You’ve finally got it — the hobby space you’ve always wanted. Or, if it’s not quite the space of your wildest dreams, it’s at least a spot that will do for now. Now, the question is: How can you set it up to optimize it for your hobby of choice?
Things like finding the right organizational scheme for your craft tools can make a big difference in how your craft space feels and functions. Whether your hobby is cosplay, painting, model trains or something we’ve never even heard of, we’ve got some great tips for making the most of your space.
- Invest in a durable work surface.
Most hobbies and crafts require a large-ish surface to work on. Think about whether you’ll be OK with a desk, or whether you need something larger like a full-sized table. Or, you might prefer to have multiple work surfaces strategically placed throughout the room. Once you’ve picked out your surface, outfit it with must-haves like a work lamp and a cutting mat.
Durability is a top priority in your work surface, especially if you have a more physically intensive hobby like woodworking. Your work surface needs to withstand whatever pressures and impacts you’ll subject it to, so read the specs carefully.
- Get a comfy place to sit.
A comfy seat is another element of your craft room that’s worth investing in. Many hobbies involve sitting for long periods, so your body (and your craft) will thank you for getting a comfortable place to sit that doesn’t interfere with your process. This might involve getting a seat that’s specially designed for your hobby, such as a pottery stool.
While you’re at it, don’t forget to look at some tips for maintaining good posture while you’re working on your hobby. You’ll save your back a ton of hardship and, in certain hobbies (such as playing a musical instrument), improving your posture may even improve your performance at the thing you love.
- Repurpose other materials for craft storage.
You don’t need to shell out for a bunch of expensive storage containers. Get creative with repurposing everyday items like coffee cans and milk crates to store hobby materials. Mason jars are ideal for storing pens and markers, while washed out soup cans with cardboard dividers can be a convenient paint brush storage system. Musicians: Remember that kitchen twist ties are perfect for cable storage!
Consider picking up some labels as well so you can keep everything straight. If you really have a ton of supplies, think about creating a diagram of your classification system so you can keep track of where everything lives. Time spent organizing now will pay off by sparing you the frustrating experience of searching for that one cable later.
- Maintain a stock of scrap paper if you work with messy materials.
If you have magazines, newspapers or catalogs lying around, collect the old ones and keep them in your craft area. Scrap paper is ideal for controlling the mess in your craft area by catching drips of glue, paint and other liquids.
Establish a spot, like a basket or milk crate, into which you deposit all of your newspapers, magazines and junk mail. Once you get into the habit, you’ll have a continually replenished supply of cleanup materials that’s greener than using endless paper towels. Your friends will probably be happy to donate their junk mail, too, if you ask them!
- Build in separation if you’re creating a dual home office.
More folks than ever are working from home, and many are doing so from an area that they also use for personal pursuits. If that sounds like you, think about how you can build in “flippable” features that mark the difference between office mode and hobby mode. Using a video conference backdrop is a popular choice for some people, while others choose to use a separate desk or table.
The reason this is important is that people who work from home need to establish physical boundaries between their private and professional lives. You certainly don’t want to get distracted by hobby stuff when you’re trying to concentrate at work. But you also don’t want work email or Slack creeping back in to prod you into answering when you’re just trying to enjoy your favorite activities.
- Keep some creative fuel handy.
When you’re feeling stuck on a project, it can often be helpful to distract yourself with something stimulating. That’s why a lot of creative folks keep books, small instruments, favorite art pieces or other creative brain-looseners handy in their workspaces. Some might even have a TV or stereo system if they like media playing while they work.
Your favorite creative fuel might also be a clementine, an energy drink or a granola bar, so think about designating a space for enjoying a quick snack and a beverage. (If you’re really into self-sufficiency, you might even grab a mini fridge.) If you do eat or drink in your creative space, be consistent about cleaning up after yourself. The absolute last thing you want is a bug infestation in your hobby zone.
- Use wall mounts to store your most frequently used tools.
Walls are your friend! With a little bit of quick DIY work, you can turn your walls into the space for your go-to hobby tools. The pegboard is a craft room classic that many people swear by because it’s so versatile and inexpensive. Magnetic tool hangers are also extremely popular for small metal tools like craft knives, chisels and hammers.
Whatever storage solution you choose, make sure it’s securely anchored into your walls. Attaching your storage system to wall studs is always the best idea, particularly if you’ll be using the walls to store heavier tools.
