How to Buy an Art Table

Art tables are used by a variety of business and individuals for drafting, model building and other graphic art projects. While these projects can be completed on a fixed, flat-top table, the adjustability of an art table make it a better choice. Art tables come in a number of sizes, and people need to select their art tables based on the size of the work space and the adjustability that they need to complete their projects.

Instructions

1. Determine what the art table will be used for, i.e. drafting or layouts. The projects that will be completed on the table's top will determine the dimensions and options that the table needs to have. For example, drafting projects tend to need a larger work space then graphic design projects, as blue prints tend to be printed on wide-format paper.

2. Measure the space where the art table will be located. You need to measure both the available floor space and the height clearance in the office where the table will be located. Make sure you leave enough space to move around the room and allow clearance around other obstacles in the room. For example, if there is an outlet located on the wall where you want to put the table, you will need to take measurements to make sure the cross support beams on the desk won't block access to the outlet. Furthermore, if the workspace has a slanted wall, you need to make sure the desk will fit under the slant.

3. Consider the aesthetics of the art table. Just because this is a functional piece of furniture doesn't mean it has to be ugly. Today you have many frame designs and colors to choose among. For example, many art tables come with frame colors of silver, black, white and tan. Table tops can either be colored the same as the frame, or they can have a unique finish. You can select an art table that has a black frame and a black table top, or you can opt for the black frame with a wood grained finish table top. The goal is to select a table that will complement the other colors and furniture in the workspace.

4. Select an art table that has the table top positions that you need. For example, most table tops will rotate up at various degrees to make drawing and drafting easier to do, while others will not only rotate up, but they also have an extension rod or scissor-lift joint that allows you to rotate and raise the table top. Other features include a side computer stand, a file cabinet, drawers and shelving units.