Best Drafting Tables for Aspiring Artists

Do you know an aspiring artist? Maybe you want to experiment with art yourself? Then you've come to the right place. In today's blog post, we'll deal with tables that are the best for novice artists and even those who have been around the paint cans a few times. Whether you use pencils, paintbrushes, rulers, or even light to create your artwork, you can rest assured that there are drafting tables out there for you. Here's five of the best for anyone ready to pursue their creative side!

First up, we give you the 19652 Ultima Fold-A-Way Table by Studio Designs for your artistic needs. This table is ideal for younger artists, those trapped in cramped dorm rooms, or anyone that prefers to dabble a bit on the weekends. The reason why is because this table is designed to fold away when not in use, so it's perfect for anyone that does not devote tons of time to artistic pursuits. For those stuck in dorms or bedrooms, it can easily hide in the closet or under the bed when the user has no need of it. Ideal for anyone in art school, this table features a tilt angle of up to thirty degrees. It also boasts a tray to hold pens, pencils, and other artsy materials. For only a bit over a hundred dollars, it's no wonder this affordable table is called the "ultima."

This next table is perfect for the versatile artist. The 7772A Ranger Split Top Drafting Table by Mayline boasts two tables in one. It makes a great gift for graphic designers, computer artists, and drafters because the side table provides the opportunity for a computer or small television where users have easy access. The larger art table is capable of tilting up to fifty degrees from a horizontal position and the setup even includes a tool drawer for convenience. Users can do art there while they watch television or reference their computer for schematics or inspiration.  The Ranger is the ideal table for multitaskers and tech lovers that harbor interests in art or drafting.

For the kings and queens of crafting, we give you the 13245 Pro Craft Station by Studio Designs for all your artsy needs. This table makes a super gift for scrapbookers, paper cutters, bedazzlers, and glitz gurus. The Pro Craft Station features plenty of storage space in the form of drawers and side trays for accessories like glue, scissors, and rulers. A slide up pencil ledge keeps drawing utensils from going AWOL and a padded footrest allows artists to rest their feet while they create. As if that weren't enough, the table even features wheels for mobility and an affordable price to make competitors cringe. If you are an avid crafter, the Pro Craft Station is never a bad addition to your creative arsenal.

For more serious artists, never say no to the 410608 Cascade Magnetic Table by Studio Designs if you can. This table is perfect for drafters and artists that spend a lot of time working with paper. Anyone that has spent a modicum of time drawing will easily tell you that one of the most annoying things about the activity is trying to keep the paper still. Fortunately, the Cascade features a magnetic top with four magnets included to relieve this very problem. The table features four removable art trays for pens and pencils, and two storage bays for books, instruction manuals, paper, or magazines. With a tempered safety glass tabletop that can adjust thirty degrees, the Cascade is a steal at its affordable price!

And finally, we leave you with the 10080 Catalina Split Top LS Workcenter by Studio Designs for the well rounded artist. This table is excellent for those that don't mind working where they play. The Catalina Split Top makes the perfect gift for drafters and artists that need lots of workspace. One side of the table tilts upward for artwork while the other side can be left flat for computers or to double as a desk. The result is an affordably priced table with incredible versatility that can be lit from beneath for tracing or drafting purposes. It is on of the most popular stylish tables for drafting purposes on the market for a reason and should never be passed up!

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Versatile Office Storage Products for Home and Business Use

Keeping an office orderly and free of clutter can be a big enough task even when a room is spacious, but when you're caught in close quarters, it can be an enormous problem. Because so many businesses require the keeping of important hard-copy records, often for long periods of time, things like files, books, directories, and papers can build up fast with no place to go. Fortunately, office furniture manufacturers have seen this, and have worked their magic to bring you some great space saving storage devices that will clear up your office in a flash!

Storage Cabinets

The tough part about having an office (and trying to keep things clean) is that, a lot of times, we have to keep things around even if we may not exactly use them all the time. Things like three-hole punches, computer software, directories, books, binders, and old hard-copy files you deleted from your computer but still have to hold on to are probably not used too much, but without a place to go, they can stack up to make some tall pillars in a workplace. Sound familiar? Don't worry. If it does, there's a great solution. Adding one or two stylish storage cabinets can usually solve all these problems just by giving a place to things without a place and the best part is that they come in all sorts of shapes and sizes to meet your needs. Whether you need something small and square like the OFM Executive Wall Cabinet Credenza, or something tall and thin like the Mayline Brighton Glass Display Cabinet, adding one or two of these beautiful cabinets can always clear up the clutter with style!

