Best Drawing Easels for Kids: What to Look For
There is a particular kind of concentration that comes over a child at an easel. Paper pinned upright, brush in hand, the whole body involved rather than hunched over a table. Drawing becomes something closer to a performance.
The upright surface is older than it looks. The word 'easel' comes from the Dutch ezel, meaning donkey — a beast of burden for the canvas — and the portable painting stand came into wide use among European artists during the 17th century.
A good children's easel is a simpler object, but it should still be made properly. Any easel marketed for children under 14 in the UK must meet the Toy Safety Regulations 2011, including limits on small parts and the substances used in surface coatings. Look for EN 71 compliance and the UKCA or CE mark before anything else.
What to Look for in a Drawing Easel for Kids
Start with stability. A child leans, presses and occasionally climbs, so the base matters more than the frame. A wide footprint and a low centre of gravity stop the whole thing tipping when enthusiasm takes over.
Height is the next consideration. An easel that adjusts as a child grows earns its place for years rather than months, which is worth weighing against a cheaper fixed model.
Check the writing surfaces. Many easels are double-sided, with a chalkboard on one face and a paper clip or roll holder on the other. That versatility suits a range of activities, from loose chalk drawing to careful pencil work.
On paper size, larger floor easels often take a full A1 sheet — 594 mm by 841 mm under the ISO 216 standard — giving children room to work big. Smaller tabletop versions suit more modest spaces.
Then there is the matter of what goes on the easel. Thick, grippable chalks such as our Childrens Art Chalks - Giant Chalks suit small hands far better than thin sticks that snap. For drier media, our guide to art pencils covers what to look for.
Finally, safety standards again: EN 71 Part 1 governs the mechanical and physical properties, and Part 3 covers the migration of certain chemical elements. Both apply to wooden and plastic easels sold here. Confirm them, and the rest is detail. You will find easels alongside the rest of our children toys.
Which Type of Kids' Art Easel Is Right for Your Child?
Easels fall into a few broad types, and the right one depends mostly on your space and your child's age.
Tabletop easels are compact and light. They fold flat, sit on an ordinary table and suit younger children or homes short on floor space. They are also easy to move outdoors on a dry afternoon.
Floor-standing easels are the classic choice. They give a child room to stand and work at full stretch, usually offer both chalkboard and paper surfaces, and tend to adjust in height. These are the ones that genuinely grow with a child.
Then there are combination units — easel, storage trays and sometimes a bench — which suit families who want a dedicated art corner. They take up more room but keep everything in one place.
Think about where the easel will live. An upright drawing surface need not be the only creative station in the house. A set like our Farm Yard Tales Craft Kit works happily at a table alongside easel time, giving children a change of pace between standing and sitting work.
Consider too whether the easel earns its keep indoors and out. Children drawn to outdoor play — the sort encouraged by a Premium Childrens Garden Swing Seat or the activities in our piece on the benefits of gardening for kids — often enjoy a portable easel they can carry into the garden.
If in doubt, a sturdy adjustable floor easel is the safest all-round choice. It covers the widest span of ages and uses, which is usually what matters most.
Our Pick of the Best Drawing Easels for Children by Age
Easels suit different ages in different ways, and matching the easel to the stage avoids frustration at both ends.
For the youngest children, roughly 18 months to three years, keep it simple. A low tabletop easel with a chalkboard and a set of chunky chalks is plenty. At this age the pleasure is in the mark-making itself, not the result. The Early Years Foundation Stage framework in England lists expressive arts and design — drawing and painting among them — as one of its seven areas of learning from birth to five, which is reason enough to start early.
From three to six, a height-adjustable floor easel comes into its own. Children of this age enjoy standing to draw, switching between chalk and paper, and tackling larger sheets. Pair it with our Giant Chalks and some good pencils and they will use it daily.
