For an artist, a sturdy drafting board is as important as his drawing gear. Great brushes, best colors and perfect pencils wouldn’t be able to make a neat image if the artist desk is wobbly. And only an artist knows the importance of its portability. To capture a perfect image with its mood, home is not always the right place.
Few of us may want to channelize their inner creativity while being out in nature. And for a few, working in the art class with their tribe, works well. But the table is still a necessity everywhere an artist goes. Hence, a portable drafting table is a must.
10 Best Portable Drawing Tables
Picking the best portable drafting table will need you to take into account all it has to offer and everything it doesn’t. Let’s see how to pick the best portable drawing table by consumer reports.
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Our pick
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Runner-up
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Upgrade pick
| Upgrade pick |
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Budget pick
| Budget pick |
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Also great
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1 Best Choice Products Drawing Table
This portable drafting table from Best Choice Products is a perfect workstation for you if you are looking for basic design and functionality. The adjustable feature has been built keeping in mind your comfort to increase your productivity. Adjust it to the angle where it doesn’t hurt your eyes, neck, back, or hands. Keep your efficiency level at full potential by storing all the necessary items you might need while completing your project in all the storage space provided. With a capacity of 110 lbs, it surely is quite a big portable drawing board.
Pros
The workstation is adjustable and can be fixed at any angle of your comfort.
To store all your supplies and other materials to keep them handy, the table has an extra storage space in the form of three drawers.
The table has a comfortable padded stool as part of the package.
There is an additional shelf beneath the workstation to make easy access to the items of daily use.
The metal finish makes the maintenance an easy-to-do job.
Cons
The table has a fixed height and can not be adjusted from its legs if you happen to be an average height individual
Assembling the table along with its drawers and the shelf takes a little more of your time and skills.
The drawers of the table are made from fabric and this makes them a little weak to hold heavy material.
2 Martin Pro-Draft Deluxe Drawing Board
This adjustable angle parallel drawing table from Martin Universal Design is all you’ve ever thought about in the best drawing table. The anti-warp aluminum body is smooth enough to give you a high-quality finish output. Spend hours working on your project without hurting your back, neck, or eyes, as the table offers various adjustment levels. And the locking knobs do their job well by keeping the set angles sturdy enough to let you do your work without a shake. And there’s no need to compromise on your comfort zone as you can carry your tablet everywhere you go as the company has made it from a lightweight material.
Pros
At around 11 pounds, this drafting board is extremely lightweight and portable to move around.
There are two locking knobs on the table to fix any angle, you may want, of the table in a sturdy manner.
Additionally, the table provides five different angles to adjust the workstation as per your preference.
The white melamine sleek surface makes the table extremely durable. It also ensures quick cleaning by simply wiping it off under two minutes.
The handle on the side makes an easy grip to pick and transport the table anywhere.
The rubber feet provide stability to the table while you’re working on it.
Cons
The parallel rule is a bit difficult to get used to and might give you some crooked lines in the beginning.
The adjustment knobs have been attached to the screws of the table which gives the confusion about its presence.
The laminate of the board might not be that sturdy as promised.
Also Read: Best Drawing Tablet Under $100 by Consumer Report
3 HUION LED Light Pad Ultra Thin Drawing Board
This ultra-thin drawing table with light by Huion can be a board of your dreams. High on not one but many functions, no wonder it has won so many rave reviews from one and all. Sleek design and multi-functional sums up everything about this board. As it uses minimal current, switch the LED light on whenever you need. Set your table and start working on your board. Fix your paper with the clip provided. Or you may also want to use tracing paper as a bundle of six of them are a part of the purchase. The multifunctional holder makes your work easier by letting you have your hands some time off from holding stuff. And then there’s some more to go.
Pros
The brightness levels of the board can be adjusted as you may want.
The 1.2 meters long USB cable provided in the package can be attached both to the charger and your computer as well.
The smart memory function remembers all your settings and restart it where you left it at.
The stand of the table can rotate 360 degrees.
At around just 2 pounds, this art desk is easy to carry anywhere.
The compact and sleek design fits the board even in the smallest storage space.
Cons
The customer support service isn’t the best one out there.