Shelving

In offices where square footage can be measured more accurately in inches than feet, people usually figure out really quick that building up is the most efficient way to get the most out of the lack of space. Unfortunately, its easy to find oneself building the columns of the Parthenon out of purchase orders and old company records that can't be tossed out. Few realize that there is an even better way to give yourself a little more leg room without sacrificing the important stuff; this secret way is called "shelving". Adding office shelving above your office desks is a spectacular storage alternative for places that may not have the floor space for wall cabinets and credenzas because it doesn't take up any room. By keeping things on the walls, the floor is freed up for the people and cool office chairs that have to use it, not the stuff that can't. And if you'd rather not alter the walls, assembling a shelving configuration to fit inside a small adds a lot more surface areas for things to rest should you need it.

Bookcases

Got a lot of books lying around? You're not the only one. All over the world there are tons of writers and readers that are probably wondering if they should turn their ergonomic workstations into libraries instead, and with all the books they've got, they probably could. Books are extremely useful to many businesses, but whether you keep them around for advice when a computer's on the fritz or just to chill out and enjoy a good story while you eat lunch, books can make for some clunky clutter. If you've got more books than you know what to do with, shelving may not always be the best option. While it does save you on square footage, sometimes setting up good bookcases can save you a lot more space (not to mention walls). Bookcases come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, so there is bound to be one that will fit every office. If you're looking for something for a sleek stylish office, metal bookcases have got the look for you, and if your office is an active one, modern bookcases usually have wheels so they can be rolled into closets while corner bookcases sit out of the way. Whatever you choose, a good bookcase is sure to save you room and gloom when you need a good book to liven up the lunch hour!

Carts

Perhaps one of the most overlooked ways to keep things out of the way in an office is through the use of mobile carts. Adding office carts to your workplace may be one of the best business decisions you ever make for a bunch of reasons. Not only do these babies clear up space, but they can hold just about anything, from files, to food, to printers, papers, and much more, and they can go just about anywhere. These versatile office carts are fantastic storage options that hold a ton with out taking up a ton of room. Wonderful in offices and schools alike, they make amazing printer stands as well as sturdy file trucks with locking capabilities, utility carts for things like staplers and tape dispensers, and even AV and TV carts for meetings and presentations.

File Cabinets

Many businesses that require the keeping of old papers and files as part of hard copy records can get into a big mess if they don't have quality office storage products to keep them in check. Fortunately, file cabinets have been around for quite a while now, but how do you know which ones to get. For offices, believe it or not, both lateral file cabinets and vertical file cabinets can come in all shapes and sizes, so its important to know what you want out of one and where you'd like it to go in your office before you get one. But file cabinets aren't just great for offices. If you're an artist or architect, you don't have to throw out your old work because its in the way of your new stuff. Just adding a few flat file cabinets to your studio or next to your professional drafting tables can allow you to keep your work neat and out of the way.

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Best Contemporary Craft Stations for Sale

In a today's market, sometimes the only way for a company to get noticed is to give people some eye-candy. Results show that if a company hires good artists to create their ads, design their websites, and create their logos, the company as a whole gets recognized much faster and produces more sales. With so many companies looking for great artists, designers and craftspeople everywhere are looking for the perfect things to help them get their work done. So for professionals, beginners, architects, painters, students, or just people with limited space, there is nothing more helpful than a quality compact craft station!

Where better to start than the basics for a beginner? If you're a regular joe whose perhaps considering a transition into the world of art, there is no better place to start than with a craft station like the Ultima Fold-A-Way Table by Studio Designs for your artistic needs. Beginner tables like this are great for  anyone in need of a great crafts table. It also makes a great solution for anyone with back problems, as it can easily double as an angled writing desk so users can actually use the backrests of those office chairs rather than just dreaming of it. Equipped with all the basics needed for any beginner artist or draftsperson, this table comes with the brilliant added bonus of the ability to fold flat for easy storage, making it perfect for students or anyone with limited space! 

