Best Hobby Desks for Miniature Painting and Modeling in 2023

I always love to see other people’s hobby desk set ups. It’s one of my favorite forum posts to read. You get to see how others paint and hobby, and it usually give you some ideas.

That said, there are always similarities and common themes. Are they wide and flat, or do they have shelving and drawers? How do you store your paints, brushes, and gear? Can you fold it up and store it, can you adjust the height, is it small enough to fit a tight space, big enough to fit everything, is it multipurpose?

So with those considerations in mind, I present to you, the TabletopDash Best Hobby Desks of 2023!

The Best Hobby Desks for Miniature Painting: Best of the Best

The Best Overall Hobby Desk for Miniature Painting and Crafting:  Tribesigns 55″ Flat Desk

The Best Large Hobby Desk for Miniature Painting and Crafting:  Tribesigns Large 80″ Flat Desk

The Best Value Hobby Desk for Miniature Painting and Crafting:   CubiCubi 55″ Storage Desk  Runner up:  Weehom 55″ Flat Desk

The Best Hobby Desk with Storage for Miniature Painting and Crafting: ODK 48″ Desk With Drawers and Shelves

The Best Hobby Desk with Extra Storage for Miniature Painting and Crafting:  South Shore 53″ Crea Hobby and Craft Table

The Best Adjustable  Hobby Desk for Miniature Painting and Crafting:  Fezibo Electric Adjustable Standing Desk

EDIT:  Due to popular request I’ve also added a couple of sections on Portable and Small Space hobby station options at the end for you too.  

The Best Overall Hobby Desk in 2023

Tribesigns 55″ Flat Desk

The Tribesigns 55″ Flat Desk is the desk I personally use as my dedicated hobby space.  Most of my hobby supplies live on or near this desk.  The big takeaway here is getting as much space as possible for my room, while being very sturdy and durable.

I am lucky enough to have a work area that I can do all my Warhammer and tabletop miniature hobbies on.  As you may be aware, I have a lot of paints.  Citadel paint, Vallejo, Pro Acryl, Scale 75, AK Interactive… there are tons.  I need space for all of them, plus paint brushes, glues, mediums, a cup of water, wet palette, vortex mixer, magnifying lamp, my coffee.  

So a big flat space is what works for me.  For storage I use paint racks, portable bins and under desk cabinets.

Pros

• The desk has a lot of surface area, plenty of space for all my lighting, brushes, tools, paints, adhesives and miniatures.
• The desktop is made of thick laminated MDF, which is waterproof and scratch-resistant.
• The desk is very easy to assemble and comes with adjustable leg pads to keep it stable on uneven floors.  I was able to put this together very quickly.

Cons

• The desk is fairly heavy and bulky.  Weighing in at 63.8 pounds, it’s not super easy to move around.
• The stabilizer bars at the bottom might be an issue for you depending on your workspace. 

The desk itself is really well made and very sturdy.  The stabilizers on the legs helps a lot and I never notice any wobble.  I have the 55″ and that is perfect for my needs but you can go smaller or larger depending on the space available.

I have room underneath for my chair to slide in easily, and I put a storage cabinet under it as well.  

Putting it together was extremely easy, I had no problem with it.  They include the allen wrenches, screws and parts.  Instructions were fine and I found it easy to figure out what goes where.

The desk also comes with adjustable leg pads, which definitely helped me as my floors in my upstairs office are not very even.

One potential concern with the desk is its weight. At 63.8 pounds, it may be difficult to move around, especially if you need to rearrange your office frequently.   

Some people mentioned they noticed side to side movement but that was not my experience.

Overall, I highly recommend the Tribesigns Desk to serve as your hobby workspace or craft desk!   It’s a traditional rectangular desk that is a great value for the price and should work for most people.

Best Large Hobby Desk for Miniature Painting and Modeling 2023

Tribesigns 80″ Large Surface Desk

This is the big boy in the Tribesigns line up.  At 80 inches long (well almost, technically it’s 79.7 inches), you have a ton of space for painting miniatures or whatever else you want to do on it.  

Pros

• The desk is very sturdy and can support up to 1000 lbs.
• The wide desktop provides plenty of space for all your work or hobby needs.
• The adjustable leg pads ensure that the desk stays stable, even on uneven floors.

Cons

• The desk is quite heavy and may require two people to assemble.
• The instructions are mostly visual, so it’s important to pay close attention to the diagrams.
• The desk may have some side-to-side movement.

I’ve seen this in person and it’s one of those desks where you’re like… wow that’s big.  I almost pulled the trigger on it for my dedicated hobby desk.  If my home hobby area was just a bit bigger, I would have bought it.

Honestly I could fit this in my room but I would have to move my large shelves somewhere else.  The size is fantastic for a big painting station, and I might have to find a way to make it happen.  

Again it has the leg stabilizers on the sides, a feature I love.  Really keeps it stable.  It also has the adjustable leg pads you can unscrew to level it.  The table’s surface itself is strong and laminated.  

This desk is also just a big flat surface so any storage would be something you add to it.  Under desk cabinets or shelves and paint racks on top of it.  

Overall a great hobby workstation with enough space for everything you need and more.

