The start of the school year is on the horizon, and you know what that means: it’s time to get organized. The art room is one of the first places to fall victim to clutter, but not with these art room organization ideas.

Kids get excited, art supplies go everywhere, and before you know it you’ve got a disaster on your hands. But a great organization system can help keep things clean and clear for the whole year.

That’s where this list comes in. I’m breaking down twenty-one ingenious art room organization ideas to get your school year started right.

1. Simple Plastic Bins

Source: @artwithmrsnguyen

We have to kick off the list with one of the staunchest members of any art room organization scheme: the humble plastic bin.

These tried and true bins will last you forever, and they’re perfect for keeping any number of supplies safely tucked away. Just make sure to label them for easy access!

You’ll also want to see these other ways to organize a craft closet.

2. Yarn Dispensers

Source: @theroomwithahue

Whether you consistently use yarn or string in your classroom, one of the best ways to store it is to use some old soda bottles.

Hung on the wall, these DIY dispensers make it easy to pull out any length of string.

3. Brush Buckets

Source: @nylah.khan

Who doesn’t love the sight of new brushes at the start of a school year? These hanging brush cups are the perfect way to store different types of brushes on your wall.

This genius craft room hack is the perfect choice if you want to save some counterspace in your classroom.

4. Rolling Supply Cart

Source: @thomaslovesart

If you don’t have dedicated art room storage, then the storage can come to you! That’s why I love so much about these rolling supply carts.

All you need is to grab a sturdy cart on casters like this one, pack it full of your most commonly used supplies, and roll it around as needed.

5. Color Coded Crayon Storage

Source: @rainbow.art.teacher

If you’re anything like me, then you love the thrill of having color-coded storage. There’s just something so satisfying about it, especially as the school year is starting.

That’s why I love this simple and effective way of keeping your markers and crayons sorted.

6. Simple Brush Storage

Source: @the.runaway.artist

In a similar vein, you can also use plastic drawer sets to keep your brushes in tip top condition. Plastic is easy to clean and easy to see through, so it’s ideal for any painting crafts.

Not to mention, this kind of storage is simple and cost-effective enough to easily slot into any classroom.

7. Painted Table Caddies

Source: @_luvteachingart_

One of the best ways to keep art time clean and organized is to invest in some table caddies like these. Store brushes, pencils, paints, and anything else you need off to the side.

Once art time starts, then these can sit in the middle of each table, ready for use and to be packed away again. You can even get each one painted as a fun activity for the kids.

8. Watercolor Organizer

Source: @ladybugartjourney

Need to keep your colors clearly organized? All you need is a set of bulldog clips and your paints. The secret to this hack is to paint a set of cards with each color.

That way, it’s easy for the kids to see which colors are up for use.

9. Paint Rack

Source: @sb.eye4design

One of the most creative hacks on this list! This is a simple metal grid you can use as a rack for all your acrylic paints. All you need to do is paint a circle of paint on each lid to show the colors.

This kind of grid slots perfect into a square shelf like this one.

10. Marker Organizers

Source: @shoshyart

Every table needs their own marker collection, and that’s where these marker organizers come in. Each one has the entire set of markers in it, so they’re easy to distribute come art time.

Not to mention, the plastic containers are super affordable and can be used in a variety of different ways.

You’ll also want to see these creative tape organizing ideas.

11. Labeled Storage Bins

Source: @ohjoy

Nothing makes life easier than a set of storage bins with clear labels. If you already have some shelves in your art room, bins like these are the perfect spot to keep table supplies.

Not only are these easy to pass out, but they’re also easy to wipe down or reorganize as needed.

12. Crayon and Marker Caddy

Source: @theorderlyspace

It’s the ultimate caddy! This acrylic caddy packed to the brim with crayons and markers is perfect for group art time, especially if everyone is sitting down on the carpet or one large table.

If you get a caddy with different sections, it makes it easier to keep all the colors organized too.

13. Stationery Organizers

Source: @artkivebox

When it comes to art time, it’s not just about the fun supplies, it’s about the necessary ones! Things like bulldog clips, Sharpies, and staples need a place in the art room too.

That’s where these stationery organizers come in. Perfect for keeping all kinds of supplies in line.

14. Diamond Pen Organizer

Source: @heibergida

Looking for something to brighten up your art room that doubles as a storage solution? Look no further than this diamond pen organizer! It’s ideal for keeping your markers in.

All the different sections make it easy to keep your colors separated throughout the year, and it’s a striking focal point.

15. Clear Stationery Organization

Source: @exactmats

One of the best ways to keep your stationery organized and visible is to invest in clear organizers. They do the same job as normal organizers, but you can see all the colors.

These are cost-effective and reusable across many years, not to mention they’re easy to clean. And, you can grab them in sets like this one.

16. Bulldog Clip Paint Organization

Source: @gardenofedin

If you have a variety of paint colors you need to keep track of, one of the best ways to do it is to use bulldog clips! Hang your paints from a wall, each with a dedicated nail.

If there’s a gap in the array, then it’s easy to see that a paint tube is missing, so you’ll hopefully hang on to art supplies for much longer.

17. Hanging Plastic Bins

Source: @aimeeandersondesign

Low on counter space or shelf space in your art room? Never fear, that’s what wall space is for!

You can find simple hanging plastic bin kits like these to provide plenty of extra space for markers, pencils, and pens.

18. Pastel Dividers

Source: @mmemarissa

Pastels are one of the most fun art supplies to work with, but they can also be one of the messiest. That’s why it’s important to have your collection divided by color.

That’s where these simple acrylic dividers come in!

19. Toilet Roll Pen Organizer

Source: @deven_rue

Looking for a creative, cost-effective way to organize your art room gel pen collection? Save a few toilet paper rolls! These cardboard tubes make ideal organizers for different pen colors.

This low cost and sustainable solution is a great way to encourage your students to get creative.

20. Hanging Towel Organizer

Source: @raisingmemories

Here’s another method for establishing some wall storage, and this time, we’re relying on a towel rack!

The secret to this DIY organizing solution is to use hanging plastic buckets hooked onto the rail.

21. Paint Cubbies

Source: @the_ivy_school

Finally, there’s no better art room staple than the tried and true paint cubby! All you need is a sturdy square shelf like this one, with some simple labels to delineate the colors.

This is the perfect solution if you have a ton of surplus paint to keep stored away.

Check out these DIY dollar store craft room organizing ideas next!