6 Ways to Create the Ultimate Craft Room

Does your dining room table currently stand in as your craft “room”? Or have you had to put up mismatched and haphazard storage for all of your crafting supplies? What if you had a space dedicated specifically to your crafting hobby (or business, for you Etsy entrepreneurs)? A new home gives you the perk of designing an ideal craft or hobby space. Use a flex or optional room and configure it in a way that works best for you. It definitely beats overtaking your dining room table.

“I always suggest that home buyers keep an open space room when it is possible, and this is becoming more common,” says Jennifer Harder, founder and CEO of Jennifer Harder Real Estate. “I tell them to envision an area where they can focus on work or hobbies in peace.”

To plan your ultimate craft room, it’s important to talk with your builder about where in the home your craft room would work best. It is also imperative to decide the needs for the space. You may also want to bring in an interior designer to help plan out all of the details. Having an interior designer involved early in the process can help you achieve a custom design that best utilizes the space for your wants and needs.

What are some ways you can put together the ultimate craft room? Here are 6 ideas to get the creative ball rolling

1. Specialized Storage

There are plenty of options when it comes to organization and storage around your home, and a craft room is no different. When building new, you can create the perfect storage system for your crafting supplies to maintain an organized space and to get the most out of your crafting time, instead of continually searching for what you need.

When you’re able to custom design a space for your crafts, built-ins are perfect for storing items like markers, ribbon, yarn, paints, and more. Whether you want some nice built-in shelves or have lots of little supplies to keep track of, talk with your builder and designer about storage options and ways to maximize that storage for your crafting space. And if budget considerations don’t allow for permanent storage solutions, shop for unlimited options of modular drawers, shelving units, and rolling storage at many craft and big-box stores.

2. Craft Lounge

Crafting is hard work, and after all that, you need a place to take relax, right? Or maybe you’re looking for a space for you and your fellow crafters to hang out and work together. It’s possible to set up a complete crafting space and have plenty of room left over to fit a nice lounge area as well. Reserving space to bring in comfortable seating and extra pillows can serve as a reminder that you should take a breather from your craft work every now and then.

3. Plenty of Light

Lighting is an important factor for craft space (and any other room in the home!), so you want to make sure you address this with your builder and designer. While natural light always brightens a space, you may need more specialized lighting as well.

“When it comes to lighting, work with your builder to ensure that you are installing lights directly overhead,” Harder says. “Lamps and movable lighting rarely provide the type of illumination you will want.” Harder, who is herself an amateur painter and has established a painting studio in her garage, recommends a white UV-type light, depending on the type of craft you do. “In my case, as a painter, it is a must.”

4. Cleanup Contingency

If you do a craft that involves a great amount of cleanup, such as painting, you should consider installing a sink in your designated craft room. When talking with your builder about adding a sink, the number one consideration, says Harder, is proper drainage and plumbing. Installing a sink could affect where in the home your craft room can be situated so keep that in mind when talking with your builder as well.

5. Ultimate Craft Table

If you are setting up a dedicated craft room, you know the centerpiece is the all-important craft table. The size and height will depend on the available space and what kind of crafting you do, but you have plenty of options, from building a table specifically made for your craft to repurposing a flea market find. Whatever you decide to do, don’t forget to include the keys to a great craft table: sufficient work space, comfortable seating, and ample storage.

6. Add Your Style

Once you have your craft room configured the way you want it — built-in storage, craft table, proper lighting, comfortable seating — then it’s time to have some fun by stamping your style on the space. Any well designed room in your home reflects your style. Have fun with a statement lighting piece like a chandelier, cozy rug, or fun wallpaper and artwork.

Do you want to convey a certain ambiance or stylistic theme? Maybe you’ve been following the latest trends and want to add some velvet to your space; or perhaps you want a cleaner, more modern look, or lots of bright colors to inspire you. From fun thrift store finds to high-end finishes, create a space that speaks to you and your creativity.

Whatever your style, creating your ultimate craft room gives you the opportunity to build a space that makes you excited to craft every day.