How to Set Up a Home Studio for Acrylic Painting

If you're like me, you know that having your own creative space—a home studio—can make all the difference in how freely and easily you paint. It doesn’t have to be huge or fancy, but it does need to be functional, inspiring, and tailored to your needs as an acrylic artist.

In this post, I’m going to walk you through setting up the perfect home studio for acrylic painting, no matter the size of your space or budget. Let’s dive in!

1. Choose the Right Space for You

The first step is finding a space where you can spread out and paint comfortably. This could be a spare room, a converted garage, or even a corner of your living room. What matters most is that the space feels like yours—a place where you can be messy, creative, and free to experiment with your acrylics.

Tip from me:
Look for a space with good natural light, but don’t worry if your studio is tucked away in a dim room—you can always add lamps (more on lighting later). The key is that it’s a space where you feel relaxed and ready to create.

2. Lighting: Natural and Artificial

Good lighting is crucial when painting with acrylics. Natural light is ideal, as it allows you to see colours accurately, but you can also create great lighting with a combination of daylight-balanced bulbs and overhead lights. Don’t forget a good desk lamp for those fine details!

Pro Tip:
Use daylight-balanced (5000-6500K) bulbs to replicate natural sunlight. These bulbs show colours more accurately and reduce eye strain, so you can paint for longer without feeling fatigued. Position your light sources to minimize shadows on your canvas.

3. Set Up Your Workspace

When it comes to your painting setup, a sturdy easel or worktable is essential. If you prefer working upright, invest in a good easel with adjustable angles. If you like working flat, a large, smooth worktable will do the trick. Either way, make sure your surface is big enough for your canvas, palette, brushes, and other supplies.

Penny’s Tip:
If you’re tight on space, get creative! Foldable easels, rolling carts, or collapsible tables can be a lifesaver in small studios.

4. Organize Your Supplies

Keeping your supplies organized will save you so much time and frustration. I like to keep my paints, brushes, and mediums within arm’s reach, but everyone’s system is different! You might prefer clear containers, shelves, or even hanging organizers to store your supplies.

What works for me:

• Paints: I love using a rolling cart or drawer system to separate my colours by hue.

• Brushes: Store them upright in jars or containers—just make sure the bristles aren’t getting squashed.

• Palettes: A reusable palette or wet palette can be a game-changer for keeping your acrylics workable for longer.

5. Ventilation Is Key

Acrylic painting is generally low-fume, but it’s still a good idea to have decent ventilation, especially if you’re working with mediums or varnishes. Open a window or invest in a small fan to keep the air fresh.

Penny’s Practical Tip:
If your studio is in a small space, make sure you have good airflow. A simple desk fan or open window can do wonders for keeping the space comfortable and well-ventilated.

6. Inspiration at Your Fingertips

Your studio is not just a workspace—it’s your creative haven. Surround yourself with things that inspire you. This could be anything from your favourite art books, photos, and plants to a vision board of your next big project.

What I love:
I keep a rotating display of my latest works and sketches on the walls. Not only does it help me track my progress, but it also keeps me motivated to keep splashing colours!

7. Keep It Comfortable

Let’s be real—you’re going to be spending a lot of time in your studio, so comfort is key. Invest in a comfortable chair or standing mat, especially if you’re working on larger pieces. I also keep a small stool nearby for breaks or to sit while I plan out my next steps.

Bonus Tip:
Keep a water bottle nearby, and maybe a snack or two—you’re going to want to stay hydrated and energised during those long painting sessions!

Final Thoughts

Your home studio should be a place where you can fully immerse yourself in the creative process. Whether it’s a cozy nook or a spacious room, setting up your workspace to suit your needs will help you stay organized, productive, and most importantly, inspired.

Until next time, Keep splashing colours!
Penny 😊🎨✨