Best Value Hobby Desk for Miniature Painting, Modeling and Crafts 2023

CubiCubi Desk with Storage Shelves

There is so much to like about the CubiCubi Desk.  It’s 55″ which is a very nice size.  You’ve got a bit of shelving above and below, but not so much that it eats up all your surface.  I like a lot of flat area to work on, and this has that, along with some storage.  All for under 100 bucks.

Pros

• The desk comes with 3-tier storage shelves that can hold whatever you need it to.
• I like the low cost, and modern simple style of it.
• The desk is spacious and sturdy.

Cons

• For the price it’s great but don’t expect high end materials.  It’s pressed wood and metal.
• The desk may shake or wobble a bit if you’re using a vortex mixer for example.

Value.  If you’re low on funds this is a great option.  You get the workspace with storage options for hobby tools, paints, miniatures and more.

It does have the stabilizer bar on one side, and shelving on the other, so wobble should be very minimal.  

Again it’s an open back desk so any wires for lights and mixers will show behind it unless you use some cable management.

Runner up value hobby desk:  Weehom 55″ Flat Desk

It’s simple, flat and high quality for the price.  I had to put this on there for people who don’t want any built in shelving, but are looking for a low cost option.

The Best Hobby Desk with Storage for Miniature Painting and Crafting

ODK 48″ Desk with Drawers and Shelves

Very traditional desk type.  The ODK has drawers, and under shelving.  I know a lot of people love this style so I wanted to add one.  

Pros

• The desk comes with 3 easy-to-assemble fabric drawers that offer a good amount of storage for all your office or school supplies, gaming equipment, and other essentials.
• This desk with storage has ample space for all your needs, including a removable 2-tier bookshelf that can also serve as an organizer.
• The metal leg and wood desktop construction keep the desk sturdy and wobble-free, making it perfect for typing, writing, or gaming.

Cons

• The drawers are not as sturdy as the desk itself, so you need to be careful when opening or closing them.
• The desk top could be wider to accommodate larger monitors or laptops.
• The assembly instructions could be more detailed and clearer.

We recently purchased this ODK Office Small Computer Desk for our home office, and we are happy with our purchase. The desk is easy to assemble, and all the parts are clearly labeled. It took us about 30 minutes to put it together.

The desk has a good amount of storage space, thanks to the 3 fabric drawers and the removable 2-tier bookshelf. The drawers are easy to open and close, but they are not as sturdy as the desk itself, so you need to be careful when using them.

The desk is sturdy and wobble-free, thanks to the metal leg and wood desktop construction. It’s perfect for typing, writing, or gaming. However, we wish the desk top could be wider to accommodate larger monitors or laptops.

Overall, if you’re looking for a small computer desk with ample storage space and a modern design, this ODK Office Small Computer Desk could be a great option.

Best Hobby Desk with Extra Storage

South Shore Crea Counter-Height Craft Table

Tons. Of. Storage.  The South Shore Craft Table the one to get if you love having a lot of places to put things.  The great thing about this one is you still have a nice flat work surface to paint and hobby on.  

Pros

• The table offers two interchangeable storage modules, a wide sliding drawer, and four storage baskets, providing plenty of space to keep all your supplies organized.
• The table is laminated on every surface, so you can place it anywhere in the room.
• The drawers slide quietly and smoothly on metal tracks, making it easy for you to access materials.

Cons

• Assembly is required, which may be a challenge for some users.
• The table is quite heavy, so it may be difficult to move around once assembled.
• While the table is scratchproof and water-resistant, it is not made of real wood.

We recently purchased the South Shore Crea Counter-Height Craft Table for our home office, and we have been very pleased with it. The table offers plenty of storage space, with two interchangeable storage modules, a wide sliding drawer, and four storage baskets. We appreciate the fact that the table is laminated on every surface, so we can place it anywhere in the room without worrying about damaging it. The drawers slide quietly and smoothly on metal tracks, making it easy for us to access materials.

The only downside to the table is that assembly is required, which may be a challenge for some users. The table is also quite heavy, so it may be difficult to move around once assembled. Additionally, while the table is scratchproof and water-resistant, it is not made of real wood.

Overall, we would definitely recommend the South Shore Crea Counter-Height Craft Table to anyone looking for a craft table with ample storage. It’s a great option for anyone who needs a dedicated workspace for crafting or other hobbies.

The Best Adjustable Desk for Miniature Painting and Crafting 2023

FEZIBO Height Adjustable Electric Standing Desk

I love the Fezibo Electric Adjustable Standing Desk for anyone looking for a sturdy and reliable standing desk. I don’t have one like this but I do have a small adjustable height table that I can set on my desk if I want to stand up. It’s not nearly as sturdy and wide as this though.

I wouldn’t recommend a portable adjustable in this case. At least in my case I usually rest my elbows on the table, and portable adjustables can’t handle that.

The Fezibo on the other hand can absolutely do it.

Pros

• The electric height adjustable lifting system is fast and quiet, making it easy to switch between sitting and standing positions throughout the day.
• The stable construction and solid material can support up to 176 lbs, more than enough for anything you’ll throw at it.
• The memory height and anti-collision tech is good for tight spaces, safety and ease of use.