For something a little more flexible in design, the Mayline Ranger Split-Top Table is a fantastic option. This product not only provides an angled drafting table for artistic or academic use, but it also provides a small flat side table built right in! These split-top tables are wonderful choices because they provide an unmoving flat place to set objects that might slide down or break if set on the angled desk. The side table can support a small flatscreen TV for the multitasking artist or nice adjustable monitor arms for computers for students, architects, or web designers. As an extra plus, this table also provides a small drawer for additional storage. For anyone in need of versatile tables or home executive desks, this little beauty is never a bad choice!

Looking for a table just for artists? The Cascade Magnetic Table by Studio Designs is a wonderfully functional table for anyone, but it was definitely designed with the artistic in mind! Complete with a tempered glass safety top, molded slide pencil drawers for storage, bays for books, paper, or magazines, and  four removable art trays for pens, pencils, brushes, erasers, rulers and anything else you've got, you cant go wrong with this table. Designed for the studio, this table also features a magnetic tabletop with magnets included so you dong have to worry about your artwork sliding all over the desk while you work. 

For designers or architects that spend a lot of time refining their work, lighted drafting tables like the Ranger Steel Drafting Lighted Table by Mayline, have great crafting applications, so they are a must. These lighted tables are usually equipped with glass tops that provide a backlight source so that artists can see the work on the page beneath the page on top that they are actually working on. Tables with these special lights allow artists to trace their preliminary work so that it can be altered or refined. For architects and engineers, it allows them to see what all the blueprints or different aspects of a room or building might look like when put together, making tables are priceless additions to any studio.

And finally, the creme de la creme! For the ultimate in craft stations, the Catalina Split Top Workcenter simply cannot be topped! These stylish tables are perfect for studios or even as office desks because of their highly professional look. The Catalina Split Top featured a gorgeous tempered blue safety glass desktop as well as a powdered steel frame for durability. Not only that, this table is also extremely versatile, with flat table space and glass desks that can be easily angled for artistic use or lighted from beneath for drafting purposes. Just add yourself a few stylish modern desk chairs, and your workspace is ready to go!

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What To Look For In A Professional Drafting Table

 

Drafting tables are incredibly popular. Architects, artists, and crafting professionals all require a quality drafting table to get their jobs done effectively. Often, the question is asked what makes a drafting table worthy of a professional title. With so many models available on the market today, it's hard to know which tables will work best for your individual needs. This article highlights the important traits and characteristics any high end drafting table should feature to help you make an informed purchasing decision.

The first and most obvious trait of a professional drafting table is the price. While beginner models are available for around $250 from reputable brands like Studio Design, high end tables can range in the thousands. While this might sound like a strain on the average budget, the benefits and extended life span of a well made table is hard to beat. One popular model, the Ranger Drafting Table can be purchased for as low as $553.99 and is a real favorite amongst the architectural crowd.

 

Secondly, a professional table should feature a durable top. While glass drafting table solutions look fantastic, a thermally fused laminate surface or metal top will last much longer. For this reason, the top of your table is one of the most important factors to consider when shopping. Architects and artists alike will often choose a lighted drafting table top as it provides excellent visual benefits and makes work a whole lot easier!

Another important factor is the table base. High end tables should feature a four leg design. This post style approach promotes stability. While beginner drafting table models often showcase fancy leg designs that look great in home office environments, they don't bode well for every day use. Those intending to subject their product to daily use will want a rugged frame that ensures commercial grade craftsmanship. In most cases, steel and solid wood is preferred.

Ergonomic adjustability is a trait that will surely keep you comfortable and working at your highest levels of productivity when drafting. While most tables offer some form of surface adjustment regardless of price and style, top quality models will offer a far greater range of movement. Height adjustable drafting table solutions as well as split top drafting table models are an excellent indication of this valuable trait. A tables adjustment capabilities provides versatility and a wide range of motions that should be tested before purchasing if possible. Several top drafting tables are actually rather difficult to adjust compared to others. Electronic options are available but will often drive up the cost of your table. Hand operated models typically work perfectly and leave a far smaller window of areas to breakdown over time.

