Having an efficient and well organized art studio is important to the productivity of any artist. The other day I was considering buying a new artist’s taboret.
I was ready to place the order, and then I realized that I could easily save money by turning my old TV stand into a new taboret!
Here is how I did it.
Before…
The average height for an artist’s taboret is 32″ high. The TV stand needed to be elevated, so I added these 4″ blocks. I then screwed a wheel to the bottom of each block.
Next, I had a large piece of glass cut to fit the top of the TV stand. I prefer to use a glass palette for easy clean up and color mixing. Be sure and ask for 1/4 inch clear glass and have the corners polished so you don’t cut yourself!
I like to mix my paints on a neutral background, so I sprayed the bottom of the glass with two coats of grey paint.
Be sure and spray the paint in a well ventilated area. I even wear gloves to protect myself.
Once the paint is dry I added little rubber guards to help secure the glass to the top of the taboret.
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After…
I then filled the open shelf with my paints and other supplies. I love it! My studio is working better than ever now.
I hope this little tip helps you!
**Let’s me on Twitter, and on Google Plus, Pinterest, and join in the fun at Fine Art Tips Facebook Fan Page! Please checkout my art too LoriMcNee.com – ~Lori
Hi Lori,
This is super! I like the fact that you’ve reused a TV stand for artistic purposes. I truly think that reusing certain materials is a great way to save money for both established and emerging artists.
By the way, I have to add that your painting on the easel is stunning!
Royah
Hello Royah,
So glad you enjoyed learning this little tip! It was a fun project and easy to do. It tidied up my studio nicely too.
Best-
Lori
You are so clever. Love you tips. Tell me about your lighting above the easel. Is that special lighting?
Hi Janet,
Yes, that is daylight corrective lighting from Home Depot. Here is the fixture and bulb information. This lighting has really helped me!
http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/catalog/servlet/Search?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&keyword=shop%20light&Ns=None&Ntpr=1&Ntpc=1&selectedCatgry=SEARCH+ALL
http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/catalog/servlet/Search?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&keyword=332%20watt%20florescent%20alto%20phillips&Ns=None&Ntpr=1&Ntpc=1&selectedCatgry=SEARCH+ALL
Lori
which of these lights that are on Home Depot site do you use. Site has several different ones.
Thanks for tips
Best Regards,
Lee
Hi Lee,
I believe it is the T8 florescent bulb. Hope that helps!
Lori 🙂
Wonderful! I use a rolly butcher-block that we got from IKEA for $59.00 – (very sturdy), and have done exactly the same with the top, although I use plexi-glass and have a couple of them that interchange. Underneath, I’ve got some baskets that I also picked up at IKEA that fit perfectly underneath in the two shelves. It’s great to have a look around and be able to repurpose things, save space and make them your own.
This is a great tip, I have an old TV stand! I love your painting too!
Yay! Glad you enjoyed this little tip…and my painting too.
Lori 🙂
Novel and neat solution! i’ll be sending you some visitors next week…..
Hello Katherine,
After a month of travels, I am finally catching up on comments. Thanks for stopping by and sending some of your visitors my way.
Best-
Lori
Okay I admit it, I’ve never heard of the term “taboret” before. But what a truly AWESOME idea! Thanks for sharing it!
Hello Adrienne, thanks for your honesty! You are not the only one who didn’t know this word. Glad you enjoyed this post 🙂
Lori
I just love repurposing old items that I already own and making them useful again. Your idea is very cool! I use a refrigerated wine cooler that my son gave me a few years ago as a place to store my glass paint palettes. Works great in my home studio to keep my paints fresh! Hmmmm, maybe I need a taboret, too.
Hello Donna, I am catching up on comments this week…sorry for the belated reply. Glad this post inspired you! I’d love to see your glass palettes.
Happy painting-
Lori
Very cool! I am currently revamping my studio and just learned what a “taboret” was last week 🙂
Hello Abby, thanks for your comment! Isn’t it interesting that that word keeps popping up in your life now? Glad you enjoyed this post and learning more about taborets.
Cheers-
Lori
Lori… Can you tell us more about your participation with OPA and PAPI ? Love your studio tips! Thanks!
Hello Cristi,
Yes, I am member of Oil Painters of America. You must submit works for acceptance into the club. Plein Air Painters of Idaho is a group of outdoor painters who live in Idaho. I hope this helps. Thanks for the nice comment.
Lori
Love the taboret. I’ve favourited this post because I might well make one for myself in the near future. Thanks so much for sharing. You have a terrific blog. I reference it frequently and always click on your Twitter posts. I retweet your posts nearly every day as they are of use to so many artists I know.
Hi Stephanie, I really love that little homemade taboret too and I use it every time I paint in my studio. I hope you can find the right piece of furniture to help you make your own. Thanks for your nice words and for your RTs! What is your Twitter handle?