top is from hayneedle.com bottom is from wayfair.com

https://www.marthastewart.com/1121436/how-design-ultimate-craft-room?slide=3416681

I’m setting up a craft space this weekend in my basement. Using ikea tabletop and kitchen cabinet for storage. I like the deep drawers and I want everything out of sight.

i'm going to be a wet blanket.

i'm always wary of 'crafting' where 'crafting' means 'wouldnt it be nice to have a cool craft room like in this picture and i could go buy all of these ferociously expensive craft supplies and all of these mega-expensive storage bins for the craft supplies'.... and actual crafting never happens.

a craft room is great if you are constantly having to move your existing projects off of the kitchen table. otherwise its as much of a money pit as any other aspirational activity is.

i welcome you to straighten me out as to how wrong i am about this.

and then i'd say find a table and a book case on craigs list. find some jars that are just the right size (this is why i'm a fan of bonne maman jam... if you compare the jars to similar you'd have to buy, you realize they are paying you to eat the jam).

i knit. i quilt. i do both constantly. i've spent $0 on purpose bought tables or storage for the yarn or the fabric. every time i need something i cast my eyes around the house and lo and behold something i'd already bought for another reason is being under utilized.

Unless it's a passionate hobby or side-job, I wonder how much a room dedicated to crafting would get used? I always tend to do mine in the open basement or the living room (if it's not messy like painting). We have an "alcove"-for lack of a better term- in the basement that has always been used as a toy storage and craft space. I'm converting it to a more "adult" craft-work space now that my son is older.

I tend to do my crafting where there are other people around in the periphery, not closed off in a room. So you may want to think about how you craft--are you normally near your family somehow because you choose to be or do you HAVE to be nearby because you have nowhere else? Just something to think about.

My SIL has a mosaic business on the side and she has a dedicated crafting room in the condo. That makes sense to me.

Instead of identifying this room as a craft room, consider identifying it as a bonus room in which you can do crafts and furnish it accordingly so that the crafts you like don't become a chore you "need" to do to justify spending on the room.

You didn't give the actual measurements of your room. You didn't indicate whether the door to enter the room is on the same wall as the clothes closet for the bedroom. Such specifics can matter if you're wanting specific responses.

If there is any chance you'll need this room as a guest room, do consider adding a Murphy bed within a wall of built in cabinets with solid doors -- or cabinets placed side by side to create a wall to wall effect.

Without a Murphy bed, a wall of cabinets with adjustable shelves and solid doors can provide hidden storage for anything, including craft materials.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Bush-Furniture-Cabot-Tall-Storage-Cabinet-with-Doors-in-Espresso-Oak/52897401

A sturdy folding table would be a better choice than a more expensive one if it is to be used for activities involving paint and/or glue. My sister uses one similar to these in her laundry room.

https://www.officedepot.com/a/products/585682/Realspace-Molded-Plastic-Top-Folding-Table/?cm_mmc=PLA--Google--Tables-_-585682&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI97D2-f-Q3QIVgoSzCh0tNQI8EAQYAyABEgL75_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Choose a lightweight comfortable chair or two that will let you sit high enough for you to be able to comfortably reach the table to create your craft projects.

To have a less cluttered room, clear everything else out of the room that doesn't fit in the cabinets and/or suit your intended purposes for the room.

I love my small 8x10 art/craft room/sewing room with big windows on 2 walls. It's where I store all the materials and occasionally work. Most projects actually happen around the dining room table or on the porch for messier projects. But without the dedicated space to store things in an organized & accessable manner (or toss laundry baskets full of works in progress and shut the door) nothing creative would ever happen.

I have an L-shaped laminate counter top running the full length of 2 walls (free from an office reno) with upper closed cabinets and open shelves above (home depot) Laminate works great as a surface for art as it is so smooth and easy to clean.

The countertop is supported by a very nice solid wood repurposed bathroom vanity (free on buy & sell) and filing cabinets. There is also space under the counter for clear plastic bins hidden by a fabric skirt. Visible storage boxes are "pretty" bankers boxes, magazine files and dollar store shoeboxes. Rolling office chair with a rolling mat. Drop cloths for covering the DR table or other surfaces for messy work. There is a fabric covered bulletin board for inspiration pieces, art on the walls, a small armchair and side table for comfortable contemplation.

Budget to convert from kid's bedroom? Not including paint and a new carpet that needed to be replaced regardless of what the room was used for...maybe $400.

The pleasure obtained from sharing & solo creative endeavours with my friends, daughters & grandkids- priceless.