From six upwards, children want more control and finer results. A full-size easel that takes an A1 sheet gives them room for ambitious work, and better-quality pencils start to matter. Our craft sets, including the Farm Yard Tales Craft Kit, extend what an easel afternoon can involve.
Whatever the age, the easel is only part of the picture. Browsing our wooden toys turns up plenty that sits comfortably alongside creative play, and our children toys covers the broader range for each stage.
Are Wooden Easels for Kids Worth the Extra Cost?
The honest answer is usually yes, with a caveat. A wooden easel costs more at the outset than a plastic one, and whether that is worth it depends on how long you expect it to last.
Wood has clear advantages. It is heavier and therefore steadier, which matters a great deal for a child leaning into their work. It takes knocks without cracking, and a wooden frame can be sanded and refreshed years into its life rather than discarded.
There is also the feel of the thing. A solid timber easel has a reassuring weight and quietness that plastic rarely matches. Children treat sturdier objects with a little more care, and the easel tends to become a fixture rather than a passing toy.
Against that, plastic easels are lighter to carry and often cheaper, which suits families who move the easel frequently or want a first trial before committing. Neither choice is wrong.
Where wood justifies the price is longevity. A well-made wooden easel comfortably serves more than one child and often outlasts childhood altogether. We have taken that long view since 1795, as one of the world's oldest toy manufacturers, and it runs through our wooden toys and the our traditional games that families keep for decades.
Whichever material you choose, insist on the safety standards. EN 71 and the UKCA or CE mark apply equally to wood and plastic, so price should never come at the cost of proper testing.
How to Keep a Children's Drawing Easel in Good Condition
An easel used daily needs a little looking after, though not much. A few simple habits keep it in good order for years.
Wipe the chalkboard surface with a barely damp cloth rather than a soaking one, and let it dry fully before the next use. Pooled water is the main enemy of a painted board, loosening the surface over time.
Check the joints and fixings every few months. Children's enthusiasm works screws loose, and a quick tighten keeps the easel steady and safe. On a wooden frame, a light sanding of any rough patch and an occasional wipe with a suitable oil keeps the timber healthy.
Store chalks and pencils separately in the easel's trays so dust does not transfer to clean paper. Our Giant Chalks tuck neatly into most trays, and keeping them capped or boxed between sessions extends their life considerably.
If the easel lives partly outdoors, bring it in overnight and after rain. Damp is far harder on any easel than ordinary use, and a few minutes of shelter prevents warping.
When an easel has done its years of service, it often has a second life as a gift passed between siblings or cousins. Our piece on the art of giving is full of ideas for handing creative things on well. The same care applies across our board games and other long-lived playthings — look after them, and they outlast the childhoods they begin in.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Drawing Easel Kids Art
What is the best drawing easel for kids?
The best drawing easel for kids combines sturdy construction, adjustable height, and versatile surfaces such as a chalkboard, whiteboard, and paper roll holder. Jaques of London, established in 1795 and one of the world's oldest toy manufacturers, produces wooden easels built to last and designed with children's creative development in mind. Look for models that comply with EN 71 European Toy Safety Standards, covering mechanical safety and chemical migration limits. A double-sided floor easel that grows with your child offers the best long-term value for families.
What age is a drawing easel suitable for?
A drawing easel is suitable from around 18 months, when toddlers begin mark-making, through to age ten or beyond. The England EYFS statutory framework identifies expressive arts and design as a key area of learning from birth to age five, making easels particularly valuable for early childhood. Younger children benefit from low, stable floor easels with wide bases; older children can use taller, adjustable models. UK Toy Safety Regulations 2011 require that easels marketed for under-14s meet strict mechanical, physical, and chemical safety standards, so always check age guidance on the product.
Are wooden easels for kids worth it?
Yes, wooden easels are generally worth buying for children. They are more durable than plastic alternatives, less likely to tip, and typically have a longer usable life across multiple children or years of play. Wood is a natural material that many parents prefer, and quality wooden easels from established makers such as Jaques of London are built to withstand vigorous daily use. Ensure any wooden easel carries EN 71 Part 3 compliance, which covers limits on chemical migration from surface coatings, confirming the paint or varnish is safe for children.
