Which children’s easel is right? 7 important buying criteria
Which children’s easel is right? 7 important buying criteria
A good children’s easel should suit your child’s height, stand securely, and provide plenty of room for creative ideas. But what really matters when buying one? We’ll show you the 7 most important criteria to help you find the right easel for your child and your home.
- Age and height: Is the easel right for my child?
- Painting and creative activities: What creative activities are possible?
- Stability: Does the easel stand securely during everyday use?
- Cleaning and care: How easy are the drawing surfaces to clean?
- Accessories and features: Which extras are really useful?
- Space requirements and storage: Will the easel fit in our home?
- Everyday use: How versatile is the easel?
1. Age and height: Is the easel right for my child?
A children’s easel should suit your child’s height. If the drawing surface is too high or too low, painting can quickly become uncomfortable.
Height-adjustable models are especially practical. They can be adapted to a child’s height and used over a longer period as a result.
Look for the following when buying:
- Can the height be adjusted to suit different heights?
- Can your child comfortably paint and write while standing?
- Can the selected height be securely locked in place?
- Is the easel suitable for the recommended age group?
Our Montessori children’s easel is height-adjustable and can be set to an overall height of approximately 84 to 152 cm. The drawing surface measures approximately 61 × 65 cm. It is suitable for children aged 3 and up.
2. Painting and creative activities: What can my child do with an easel?
Children don’t just want to paint. They enjoy exploring different materials, trying out new techniques, and combining creative activities with playful learning. That’s why it’s worth thinking about what activities the easel should support before buying.
Free drawing and sketching
A classic drawing surface gives children room to let their imaginations run free. They can paint pictures, create their own stories, or simply doodle to their heart’s content.
Writing and early learning games
A magnetic writing surface opens up more possibilities. Children can learn about letters and numbers, try writing for the first time, or have fun learning with matching magnets.
Why are two different drawing surfaces useful?
A combination of a chalkboard and a magnetic whiteboard side makes it possible to enjoy different activities in one place. Your child can switch between drawing with chalk, writing, and magnetic learning games without needing another toy.
Our Montessori children’s easel combines both features in one model: a chalkboard side for drawing with chalk and a magnetic whiteboard side for writing and play. Matching magnetic letters, numbers, and other learning materials are also included.
3. Stability: Does the easel stay steady during everyday use?
Children often move around, switch sides, or reach for their art supplies while drawing. That’s why a children’s easel should have a sturdy construction and be safe to set up.
Here are the details to look for:
- Sturdy construction: A solid frame provides the foundation for everyday use.
- Rounded edges: Smooth surfaces and carefully finished edges are especially important for children’s furniture.
- Secure connections: Screws and connecting parts should be securely fastened.
- Stable base: The easel should stand on a level, stable surface.
Our Montessori wooden easel for children has a pine frame and rounded details. Its natural design blends harmoniously into a variety of children’s rooms and living spaces.
4. Cleaning and care: How do you clean the drawing surfaces?
Creative play can quickly leave chalk marks, dust, or other messes. That’s why it’s a good idea to check how easy the different surfaces are to clean before you buy.
Chalkboard side
Chalk drawings can be removed with a suitable chalkboard eraser or cloth. With regular use, it is a good idea to wipe the surface thoroughly from time to time.
Magnetic whiteboard side
The smooth surface can be wiped clean with a suitable cleaning cloth. Use appropriate whiteboard markers and avoid sharp objects to prevent damage to the surface.
Additional catch tray
The extended version with a paper roll holder includes an additional catch tray. It can collect falling chalk crumbs and help keep the drawing area cleaner.
Note: The catch tray is not part of the basic version; it is included with the corresponding extended product variant.
5. Accessories and features: Which extras are really useful?
In addition to the easel itself, extra accessories can make creative activities easier. However, not every add-on is necessary for every family. So consider which features your child will actually use.
Basic version
- Double-sided children's easel
- Chalkboard side and magnetic whiteboard side
- Height-adjustable design
- Magnetic letters, numbers, and other learning materials
Extended version with paper roll holder
- All features of the basic version
- Additional paper roll holder for large-scale drawing
- Additional catch tray for chalk crumbs
A paper roll holder is especially useful if your child enjoys drawing on paper and creating larger pictures. It provides an additional space for creative ideas alongside the fixed drawing surfaces.
The catch tray helps collect falling chalk crumbs and keep the drawing area cleaner.
Which version is the better fit?
- Basic version: For families primarily looking for a versatile chalkboard and whiteboard easel for drawing, writing, and learning.
- Extended version: For children who enjoy drawing on paper and would benefit from an additional paper roll holder and catch tray.
Please check the product variant and the stated scope of delivery before ordering. The paper roll holder and catch tray are not included with every version.
6. Space and storage: Will the easel fit in our home?
A children's easel should provide enough space for creative activities without taking up too much room in your home all the time.
A space-saving design can be especially practical in smaller children's rooms or shared living spaces.
Consider three things before buying:
- Floor space: How much space does the easel need when fully set up?
- Room to move: Does your child have enough space to stand comfortably in front of the easel and use both sides?
- Storage: Can the easel be stored compactly when not in use?
A folding design can help save space when the easel is not in use. Before buying, also check whether you have enough storage space for the folded easel.
Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when setting up or folding the easel. Before each use, make sure it is fully and securely set up.
7. Everyday practicality: What creative activities are possible?
A good children's easel is more than just a place to paint. It can offer children different ways to get creative, try new things, and learn through play.
Free drawing and sketching
Children can let their imaginations run free, create their own pictures, and try out different drawing ideas.
First writing and number activities
The magnetic whiteboard side is ideal for learning letters and numbers, making first attempts at writing, and trying out simple learning games.
Learning through play with magnets
The included magnetic letters, numbers, and shapes offer a variety of ways to play. This lets children combine creative activities with their first learning experiences.
Get creative independently
A dedicated space for drawing and creating can encourage children to get started on their own, try out new ideas, and make their own little works of art.
By combining a chalkboard and a magnetic whiteboard, your child can switch between free drawing, writing, and magnetic learning games depending on their interests.