Different Types of Easels – A Detailed Guide

You have a wide selection of easel types to choose from, each offering unique benefits. The right easel can enhance your enjoyment and ease of creating art. Easels are available in various designs to suit artists of all styles.

• Tabletop easels, ideal for small artworks, rest conveniently on desks or tables.
• A-frame easels, designed to stand on the floor, can accommodate larger canvases.
• Field easels fold for outdoor use, while travel easels are compact for easy transport on trips.

Selecting an easel that matches your art style and budget simplifies the creative process.

Let’s explore the various easel types on the market.

Types of Easels

A-Frame Easels (Lyre Easels)

A-frame or Lyre easels have a triangular shape with two legs in front and one behind. These easels are light and easy to move, perfect for artists with small spaces or those who create smaller to medium-sized art.

They can accommodate canvases from 38 to 75 inches tall and are simple to store. 

Characteristics of A-Frame Easels

A-frame easels have a stable and balanced triangular design that gives artists a great viewing angle. The wide base ensures the easel stays steady, even with larger canvases.

Also, A-frame easels are light and easy to carry, perfect for taking to the studio or using outside.

Uses of A-Frame Easels

A-frame easels are ideal for artists working on small or medium canvases. They are great for sketching, drawing, or painting, whether you use oils, acrylics, or watercolors.

Their small size and easy transport make A-frame easels popular with students, hobbyists, and artists who have little space.

Price Range of A-Frame Easels

A-frame easels usually cost between $50 and $250. The price changes based on the materials, stability, and extra features of the easel. More expensive A-frame easels often have adjustable heights and storage for supplies.

Easel Type	Characteristics	Uses	Price Range
A-Frame Easels (Lyre Easels)	Triangular shape, three-legged design for stability, lightweight and portable	Ideal for small to medium-sized canvases, popular among students and artists with limited space	$50 – $250

H-Frame Easels

H-frame easels, known for their sturdiness, are ideal for artists who use large canvases and need dependable support. The H-shaped structure of these easels provides exceptional stability, making them perfect for artists who need to work with confidence.

With a strong base and solid build, H-frame easels can support canvases from 84 to 96 inches high, suitable for even the largest pieces of art.

H- frame easels are less portable than A-frame easels, yet better for artists with their own studio space. The robust design and heavy-duty materials make H-frame easels durable and long-lasting.

Some models also have paint trays, which help artists keep their supplies close and organized while they work.

Advantages of H-Frame Easels:

• The easel offers superior stability for large canvases.
• It has a strong base and is well-built.
• This easel can hold canvases from 84 to 96 inches tall.
• Some easel models include paint trays for convenient art supply storage.

H-frame easels are priced from $90 to $1460, depending on their quality and features. They cost more than other types, but they offer the stability and reliability that professional artists and serious enthusiasts need.

If you work on large projects or want sturdy support, H-frame easels provide the stability and features you need for your art.

Single Mast Easels

If you’re looking for an affordable easel and have limited space, a single mast easel could be ideal. These compact and affordable easels offer convenience and versatility without compromising on quality.

Their compact size and light build make them perfect for beginners, art students, or artists who paint smaller works.

Single mast easels, or radial easels, can hold canvases as tall as 72 inches securely. They are not as robust as H-frame or A-frame easels, but they are stable enough for most painting methods.

These easels are easy to carry, making them ideal for outdoor painting or for artists who travel with their gear.

In terms of price, single mast easels are affordable, usually costing between $42 and $600. They are accessible to artists on a tight budget or those just beginning their artistic journey.

A single mast easel lets you have your own easel affordably.

Advantages of Single Mast Easels:

• Compact and lightweight
• Affordable
• Portable and easy to transport
• Suitable for smaller canvases
• Ideal for beginners or art students

If you need an easel for a tight budget, small studio, or specific art needs, single mast easels are a good choice. They are affordable, space-saving, and versatile, making them an excellent option for artists who want convenience without sacrificing quality.

If you want an easel that meets all your needs, think about getting a single mast easel for your art.

Easel Type	Price Range	Maximum Canvas Size	Portability
Single Mast Easels	$42 – $600	Up to 72″ tall	Portable and lightweight

Tabletop Easels

Tabletop easels are ideal for artists who create smaller works and do not need a large easel. These easels are compact and portable, designed to sit on a table or desk, and provide a stable, adjustable surface for painting or sketching.

Tabletop easels are available in A-frame, H-frame, and single mast designs to suit various artistic styles and requirements.

Tabletop easels have the advantage of being portable. They are lightweight and easy to carry, perfect for art students, beginners, and any artist who needs to move their workspace often.

These easels can be easily folded and transported, allowing artists to create wherever inspiration strikes.

Their small size also makes tabletop easels perfect for artists with limited space because they can be tucked away easily.

Tabletop easels can hold canvases as tall as 32 inches, making them versatile for small projects. Some models even include a drawer for storing art supplies, adding convenience and organization.

Tabletop easels provide stability and flexibility for any project, from quick sketches to detailed paintings. They are budget-friendly, with prices between $15 and $200.

Tabletop easels are practical for artists who need a portable, compact, and affordable option for small projects. They come with adjustable features and a lightweight design, which makes them easy to use and popular among art enthusiasts.

For art students, beginners, or professional artists, tabletop easels provide a versatile and convenient platform for art creation.

Easel Type	Pros	Cons
A-frame easels	Lightweight and portable Easy to store Can hold canvases up to 38″ to 75″	Not suitable for large-scale projects
H-frame easels	Sturdy and stable Can hold large canvases (up to 84″ to 96″) Some models include paint trays	Less portable than A-frame easels More suitable for dedicated studio space
Single mast easels	Affordable Compact and lightweight Can hold canvases up to 72″	May not be as stable as other types Not suitable for large canvases
Tabletop easels	Compact and portable Can be placed on a table or desk Can hold canvases up to 32″ Some models have storage drawers	Limited canvas size Not suitable for large-scale projects
Portable easels	Designed for outdoor painting Lightweight and easily portable Can hold canvases up to 45″ to 78″ Some models have built-in drawers and shelves	Not as stable as other types May be more expensive

Portable Easels – Perfect for Artists on the Move

If you enjoy painting outdoors or need an easel that’s light and easy to carry, consider a portable or plein air easel. These easels are versatile and designed for artists on the move, so you can paint wherever inspiration finds you.

Portable easels have tripod legs made of wood or aluminum, providing a solid base for any artwork. These easels are suitable for all mediums, including oils, acrylics, and watercolors.

They can support canvases from 45 to 78 inches tall, offering plenty of space for art. Many portable easels have features like drawers for supplies and shelves for a palette, which help keep your materials tidy and accessible.

These easels are light, making them perfect for artists who travel often. Portable easels are easy to carry and set up, whether you’re outside, in a class, or at home.