Ignore the naysayers and get on it! My solution worked for me, if I had more room I would suggest a central folding banquet table & sturdy ironing board. And really good light and a sound system for podcasts, audio books or music are a nice addition.

well, i DID say right up front i was going to be a wet blanket and that the OP was welcome to disagree.

i never ignore naysayers. everyone brings a different experience, and sometimes something rings true. if we only wanted to hear what we wanted to hear we should only talk to ourselves.

IMO we need to have a few pictures of the space , an understanding of what kind of crafts before we can even hazard a guess at what she should do

You know, it's comments like some of those above that make me leave online forums. My participation seems to ebb and flow as I get annoyed with those who criticize comments made by others when they are trying to be helpful.

I appreciate when others share their experience or offer an idea I may not have thought of. It's often these kinds of suggestions that start your brain on another path and maybe to another solution. And on that note, people post specific questions about what color they should paint their front door, yet get advice for lights, planting, new walkways, etc. They're here for opinions and ideas. They can follow (or not!) whichever they want.

OP, good luck on your craft room. Post pictures when you are all done!

And ninigret, that's the best part about talking to myself--I always sound right. ;-)

Currently, it's a catch-all room where I have a treadmill (necessary), and a bed (unnecessary). I AM a crafter. But, I think there were some excellent points about considering which crafts I might do in my "crafter's cave" versus which crafts might be done in the family room with family nearby. So, here's a more clarified vision of what I would like to do: 1) I want to utilize this room that has become a treadmill/junk room. (I moved a lot of clutter for the photos ;) ). MY IDEAL ROOM would have the treadmill, storage to hide all my crafting supplies, and the right setup to do some of my hobbies in the room---I do beading, make ornaments, make decorative soap and bath bombs, do a small bit of painting, elaborately wrap presents, put together gift baskets, cultivate a "gift closet" for future gifting needs, run a small at-home business, write short stories and read. The room DEFINITELY needs to be the place where I can hide my in-progress projects and not have to constantly be moving them off the kitchen island mid-project. I do not have a budget, but am thinking one-step up from IKEA. Again, thank you for the great ideas. I am SO grateful!

I am open to replacing all of the furniture. The desk will be moving into my child's room.

I make soap as well so my main limitation in that room would be lack of water/sink access. Plus, it’s an enclosed space. Do you use lye?

Hmmmmm....I almost feel like so many different crafts to store can make it difficult to find a cohesive solution.

To get an idea of how others store these items, I would start by Googling “wrapping paper storage,” etc. and then take elements from each idea and put together a rough plan.

Is the bed staying? Have you looked at Elfa from the Container Store? They have useful and attractive storage solutions.

if you need a bed from time to time, swapping the bed for a highriser with pull out/ pop up mattress underneath will give you a lot of floor space.

What's in the closet? That could be a good place to install a storage unit like the Elfa (or similar) for all your supplies. You could then just close it up when you want it out of view. Having a counter like in HKO's photo above would also give you place to lay out your current supplies without messing up your work surface.

A table that either has sides that fold down or ones that extend would work for your working surface. And then not take up as much space when not in use.

Depending on extra space in the room, either ninigret's idea or a murphy bed if you still want the flexibility of an extra bed. In general I hate sleeper sofas, but IKEA has a couple that have a fold out foam mattress instead of the typical spring type. They are more comfortable and a lot lighter to move around.

What a pretty room! Is the bed staying? I love the upper shelf and the white storage pieces can be reused. You can store yarn or fabric in the dresser. The Ikea storage cube shelves are often available second hand on Craig's List or Facebook Marketplace.

I saved this closet craft storage idea because it fits how I have to work. I need to see it but be able to hide it all in order to not be stressed looking at it.

Art & Craft Closet Storage · More Info

I would recommend a long desk top on two storage pedestals on the wall under the high shelf. Like this but white to tie in to what you already have,.

Town House · More Info

I'm taking out the bed. The only thing that MUST stay is the treadmill, lol. (We never needed the bed in there to begin with. I'm just so attached to that quilt, I had to put it out. May need to transition the quilt into a wall-hanging.) So, big empty space in the center, I'm not thinking a large square table, possibly mobile. And all the non-closeted walls but treadmill wall free to install or place cabinets. I totally agree with tqtqtbw's philosophy---need the stuff hidden enough so things look "organized" but not so hidden that I forget about it, lol! The closet, sad to say, is completely full and should be ignored. If I need storage for these crafts, which I will, it will have to be furniture for the room. The closet is a no-go. The good news is, there's no need to worry about making room for a daybed or murphy bed, though a cushioned seat of some kind sounds smart just for a comfy place to sit. :)

Thank you all again. Loving these ideas!

I look forward to you posting your completed room! Having space for your creative endeavours is such a wonderful thing.