There is no power source in the package and you’ll have to purchase it separately.
The paper clip is tight and can scratch the device if not taken care of properly while fitting it.
4 A4 Ultra-Thin Portable Drawing Board
This light-pad from Tik Teck Lab is super sleek and portable. The images are illuminated through the paper for a hassle-free tracing. This lightbox used for multiple projects like calligraphy, tattoo transferring, sketching and drawing, 2D animation, sewing, scrapbooking, embossing, quilting and many more.
Powered by a USB cable, connect it to any power source for a quick start. The board has been made of acrylic which makes the whole structure extremely lightweight. Take it anywhere along with you by adding just 300 grams onto your luggage. The lightbox comes with a 60 days money-back guarantee and a 12 months worry-free warranty for any manufacturer’s defect.
Pros
The illumination is bright and flicker-free.
The eyesight protected technology does not let the brightness hurt your eyes.
Touch sensor helps you to adjust brightness at three varying options.
The board can rotate at 360 degrees angle.
The height of the board is adjustable.
There are six different angle options to adjust your board.
Cons
The brightness may seem to be less as per individual preferences.
The board doesn’t facilitate negative viewing.
The notebook holder may seem flimsy to use for beginners.
Presence or absence of dots has not been mentioned in the description.
5 Ultima Fold-A-Way Drawing Table
This adjustable drawing board from SD Studio Designs is a compact workstation that serves all the basic purposes of a draft board well. The table can be flipped upside down as it has two different colors on either side. Choose the one you like as a tabletop while fixing it during assembling. The height of the table legs ranges between 31.5” to a maximum of 46.5”. The angle of the table can be adjusted anywhere up to 45 degrees. There is a storage space beneath the tabletop to keep your stuff handy. A 24 inches pencil ledge simply slides up and can be fixed where needed.
Pros
The height can be adjusted.
There are multiple angles to set as per your preferences.
The tabletop is two-toned; black and white, and you can choose either of the color while assembling.
A removable storage tray is a part of the purchase.
The table has been made sturdy with its four levelers.
Cons
Weighing around 44 pounds, this art table is quite bulky.
The table may be a bit wobbly on smoother surfaces.
Assembling this table takes a little extra time and effort.
6 Display Artist Adjustable Wood Desk Table
This compact vintage drafting table by Lin’s Wood can be doubled up as a painting easel. Made from premium Pinewood, The wooden tabletop box easel can be adjusted at any of the four angles depending on the needs. Suitable for painters too, the table can accommodate prints and canvas arts of up to 11” by 14”. And while doing so, keep all your brushes, pencils, and other supplies handy in the storage box underneath. The look and design makes it one of the best kids drafting tables. And at 2.3 pounds, the table is quite lightweight and easy to move around with you.
Pros
Made from high-quality hand-sanded Pinewood, the table is quite sturdy and durable.
The height can be adjusted to any desired level.
The table has a storage box with three compartments.
It is a portable drawing table provided its small size and a handle to carry comfortably.
The company offers a lifetime guarantee for satisfaction and promises a full refund or replacement.
Cons
The compartments of the storage box are too small to store big supplies.
The wooden finish would need extra maintenance as compared to the usual aluminum one.
The table is too basic and may not be perfect for advanced level artists.
Also Read: Best Self-Propelled Vacuum Cleaners in 2020 By Consumer Report
7 Magicfly Wooden Drawing Board
This adjustable wooden drawing table from Magicfly has been made from premium quality beechwood which makes the frame sturdy. The brass-plated hardware lends it the strength to withstand the test of time. The adjustable feature lets you draw comfortably at your convenience, thereby, saving you any neck or backache. The storage box underneath ensures your efficiency at work by letting you keep all your drawing gear handy. With its simple design, it is a great option for art students and artists alike and can even serve best as a toddler drawing table. Take it with you to the next sketching, drawing, or painting class by simply fitting it inside your backpack without compromising on space.
Pros
The height of the table can be adjusted from 2” to a maximum of 11”.
The storage drawer has been divided into various compartments for orderly storage.
The purchase includes 1 plastic palette and 5 canvases.
The tables can be adjusted to four varying angles.
