Art Room Organization: Let’s Organize!

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Between my daughter and I, we have over 25 years of teaching art experience. Along the way, we've tried some things that work and many that don't. We've changed according to evolving needs. We've tweaked, we've adapted, we've created... and here are some of our best organization tricks we're using in the classroom now—hope they help you too!

1. Box Lids

These are fabulous for separating class work that's in progress. There's one for every class, art club, and even a turn-in box. We painted our lids black and labeled them to keep

everything organized.

2. Soap

We need it, but kids use a ton if left unchecked, and it gets expensive to replenish. So, we water it down and put it in a spray bottle—even for little dirty hands. I control the spray, which reduces waste and keeps things clean.

3. Reusable Sponges

At cleanup time, I walk around the class, and once a table is clear, I toss 1-2 sponges on it and spray the table. The kids love cleaning, and this saves me tons of time, keeps germs down, and makes for a tidy art room.

4. Everyday Supplies

I keep essential supplies on the counter that are always accessible: rulers, scissors, yellow pencils, erasers, white bottle glue, drawing/practice paper, and hand sharpeners. All other supplies are tucked away and off-limits to students. This saves me time when prepping and keeps distractions to a minimum. Mine are on the sink counter and this is where paint, water, etc. gets laid out if we’re doing a project that involves water. Then water isn’t mixing where I put dry supplies (#7).

Art Room Organization: Let’s Organize!

5. Speaking of Glue...

I think I've tried every glue method possible. This year, here’s what’s working great: I switch the types of glue depending on the project. I water down ALL THE GLUE—it stretches further and saves money. I use small cups of glue, containers with gluey sponges, and bottled glue. Occasionally, I'll break out glue sticks for certain projects.

6. Student Table Supplies

I collect large yogurt containers and have built up enough to have one for every table, sorted by supply type: Sharpies, markers, colored pencils, drawing pencils, black Sharpies, pens, etc. This cuts down on students moving around the room and keeps everything within arm’s reach. Clean-up is easier, and I can have students bring them all to my central table.

7. Central Table for Supplies

I keep all pertinent supplies for the class and lesson on one main table, so kids aren’t wandering all over and grabbing things from different places. Our table happens to be a different color so kids learn this pretty quick.

8. Storage Solutions

I teach in a classical school, so we aim for a minimalist and purposeful classroom. But I’m an art teacher… so I have a ton of stuff! My creative storage solution doubles as a place to hang artwork—I’ve built cubes using black cardboard (folded display boards) and topped them off with foam core or mat board. It keeps my supplies organized while providing display space!

With these strategies, my art room stays functional, efficient, and—most importantly—ready for creativity to thrive. Hope our top organizational tips help you!

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