Artistic Oasis: 15 Expert Tips To Create the Perfect Art Space in Your Apartment

In a bustling urban landscape where space is a commodity, crafting a place for artistic expression within the confines of an apartment can seem like a daunting task. Yet, between square footage and practicality lies a world of creative possibilities. 

Creating an art space within your apartment isn't just about carving out a corner; it's about curating a place where your imagination can thrive, inspiration can flourish, and self-expression can live. Whether you are renting an apartment in Boston, MA, or Portland, ME, this ApartmentGuide article will share 15 expert tips for you to create the perfect art space in your apartment.

1. An art studio can be any space

When carving out a space for those creative juices to flow, The Bungalow Craft recommends creating an area that can be devoted to your craft. 

“You'll want a spot that's not the kitchen table, but a dedicated place where your creativity is always allowed to roam free. Even a little corner with a lamp and permanence will keep you inspired to tap in and create more often. My first art studio was a closet in college, but it was 100% mine, and that made all the difference.”

2. Maximize natural light

Prioritizing natural light in your art space is essential as it enhances color accuracy, providing a truer representation of artwork and facilitating a more immersive creative experience. 

“Select a spot for your art space bathed in the gentle embrace of natural light streaming through windows, crucial for viewing your artwork's true colors and fine details,” says Bella's Art Studio. “The proximity to a window not only ushers in a refreshing breeze to clear the air of paint fumes and artistic dust but also nurtures a harmonious environment for your artistic endeavors.”

3. Opt for modular gallery walls or easel displays 

Opting for modular gallery walls or easel displays in your apartment art space maximizes flexibility, allowing easy adaptation to changing collections and optimising space.

Monica Fine Art states, “My recommendation is to opt for modular gallery walls or easel displays that not only showcase your art but also invite conversation and reflection, creating a living gallery of curated pieces of life's finest sips without leaving a mark when you want to change things up.”

4. Try salon style 

An artist should try salon style for their art display because it allows for a visually dynamic and eclectic presentation, creating an engaging focal point in the room.

“Transforming a plain wall into a captivating gallery space, often known as salon style, is a great method to infuse your living area with personality and charm. By integrating a variety of original artworks, framed prints, and cherished mementos in diverse sizes and shapes, you can craft a one-of-a-kind ambiance that evolves with your style and taste. Protecting your walls from unsightly nail holes can be achieved through the use of removable, hanging strips or hooks, ensuring your décor remains flexible and your walls damage-free,” remarks Shannon Amidon, an artist from Troutdale, OR.

5. Choose art that speaks to you 

Choosing art that speaks to you when decorating an art space ensures a deeply personal and meaningful connection with your surroundings.

Harold Joiner, Gallery Director of Archway Gallery recommends that buyers choose art that speaks to them, art that gives them joy, peace, or a remembrance of someone or something significant in their lives. 

“Install the art in their homes in a place where it can be enjoyed by everyone. Then move it to a new place after a long period of time, and it will feel like a new purchase again.”

“Art can be decorative and help bring a room together or deeply meaningful and not match your apartment’s color scheme at all. Research various artists and mediums by visiting galleries and art fairs to find original pieces that you’ll love discussing with your guests. When purchasing from an artist studio or gallery, you’ll receive instructions on how to maintain the quality, such as, do not place the art in direct sunlight,” adds Bisong Art Gallery.

6. Highlight storage and organization

Highlighting storage and organization in your art space ensures that your materials are easily accessible, allowing for a seamless creative process without the frustration of searching for supplies.

“A successful art space hinges on smart storage, so get creative,” raves Art Prints Vicky. “Invest in stackable bins, shelving units, or an art cart to organize your materials. A small desk or table with drawers provides a dedicated workspace and extra storage. When space is limited, think vertically. Wall-mounted shelves can hold paints, brushes, and other supplies.”

7. Consider different mediums when designing your creative space

Considering different mediums for your art space adds depth and variety to your creative expression.

Patrice Federspiel of Art of Aloha notes, “Tabletops come in all shapes and sizes, as do easels (wall mounted, table-top, and free-standing). Tabourets easily store supplies, and wooden drafting table desk/tabouret units can be found through most art suppliers. Full spectrum lightbulbs are available everywhere so if you create at night, you can see what you’re doing.”

