WOW. What I thought was going to be a quick, spontaneous little desk refresh turned into a full blown chaotic adventure. 😂
But honestly? I’m so glad it did.
Because if you’re trying to create an art space for your child at home, this is probably what it really looks like behind the scenes. Not perfect Pinterest styling. Not flawless installs. Just a mom trying to make creativity easier and less overwhelming.
Below you can watch the full video, including the IKEA pegboard setup, the clamp system fail, the troubleshooting process, and my daughter’s reaction to her new art space.
Why I Reorganized Her Art Desk
My daughter loves to create. Markers, watercolor, sketchbooks, random scraps of paper… all of it. But her desk had slowly turned into a pile of materials. I was relatively concerned there could be something living in the nest of supplies and half-finished projects.
And when a desk is constantly covered in supplies, kids stop sitting down to create. It feels overwhelming instead of inviting.
My goal was simple: Create a space that feels inspiring and usable without being visually chaotic all week long. Not perfect or minimal. Just functional and encouraging.
IKEA Pegboard Art Storage for Kids
I ordered an IKEA pegboard system thinking it would be an easy solution for vertical art supply storage. In theory, pegboards are great for:
• Small bedrooms
• Kids art desks with limited surface space
• Keeping supplies visible but organized
• Encouraging independence
The idea was to get markers, pens, and watercolor supplies up off the desk and onto the wall so she could see what she has without digging through drawers and piles. I wanted it to be really clear what went were so clean up was easier, just like in this video I posted.
Simple, right? Not exactly. I forgot that the loft bed desk had a brace underneath, so the clamp system I envisioned did not work with some *adjustments*
There’s a good chunk of the video where I’m trying to figure out how to make it work without damaging the desk or the wall. It’s messy. It’s real. It’s very much what DIY with kids looks like.
If you’re installing an IKEA pegboard at home, definitely double check your desk thickness and clamp compatibility before ordering, but worst case, the pegboard comes with wall hanging supplies which is probably the preferred method anyways. I chose not to do the wall hanging because my lease has a no-holes-in-the-wall policy.
Learn from me. 😂
Before and After: Creating a Creative, Not Cluttered Desk
The transformation wasn’t dramatic in a magazine way but it was meaningful! The desk surface is clear enough that she can sit down and start immediately. The supplies she uses most are visible and accessible, and there’s room to spread out paper without knocking over containers.
And most importantly, it feels inviting.
When organizing children’s art materials, the goal is not aesthetic perfection.
It’s creating an art space that says:
You can sit down here and make something.
What Actually Matters When Organizing Kids’ Art Supplies
If you’re setting up a child’s art desk, here’s what I focus on:
1. Clear Surface Space
Kids need room to move their arms, spread paper out, and not feel cramped.
2. Visible Supplies
If they can’t see it, they won’t use it (or put it back where it goes).
3. Limited Choices
Too many materials out at once can feel overwhelming. Rotate supplies they know the boundaries of instead of displaying everything you own. Make sure anything you leave out is something you are VERY comfortable with them having access to alone.
4. Easy Cleanup
If cleanup is complicated, it won’t happen. This setup isn’t about controlling mess. It’s about making creativity feel approachable. Make sure each supply has dedicated, visible home to return to.
Building an Art Space at Home? Start Here.
If you’re trying to build a creative space for your child but aren’t sure what supplies are actually age appropriate (and which ones just create more clutter), I made something for you!
You can download my free guide here:
It breaks down what kids truly need at different ages so you’re not overbuying random art supplies that end up in a junk drawer (or on walls!).
Supplies Shown in This Video
These are Amazon affiliate links to a few of the supplies shown in the video! Thank you for supporting my work at no extra cost to you.
- Click Pens in Case
https://amzn.to/4rFuZ5f - Glitter Pens
https://amzn.to/4rBagiJ - Watercolor Palette
https://amzn.to/3OCJPuI
If you’re organizing an art desk at home, tell me in the comments:
What’s the biggest challenge in your space right now? Let’s make creativity easier, not more overwhelming. IF this post interested you, here are some related DIY posts you may want to check out!