Create an art corner for your children at home or in the office: A step-by-step guide
Art is a wonderful way for children to show how they feel and think. Every child deserves a special place where they can create their own drawings, paintings and crafts. This is why having an art corner at home or even in an office can be such a great idea! Art corners are fun because they provide a dedicated, personal sanctuary for unrestricted creative expression.
Making your own art corner
A special space
Most families don’t have a whole room to use as an art studio, and that’s okay. A small corner in a room works perfectly. Who doesn’t like a cosy corner nook? A little hideaway in which your child can focus, imagine and create. You can use the corner walls to hang up your child’s artwork. You might also attach a small whiteboard on the wall for doodles and drawings.
Art can get messy, so it helps to protect the floor. A rug that’s easy to clean or a wipeable mat is perfect. Babies who like finger painting will especially benefit from a washable mat on the floor.
Furniture
A small corner table is important for colouring or drawing. It can be a permanent little art table, or even a foldable one to bring out when needed.
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Don’t forget a comfortable chair!
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A floor cushion might also be a good idea for babies and younger children.
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Older children might enjoy using an easel so they can stand while painting. Some easels are big enough for large sheets of paper or even for two children to share.
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Shelves on the wall or a moveable art cart can help keep art supplies tidy and easy to reach.
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If your art corner is close to a sink, that’s a bonus - but not necessary. Bowls of water, tissues, and a bucket for messy hands work just fine.
Supplies
You don’t need everything at once. A few basics go a long way:
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Crayons, felt-tip pens, colouring pads, colouring sheets. Keeko Kids offers a range of art supplies to keep children happy.
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Graphite pencils and sketch books for sketching and drawing
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Pastels or markers for different textures
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Watercolour or acrylic paints
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A hole punch for fun paper projects
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Brushes of different sizes
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A palette for mixing colours
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A few blank canvases or canvas boards
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Finger paints for babies
Tools and storage
Use jars, cups, or containers to hold brushes and pens. Clear boxes with labels make it easy for kids to find what they want.
You can also include:
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Scissors made for kids
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Glue sticks and PVA glue
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Rubbers and sharpeners
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Stickers, glitter, fabric pieces, feathers, cardboard, colourful furry balls, coloured sheets of paper for cutting into shapes
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Sponges, pompoms, pipe cleaners, and colourful paper
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Clay or playdough for 3D creations
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A hole punch for fun paper projects
Make sure things are stored in a way that lets children choose their own materials. This helps them feel independent and creative.
The benefits of art corners for kids
Art corners aren’t just fun - they help children grow and learn in lots of ways.
Art corners provide an emotional outlet in a safe, personal space. Filled with inspiring visuals, colours, and materials, art corners can inspire, stimulate imagination and allow experimentation. Exploring science concepts, like mixing colours or discovering what different materials can do.
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Children learn to make their own choices, work independently, learn by trial and error, and develop self-esteem.
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The act of making art improves problem-solving, critical thinking and observation skills.
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It also helps with physical skills in terms of large and small motor controls and hand-eye coordination.
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Personalising the space with meaningful decor, comfortable seating, and proper lighting makes it a cosy retreat where a child can relax and recharge. Children can organise their supplies and tools as they think fit.
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Sharing the art corner journey can provide additional motivation, feedback and a sense of belonging.
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Children also learn responsibility if they set up and later clean up their art areas. Following steps like setting up and cleaning up.
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Learning letters and early writing by adding names or words to their art
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Learning to understand shapes, sizes, patterns and colours