8. Place down a large rug

Placing down a rug in your art space not only adds warmth and comfort, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere but also can be a safeguard to protecting your space.

“To safeguard my security deposit in a rented space, I always lay down a large rug in my creative area,” shares Amy Reader, Fiber & Installation Artist. “I enjoy the freedom of finding unique, large rugs through platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Goodwill, knowing that I won't fret over them getting dirty during my creative process. I strive to find the largest rug that can fit in my space, and I delight in selecting colors that complement my aesthetic and patterns that can easily conceal paint spills.”

9. Protect your security deposit

As a renter, taking safeguards to protect your art space is crucial for maintaining the integrity of your rental unit and ensuring the safety of your belongings.

Baterbys shares, “When creating an art space as a renter, it's important to take precautions to protect your apartment. Use drop cloths or tarps to cover floors and surfaces to prevent paint spills or other messes. Consider hanging curtains or plastic sheeting to protect walls, especially if you'll be working with messy mediums like spray paint or solvents. These simple protective measures will help ensure you don't damage the rental property and can get your full security deposit back.”

10. Store art brushes in mason jars

Storing art brushes in mason jars not only keeps them organized and easily accessible but also adds a charming aesthetic to your art space, infusing it with a touch of rustic elegance. “Store your art brushes in glass mason jars instead of aluminum cans. Light can filter through the glass and makes the space seem less dense on tables and shelves,” recommends Erin McGee Ferrell.

11. Create an inspiration wall

Creating an inspiration wall in your art space serves as a visual catalyst for creativity, showcasing images, quotes, and artwork that ignite your imagination and spark new ideas. 

Aspect Wall Art remarks, “No matter how good an artist is at coming up with new and unique ideas, there are times when inspiration is needed. So, adding a dedicated wall area to showcase sources of inspiration such as mood boards, favorite art prints, or your own sketch ideas is a great way to influence your ideas and boost creative flow.”

12. Decorate your space with sentimental items

Decorating a space with sentimental items adds a personal touch and imbues the environment with warmth and nostalgia.

“When decorating your space, do you want to see boring copy and paste mass-produced art because that's what is expected, appropriate, or trendy, or do you want to feel at home enjoying treasures from your travels, moments of your life caught in stills, and enjoying the glow from old family heirlooms? Create a space that reflects you, your life, your dreams, and your history. Go for the bright colors, showcase your weirdness, and live colorfully,” shares Monika Blichar of Monika's Art Boutique-Studio & Gallery.

“Consider things you already may have if you have several lightweight items from family and friends or souvenirs from travel, filling a shadow box or two is a fun and elegant way to unify and display different objects. If you’re hoping to purchase new pieces, First Friday art markets and art fairs are an excellent way to find unique, hyper-local art. If you find an artist with a style that you appreciate, artists may also be willing to make commissioned work in specific color themes or topics,” adds Becky Jewell.

13. Source a place with a beautiful view

Sourcing a place with a beautiful view for your art space provides constant inspiration, offering ever-changing scenes that stimulate creativity and elevate your mood. 

“A space with natural light is ideal for artistry as it accurately portrays colors and fosters a lively ambiance. Additionally, contemplate a space with an inspiring view, A beautiful view can enhance creativity and provide inspiration for your artwork,” notes Meeta Garg of Art by Meeta.

14. Add signage of your art name above your easel

Adding signage of your art name above your easel not only personalizes your creative space but also establishes a professional and cohesive brand identity for your artwork. 

Jasmin Pannu Art Studio states, “Transform your art space to 'in-home studio' by adding signage of your art name or handle above your easel. I had a 3D acrylic sign printed with my business name and now my space is elevated in professionalism and authority, and not to mention all pictures and videos I take in the space effortlessly become branded content.” 

15. Invest in daylight-simulating LED bulbs

Investing in daylight-simulating LED bulbs ensures consistent and accurate lighting for your art space, mimicking natural sunlight to illuminate your work with clarity and precision. 

“When setting up an art studio space in your apartment, prioritize natural light sources for accurate color rendering,”  shares Nicolle Cure. “Invest in daylight-simulating LED bulbs to supplement light, ensuring consistent illumination.”