What should I look for in a children's art easel?
Key features to look for include adjustable height to suit growing children, a stable wide-legged base to prevent tipping, and dual-sided surfaces such as chalkboard and whiteboard. A paper-roll holder accommodating up to A1 size (594 mm × 841 mm per ISO 216) adds versatility. Check for EN 71 Parts 1 and 3 compliance, covering mechanical safety and chemical safety of coatings. A storage tray for art supplies is practical. For younger children, choose smooth edges, non-toxic finishes, and no small detachable parts, in line with UK Toy Safety Regulations 2011.
How do I choose a drawing easel for a toddler?
For toddlers, prioritise stability above all else — choose a floor easel with a broad, non-slip base and secure locking hinges so it cannot fold unexpectedly. Height should allow comfortable reach without stretching; adjustable legs are ideal. Surfaces should be easy to wipe clean. Confirm EN 71 Part 1 compliance for mechanical safety and Part 3 for non-toxic coatings. Avoid models with small parts that could detach, as required under UK Toy Safety Regulations 2011. Jaques of London's wooden easels are designed with these toddler safety and usability principles in mind.
What is the difference between a tabletop and a floor easel for kids?
A tabletop easel sits on a desk or table and suits older children with limited space or those who prefer a seated working position. It typically accommodates smaller paper sizes and takes up less room when stored. A floor easel stands independently, suits younger children who prefer to draw standing up, and often accommodates larger paper up to A1 size (594 mm × 841 mm, ISO 216). Floor easels are generally sturdier, support dual surfaces such as chalkboard and whiteboard, and are better suited to the active, physical engagement typical of early childhood art-making.
Can two children use an easel at the same time?
Yes — many children's floor easels are double-sided, with one side typically a chalkboard and the other a whiteboard or paper-roll surface. This design allows two children to draw simultaneously, one on each side, making the easel excellent value for siblings or playdates. Jaques of London's double-sided wooden easels are built with this shared use in mind. Ensure the easel's base is suitably wide and stable when both sides are in use at once, as the combined activity of two children can increase the risk of toppling if the frame is lightweight.
What size easel does a 3 year old need?
A three-year-old typically suits a floor easel with an adjustable height range starting from approximately 55–65 cm to the drawing surface, allowing comfortable standing use without stretching. Adjustable-leg models are ideal as they extend the easel's usable life as the child grows. Paper capacity up to A1 size (594 mm × 841 mm per ISO 216) gives plenty of creative space. The base should be wide enough to remain stable during enthusiastic use. Always verify EN 71 compliance and check the manufacturer's minimum age recommendation before purchasing.
Is a chalkboard or whiteboard easel better for young children?
Both surfaces have merits for young children. A chalkboard offers a traditional, tactile drawing experience, though chalk dust may be an issue for children with respiratory sensitivities. A whiteboard wipes clean instantly with a dry cloth, is dust-free, and bright colours show vividly with dry-erase markers. Many children's easels, including those from Jaques of London, offer both surfaces in a double-sided design, giving flexibility. Whiteboard surfaces are often preferred for toddlers due to easy cleaning and absence of dust, while older children frequently enjoy the feel and aesthetic of chalk on a blackboard.
How do I stop a kids' easel from wobbling or tipping over?
To prevent wobbling, ensure the easel's legs are fully extended and locked before use, and place it on a flat, even floor surface. A non-slip mat beneath the legs adds extra stability. Avoid positioning it near edges or on carpet that allows feet to sink unevenly. Choose an easel with a wide-stance A-frame base rather than a narrow tripod design. Wooden easels tend to be heavier and inherently more stable than lightweight plastic alternatives. EN 71 Part 1 compliance confirms the easel has met mechanical stability testing requirements under the European Toy Safety Standard.