generally more stable, though this trades off against portability. Look for wide, sturdy bases and robust construction at connection points.
Adjustability
A good easel should allow you to position your canvas at a comfortable working height and angle. Consider how you prefer to paint: standing or sitting, with the canvas vertical or tilted. Crank mechanisms provide smoother adjustment than friction-based systems, though they add cost and potential failure points.
Material Quality
Easels are typically made from wood (beech, oak, or pine) or metal (aluminium or steel). Hardwoods like beech offer durability and aesthetic appeal but add weight. Aluminium provides lightness for portability at the cost of some stability. Steel is heavy and durable but can rust if not properly maintained.
Beechwood is considered the gold standard for wooden easels due to its strength, fine grain, and resistance to warping. Pine easels cost less but may not last as long. Oak offers excellent durability at a premium price.
Matching an Easel to Your Situation
Let's put this all together with some common scenarios.
If you're painting in a spare room or garage: A studio easel is your best choice. The A-frame style folds relatively flat for storage, while H-frames offer maximum stability for larger works. Budget $150-400 for a quality studio easel that will last decades.
If you're working at the kitchen table: A tabletop easel with storage makes the most sense. Look for one with a drawer to keep your supplies organised and ready to go. These typically cost $40-100.
If you want to paint outdoors: Consider a French easel for the complete portable solution, or an aluminium field easel if you prefer to carry supplies separately. Expect to spend $80-250 depending on build quality.
If you're buying for a child: Prioritise stability and appropriate height adjustment. A double-sided easel with paper roll, chalkboard, and whiteboard offers the most versatility. Quality children's easels range from $60-180.
Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid
After helping hundreds of artists find their first easel, we've noticed some patterns in regrettable purchases.
- Buying the cheapest option: Very inexpensive easels often have poor stability and break quickly. A slightly higher investment upfront saves money and frustration long-term.
- Ignoring the space you have: That beautiful H-frame studio easel won't serve you well if it doesn't fit in your apartment. Measure your space before buying.
- Forgetting about storage: If your easel needs to be packed away between sessions, foldability becomes crucial. Some studio easels are essentially permanent fixtures.
- Overlooking weight: If you'll carry your easel regularly—to classes, outdoor locations, or between rooms—every kilogram matters. Check the weight before ordering.
Our Recommendation for First-Time Buyers
If you're still unsure, we generally recommend starting with a mid-range tabletop easel or a compact A-frame studio easel. Both offer good stability at reasonable prices, accommodate a useful range of canvas sizes, and don't require a dedicated space. As you develop your practice and understand your preferences, you can upgrade to more specialised equipment.
The most important thing is to start painting. An imperfect easel that you actually use is infinitely better than the perfect easel you're still researching. Trust your instincts, make a choice, and get creating.