Introduction
There are many different types of easels on the market, and each one is designed for a particular purpose.
Some easels are made for professional studio painting. Others are designed for classrooms, small workspaces, outdoor painting, exhibitions or retail display.
Understanding the differences between easel types makes it easier for artists and art supply buyers to choose the right product.
Below are 10 common types of easels and their typical applications.
1. Floor Easel
A floor easel stands directly on the floor and is generally larger and more stable than a tabletop easel.
It is commonly used by professional artists working on medium or large canvases.
Floor easels can include adjustable height and angle functions, allowing artists to create a more comfortable working position.
Raised floor easels and backsupport easels are examples of professional floor easel designs.
2. Tabletop Easel
A tabletop easel sits on a desk or table.
Its compact design makes it suitable for:
- Small studios
- Classrooms
- Home painting
- Beginners
- Hobby artists
Tabletop easels are also easier to store than large studio easels.
3. Tripod Easel
A tripod easel uses three support points to create a relatively simple and portable structure.
Its main advantage is mobility. Tripod-style designs can be useful for artists who need to move between locations.
They are particularly attractive for demonstrations, workshops and outdoor painting.
4. Studio Easel
A studio easel is designed for regular and professional use.
Compared with lightweight portable easels, studio models usually emphasize:
- Stability
- Durability
- Canvas capacity
- Adjustable height
- Adjustable angle
Premium studio easels are often manufactured from solid wood such as beech.
5. Double Rocker Easel
A double rocker easel is a specialized professional easel designed for flexible positioning.
It can provide adjustable height and angle while maintaining a stable structure.
The J7070 is an example of a professional double rocker easel made from beech wood. Its product specifications include adjustable height and angle and a professional studio-oriented design.
6. Table or Drawer Easel
Some easels include a tray or drawer for storing art materials.
This design is useful for artists who want brushes, paints and other tools within easy reach.
Storage can also increase the practical value of an easel for home users and beginners.
7. Folding Table Easel
A folding table easel is designed for easy storage and transportation.
When folded, it occupies less space and can be carried between classrooms, workshops or home workspaces.
It is a useful choice for customers who do not have a permanent studio.
8. Painting Box
A painting box combines an easel with storage space for painting supplies.
Italian painting boxes and similar portable products are particularly useful for plein air artists.
Instead of carrying an easel and separate storage case, the artist can combine several functions into one product.
9. Display Easel
A display easel is primarily intended to present artwork.
It can be used in:
- Galleries
- Exhibitions
- Art stores
- Events
- Showrooms
- Homes
French-style display easels are an example of this category.
10. Steel or Alloy Easel
Steel easels focus on strength and durability, while alloy easels are often selected for their lighter weight.
Steel desk easels can work well in classrooms and educational settings.
Alloy drawing easels are useful when portability is a major requirement.
How to Choose Between Different Types of Easels
The right easel depends on five main questions:
Where will it be used?
Studio, classroom, home, gallery or outdoors?
What size canvas will it support?
Large canvases require a stronger and more stable structure.
Does it need to be portable?
If yes, consider folding, alloy or painting-box designs.
Does the user need storage?
A drawer or tray can add convenience.
What is the target price?
Material and construction have a direct impact on product positioning.
For Art Supply Buyers
Retailers and distributors should consider offering several types of easels rather than relying on one model.
A balanced product range could include:
- Professional wooden floor easels
- Double rocker easels
- Tabletop easels
- Folding easels
- Portable painting boxes
- Display easels
- School-oriented steel easels
This allows an art supply brand to serve professional artists, students, hobbyists and institutions.
Conclusion
The different types of easels exist because artists have different needs.
Floor easels are suitable for professional studio work, tabletop easels are ideal for compact spaces, painting boxes are useful for travel, and display easels are designed for presentation.
For B2B buyers, a supplier offering multiple easel categories can provide a more flexible sourcing solution.
Looking for an Easel Manufacturer?
Nanjing Yunitech Co., Ltd. offers a range of wooden easels and related art supplies for professional and commercial applications.