Cons

• The assembly instructions could be clearer and more detailed, making it a bit difficult to put together.
• The desk can be a bit wobbly at full height, which may be a concern for some users.
• The desk is quite large and may not fit in smaller workspaces.

Portable Hobby Workstation

For a nice, high end set I would direct you here:  Frontier Wargaming.  They have a bunch of options that are functional, well made and look cool.  A bit pricey, but if you’ll use it a lot I think it’s well worth it.

If you’re like me and only use something infrequently, I ended up with this inexpensive set:  Miniature Painting Station

Small Space or Folding Hobby Table

A good folding table is a great option if you have limited space.  You can have a dedicated painting table or something with some versatility that can be used for other things.  I have a couple that I like.  

Side Desk Folding Craft Station:  Two caveats to this one.  First is I do not personally own it.  Second is I’m not sure what you can use those spool holders for.  I’d much rather they be shelves for paint.  Maybe I’d try to DIY some shelves to replace that.  

Beyond that though, i love that this folds into an end table!  So handy.  I would 100% use this if I needed something small.

Need Brand Fold Flat Table: Another caveat I do not own this one. 

This is a really good size that folds flat.  If you have maybe a couch or bed you can slide this under when not in use, it’s a great option.  The way it’s built with the side supports, I expect it to be sturdy too.

Simple and Versatile Folding Table:  Ok this one I do own, and I used to use it for miniature painting.  I’ve taken it out of my office and replaced it but it did the trick at the time.  Very easy to close the desk and put it away.  

It’s a little wobbly, but not bad.  No storage, no extra features, just a folding table with four legs and a padded top.

Additions to your Miniature Painting Desk and Hobby Tables

All the things you can put on your hobby desk is a bit outside the scope of this article.  I did want to do a quick brain dump of the things I personally have on mine, so you can see why I prefer a large flat space.

Paint Racks:  These are wood or acrylic racks to hold the many, many paints you’ll use in hobbying.  I personally have two very large ones on my desk.

Paint Brush Holders:  This can be as simple as a mug or cup to hold the brushes.

Lighting:  My lights are suspended over the desk so they don’t take up much space, but yours might.  Something to consider.

Magnifier:  I have a goose neck magnifying glass I use for painting.

Wet Palette:  This is the rectangular plastic container to hold the paints you’re using.

Glues and Mediums:  Plastic cement, crazy glue, Elmer’s glue, thinners, flow improver, water.  Plenty of these on my desk.

Paint Mixer:  I have a vortex mixer.  It does a great job of shaking up my acrylics before I use them.

Tools:  Hobby knife, Dremel, files, sanding sticks, etc.  This hobby has lots and lots of tools.

Display Stands:  I have some simple display stands to put my favorite painted miniatures on.  It’s great for motivation.

Storage Bins:  A hobbyist needs storage, with all the stuff we use bins are great for storage.  I put these under my desk.

Buying Guide for Hobby and Crafting Workstation:

When choosing a miniature painting desk, while a lot of it is personal preference, there are several things everyone should consider:

Size and Space

Consider the size of the desk and the space where you will be using it. If you have limited space, you may want to look for a desk that is compact and can easily fit in your workspace. On the other hand, if you have plenty of room, you may want to consider a larger desk that can accommodate multiple projects at once.

Dont forget to measure for depth as well as length. 

Final tip is to make sure the legs of the desk wont be obstructed by anything.  In my office there is a radiator that would get in the way of some desks with a stability bar in back.  

Adjustability

An adjustable desk allows you to adjust the height and angle of the work surface to suit your needs. This feature can help reduce strain on your neck, back, and shoulders, and make it easier to work for longer periods of time.

My hobby desk is not adjustable, but I did buy a portable adjustable platform that allows me to stand up and paint or work.  

Lighting

Good lighting is much more important than you might think when miniature painting.  Many lights sit on your desk directly, but others clamp on the back.  Put a bit of thought into which you might go with.  Lights that I suggest fit on all the desk choices I have here.

Storage

A desk with built-in storage beneath or shelves to put things on top can help keep your workspace organized. You can get a desk with storage, or add on individual bins, stands and racks to store your paints, brushes, and other supplies.

However you like to do it can work, I just prefer portable, under the desk add on options.

Durability

A good miniature painting desk should be durable and able to withstand regular use. You can further protect it with a cutting mat in case you spill paint, but in general you want something laminated and high quality.

For painting you only have to worry about a bit of spillage, but for the other parts of the hobby it’s basically a workbench.  You’ll be using clippers, hobby knives, dremel tools, tweezers and other metal, sharp objects.  So a strong surface and a cutting mat on the desk is also ideal.  

Price

Miniature painting desks come in a range of prices.  I tried to provide a good wide range here for you, and any of these can work well.  So consider your budget. Keep in mind that a higher price tag may mean better quality and more features, but it’s important to find a desk that fits within your price range.

Oh and let’s be honest, the hobby isnt cheap.  There’s always more paints and more miniatures to buy…

Hope this guide helped you.  As always, please ask any questions in the comments.