The leather handle makes mobility easier than ever.
Cons
The wooden finish is quite high maintenance.
At around 5.45 pounds, it might feel heavy if you aren’t used to carrying heavy painting gear
It is a bit small-sized for larger art projects.
8 SD Studio Designs Drawing Table
This triflex drawing table from SD Studio Designs is a sit to stand writing or drawing desk. The top of the table is made from glass with a wide enough slide up pencil ledge. Keep all your writing and sketching gear handy in the storage provided. Assembling this drawing table is very easy and even if you aren’t an expert at it, the manual helps you do it in a few minutes. It can double up as an office desk which is stable enough with its four levelers. The light pad bars have been added in case you want to make it a drawing table with light.
Pros
The height of the table can be adjusted from 31’ to 39.5” as per the needs.
The side lock holds the tabletop well while working.
Angles are ranging from 22 degrees to 68 degrees to choose from as per your convenience.
The four side trays provide for extra storage.
The table serves three functions: a drafting board, writing desk, and a standing table.
Cons
44 pounds of weight makes the table a bit heavy for easy mobility.
The table can be a bit wobbly if not assembled well.
There is no clamp to hold your paper or canvas while working.
9 Mlife Diamond Painting A4 LED Light Pad
Mlife brings us a lighting table for drawing that is comfortable to carry along places. It is powered by a USB cable that can be connected to a wall outlet or into any USB port of your computer or power bank. Featuring an eco-friendly LED, the table provides a perfectly even illumination that is bright and flicker-free. You can also adjust the brightness as per your requirements. This premium LED artist drawing table is apt for 5D diamond painting, embossing, 2D animation, cross-stitch embroidery, stenciling, drawing, tattoo tracing, and similar artworks. You will receive detachable metal stand and four fastening clips as accessories in the package.
Pros
It is extremely lightweight at around 1.07 pounds.
The table features an Eyesight-protected technology for comfortable long hours of operations.
The package includes a 2-meters long USB power cable for your convenience.
A thickness of just 4.7 mm makes the table portable for use.
The illumination is flicker-free and super bright.
Cons
The size is too small to carry all your drawings.
The table is not sturdy and doesn’t last as long as its competitors.
LED light starts diminishing after a few uses.
10 Art Alternatives Marquis Artists Adjustable Desk Box Easel
Art Alternatives artist desk is a unique design that holds everything in place quite well. It has been cleverly designed to keep it light while being sturdy. This miniature desk is portable and folds up pretty easily. It can adjust to four different positions and sports a design with a drawer. This portion of the table is divided into three compartments for holding your paints, brushes, and other essential art items. Art Alternatives Marquis table is completely worth the price you pay for it. Considering the price and features it offers, it is an excellent choice for beginners and the ones who do not have enough space for a full-sized easel. It can also become a kids drawing table for the cleanliness and organization it offers.
Pros
It can adjust to four different positions for your convenience.
The table is lightweight making it comfortable to carry.
The design features three compartments for carrying your brushes and other useful items.
Considering its features, the table provides excellent for your money.
The easel is completely organized with drawers and sections to hold everything neatly.
Cons
The drawer is too tiny to hold any good amount of material.
The hinges of the table are crooked making your artwork sit crooked as well.
Material used in the construction looks somewhat cheap.
Also Read: 10 Best Infrared Heaters By Consumer Report In 2019
FAQs
- Why do I need a portable drawing table?
A portable drawing table can be adjusted in height and tilted at different angles for a comfortable sitting posture. Hunching while drawing might lead to pain in your back and neck. These tables saves you from the pain and let you enjoy your art for hours at a stretch.
- What should I look for in a portable drawing table?
The first and foremost thing to consider while purchasing a portable drawing table is its weight. Portability is dependant on the weight of your table. The more lightweight it is, the more comfortable it is to carry.
Additionally, look for a sturdy design that can keep your artworks from moving. Considering the size and height of the table is also important so that you can perform all your work on it easily.
Conclusion
How you feel while drawing depends on how your table makes you feel like. A comfortable table will have all the functionalities in place to be easy on your back and neck. And the one that is low on functionalities will always be hard on you. So, choose wisely.