Lastly, any respectable table should come with a warranty. All Mayline Drafting Tables for example come with a manufacturers guarantee that keeps you protected throughout the life of your product. This guarantee provides security for your investment and should not be overlooked. While most brands will cover manufacturers defects, it's nice to know that quality manufacturers like Mayline provide extended coverage, replacement parts, and much more for your table. Opting to go with a preferred brand of this nature is always a smart choice.

In the long run, testing a variety of professional drafting tables will ensure you get this best bang for your buck. Doing your homework will always save you money when shopping regardless of the products your interested in. No matter the table you decide to utilize, make sure to not overlook the efficiency improving details like ergonomic drafting chairs as well as flat file cabinets to keep you important documents secure and protected. Top online providers will be happy to provide bulk discounts, free shipping, and coupons for shoppers looking to outfit their entire work area. This little tip is an excellent way to save a bundle!

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End Of The Year Furniture and Seating Specials You Don't Want To Miss

By now most folks are wrapping up their year spending time with family and friends. However, for those still at work trying to spend that last bit of budget, these awesome furniture and seating specials are a great way to start. From affordable desking configurations to the latest mesh seating solutions, these end of year deals will help you save and improve your office decor.

Looking for a hot new office chair to keep you comfortable and efficient in the workplace? The Mayline Commute chair is the solution for you! This high quality mesh back chair offers some of the most up to date ergo features along with a stunning modern design that's sure to impress. Several models are available and a variety of upholstery options to meet your individual taste. Overall, this chair is a real winner!

So that old desking configuration is no longer getting the job done. Not to worry, the price on this modern desk set by Cherryman Industries is sure to sway your superiors into picking up the tab with that last bit of of the 2012 budget. The VL-748 configuration is available with a left and right return. This stylish unit is available in two attractive finishes and includes free nationwide shipping. Enjoy!

Ergonomic office accessories keep you working efficiently. They are a staple of the modern workplace and no product is more useful in active work environments than the dual screen monitor arm. Units like this popular model from ESI offer users the ability to create more usable desk space while effectively working with multiple documents or websites at the same time. Monitor arms offer an incredible amount of benefits and also provide a high tech look in the office.

Every once in a awhile an executive desk configuration comes around that has a certain WOW factor. The new Mayline e5 furniture collection offers a wide variety of these units but perhaps none more than this custom modern office desk set with modern style. The luxury look and high end features of this easy to spec furniture solution make it a real winner in the workplace. It's easy to picture this stunning Mayline furniture package in a high rise, contemporary business, or high tech workspace.

Last but not least, this stylish glass drafting table by Studio Designs is a must see and must buy piece of home or business art furniture. The 10060 Avanta table features a tempered glass work surface, modern design, and excellent adjustment capabilities. Artists, interior designers, and architects alike will love these affordable drafting tables.

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3 Top Drafting Table Solutions for The Home and Business

Shopping for new drafting tables can be tricky! In today's post we've decided to highlight 3 of the coolest and most efficient tables on the market for both beginners and professionals. We've included popular models that will fit any budget. Enjoy!

The First drafting table we've decided to share is the 10050 Futura Craft Station. At first glance you will notice that this affordable table by Studio Designs features a very cool and contemporary design! We fell in love with the details on this table. From the arced legs to glass worksurface, this Futura series table has it all. The 10050 is truly an incredible bargain for both beginners and professionals.

Secondly, the Ranger Series Lighted Drafting Table by Mayline is the perfect for choice for professional architects. This high end drafting table solution features a drawing Board with self-contained light box and a translucent 1/8" acrylic defuser panel with 1/4" clear glass. This particular model includes drawer for tools. Ranger tables are available in a variety of frame finishes to match your office decor and always ship free from OfficeFurnitureDeals.com!

Last but not least the Studio Designs 32609 Ultima Drafting Furniture Set. This 4 piece set includes an excellent fold away art table, deluxe desk chair, swing arm lamp, and Optima art tray. The 32609 set is a great for home, school, and beginner use. With a very user friendly price tag, this set is hard to pass up. Not to mention Christmas is right around the corner and what an awesome gift this set would make!

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