How to Choose an Easel: Studio, Portable and Display Easels

Posted by

Haanz Team

2026-10-18

On 2026-10-18

Haanz Art GuideFree, practical advice from the team at Haanz Art & Craft Materials

Painting on a flat table means bending over your work and seeing it at an angle, which distorts shapes. An easel holds your canvas upright at eye level, so you can step back and see the whole picture. This guide explains how to choose an easel: the main types, which suits your space and the size you paint, and the drawing boards that do the same job for paper.

Types of easel

Standing (studio) easels: tall wooden easels on three legs, with an adjustable holder for the canvas. Good for home studios, classes and larger canvases.
Portable easels: fold up for carrying, so you can paint outdoors or move between rooms.
Mini display easels: small stands for showing finished mini canvases, cards and photos, often sold with a tiny canvas.
Drawing boards and sketch boards: firm, flat boards for paper, which you can lean on a table or your lap, or rest on an easel.

Easels we stock

Wooden Easel 150 and Wooden Easel 175: classic wooden standing easels with an adjustable canvas holder and a sturdy tripod-style design.
Beech Wood Portable Easel: folds for carrying, with adjustable height and angle, for the studio or outdoors.
Mont Marte Mini Display Easel with a Canvas (8 × 10cm) and the small Mini Display Easel with Canvas: tiny easel sets, popular as gifts and for mini paintings.

Drawing boards we stock

Drawing Board A3 and Mont Marte Drawing Board A3: firm, smooth boards for drawing, drafting and painting.
Drawing Board A2: a 7mm-thick board for larger sheets, sketching, watercolour and architecture.
Sketch Tote Boards in 35 × 44cm and 48 × 60cm: lightweight boards with a carrying handle and clips, for outdoor sketching, classes and exams.

Prices change, so see each product page for today’s price. For exact easel dimensions and the largest canvas each one holds, ask our team before you buy. Browse all easels and drawing stands.

How to choose the right easel

Canvas size: check the largest canvas the easel holds, and choose one that comfortably fits the sizes you paint most. Our canvas guide explains popular sizes.
Space: a standing easel needs floor space. If you paint at a table or in a small room, a drawing board may suit you better.
Portability: if you will paint outdoors or carry it to class, choose a portable, foldable easel.
Paint type: for watercolour, you usually work flatter, so a tilted drawing board is often easier than an upright easel.

Setting up your easel

Place the easel on a level floor, with the legs spread for stability.
Set the canvas so its centre is roughly at eye level.
Tilt the top slightly forward to reduce glare from lights or a window.
Stand at arm’s length, so you can step back often to check your painting.
Put your palette and brushes on a small table on your painting-hand side.

Long-handled brushes are made for easel painting, because they let you work further from the canvas. See our paint brush guide.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an easel as a beginner?

Not at first. A drawing board leaned at an angle works well for small paintings and drawing. An easel helps once you paint larger canvases regularly.

Can I use an easel for drawing?

Yes. Clip your paper to a drawing board and rest the board on the easel.

What is a mini display easel for?

For showing small canvases, cards and photos on a desk or shelf. Mini easels with canvases are popular gifts.

Do you deliver islandwide?

Yes. We deliver across Sri Lanka in 2–5 working days, with cash on delivery, card or bank transfer. You can also visit our shops in Boralesgamuwa and Horana, open every day from 9 AM to 6 PM.

Not sure what to choose? WhatsApp the Haanz team on 0711 515 515 and we’ll help you find the right easel or board for your space.

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