Another option for storage shelves and drawers could be to use an IKEA closet configuration. They have different style doors that you could attach to close it up when you want to hide it. Or one their bookcase systems I think one kind also has doors, maybe the Billy? Idk

You could install them along one whole wall to look like a built in, with a desk in the middle.

oh how fun!

I have a office/art studio with an work out machine. It's my fun room.

I rarely used the workout machine until I got a tall dresser where I can now put my laptop on & watch youtube tutorial art videos while working out.

I also got a metal cart with wheels to wheel my art/craft tools to wherever I want to go in the house.

I got me some heavy duty fold up tables at costco, when I need to spread out when creativity hits. I can leave it down in middle of room & put away when done.

The most economical way is to get a lot of white shelving & get a bunch of clear containers.

A cheap big table, 2 saw horses painted white & a thick piece of wood or door.

A comfortable office chair with wheels is important for my uses.

If you don't want to see the stuff, look into cabinets to hide items behind doors. Local cabinet companies who do kitchens have tall linen & pantry cabinets or base cabinets with wall cabinets. They are very useful. cost more.

Get bright lighting. It really helps me see the true colors & seems to energize the space, too.

A few months ago I finally did something for myself & took the rarely used office/storage room & invested time into making the room more user friendly. I get a lot more use & joy from the room, so far. I should of done it sooner. I'm still figuring out what works & what doesn't for my work style.

I still have a lot more to do. I'm currently using a lot of thrift store funiture & moving things around. It works well for now. I told myself once I start producing more art , then I deserve a reward. I will figure out the best floor plan beforehand for my creative uses, then I'm going to invest in all white cabinetry & a work/table island with storage in middle.

I work well in bright spaces, so white will be my main color for storage. Plus, my paint supplies look attractive on a white background.

I will decorate with pops of color & anything that inspires me.

Have fun with it and many success to your craft room & future crafts!

Great idea on the lap top craft videos /treadmill combo! I can't believe how much more frequently & how much longer I use my treadmill since I put a smart tv in there. I also like the title of Babe Cave for the space and I am enjoying seeing and hearing how each creative soul is carving out her cave.

Art/craft system on wheels

http://www.art-boards.com/Art%20Storage%20Desks.htm

I have many easels. 1 of my more usefyl ones is an easel that goes on top of desk & can fold down to store when not in use.

https://www.dickblick.com/products/blick-studio-sketchbox-tabletop-easel-by-jullian/

Craft cart

https://www.lowes.com/creative-ideas/woodworking-and-crafts/1-cart-3-ways/project

I use a lot of these clear plastic drawers. I cut the stoppers off, so I can pull the whole drawer out to go be creative. Some people decorate & label. I have them under a thin table with table cloth to hide when not in use. Even though I don't usually use plastic, it is useful in the art studio to see thru & water proof which is important for paper storage. I have had many for years.

When buying these plastic bins don't expect the wheels to last. They often break within a year. I throw them away & get solid wheel casters at Walmart put on wood then put the plastic storage on top.

There a lot of plastic bins out there that are cheaper, buttoo thin to keep firm or crack, so buy the thicker durable ones that'll last for years.

Also, A lot of these cute plastic art carts are unfortunately junk, the thin metal warps, comes unlined, wheels break off, knobs pop out... I made the mistake several times, no way again. It upsets me to go into these craft stores and see their outright expensive prices for plain out cheap,junk.

I highly suggest buying durable made storage items. There are solutions out there. Get creative and possibly let a creative project be to make a DIY storage system.

I got several of these magazines at book store. Love it! Really useful, if doing a new craft room

http://con-tain-it.typepad.com/love_shack_studio/2011/07/inside-the-creative-studio-inspiration-and-ideas-for-your-art-and-craft-space.html

Check out youtube studio craft tour videos. There's many cool ideas there, too.

Here's 1 to start. Enjoy:)

https://youtu.be/QHzn7yv-p1w

Loved the pic of the Ikea cabinets with drawers beneath. They look really sleek but homey to me. I guess that's the right style for combining a treadmill and crafts! I also really like the LONG table top with drawers underneath. Anything that adds more surface area for spreading out! LOVE everyone's ideas! Putting/getting items on wheels is brilliant too. This is an upstairs room, so not too many places to transport the craft materials. But, wheeling things around WITHIN the room is a great idea! And, I am thrilled with all of you guys and your ideas about what stuff is junk and where to get better prices. I also wouldn't have thought to replace the wheels or cut the stoppers off or go on Youtube tours of people's studios!!!! Thank you all SO SO much! Getting more and more excited! I hope more people post their "babe cave" pics!