How to Choose the Right Drawing Board for Art, Design, and Everyday Use

Whether you're sketching in a sunny studio, drafting floorplans for a client or working through a uni assignment at your kitchen table, a good drawing board can make the whole process smoother. These boards might look simple but they’re a quiet game changer for anyone who works with paper, precision or imagination.

At Eckersley’s we’ve stocked drawing boards for decades helping artists, students and designers find the right setup to support their creative flow. From portable models to professional drafting boards, there’s something for every style and workspace. Pair your board with a quality drawing set and you’re ready to tackle everything from quick sketches to detailed plans.

Why Use a Drawing Board?

If you’ve ever tried sketching on a soft surface or hunched over a too low desk you’ll know how quickly that can turn from relaxing to frustrating. Pages buckle, lines go wonky and your neck starts to protest. A drawing board fixes all that with one key benefit — a solid, level surface you can actually rely on.

Drawing boards are built to keep things stable so you can focus on your work without fiddling with shifting paper or bending into uncomfortable angles. They also help you maintain better posture over long sessions whether you’re working in pencil, ink or watercolour.

And when you’ve got your pencils sharpened and your board propped at the right angle, everything just flows a little better. At Eckersley’s we hear it all the time: “I didn’t realise how much I needed a drawing board until I had one.”

Key Types of Drawing Boards Explained

There’s no one size fits all when it comes to drawing boards. The one that works best depends on how you like to work, where you’re working and what materials you’re using.

Artist Drawing Boards

Simple, sturdy and versatile, artist drawing boards are designed for sketching, painting and everyday use. They’re great for sitting flat on a table or your lap and often come with clips to keep your paper still. At Eckersley’s we offer several sizes and finishes that are perfect for both beginners and pros.

Drafting Boards

Drafting boards are the serious business of the drawing board world. Built for architects, engineers and anyone doing technical work they come with extras like parallel rules, angle adjustment and a bit more surface area. If you're working to scale or need sharp consistent lines this is your go to. We’ve got drafting boards at Eckersley’s that match the standard you need whether you’re a student or working in the field.

Portable Drawing Boards

Need something you can take with you? Portable boards are lightweight and easy to carry, perfect for plein air sketching, uni classes or working between home and studio. Some have handles or fold flat making them a breeze to store. Eckersley’s portable range includes boards in A3 to A1 sizes so you can pick one that travels well and suits your style.

How to Choose a Drawing Board That Suits Your Practice

Picking the right drawing board comes down to knowing how and where you’ll use it. Here are a few things to think about.

1. Size and Space

If your workspace is limited, go for something compact. If you tend to work large or need elbow room consider a full sized model. Eckersley’s offers a variety of board sizes from compact A3 for quick sketches to A1 for big ideas.

2. Portability

Are you always on the move or do you mostly work at the same desk every day? Portable boards are great if you like to change locations. Our lighter options are designed with mobility in mind without compromising on surface quality.

3. Angle and Ergonomics

Being able to tilt your board can help with both comfort and accuracy. If you draw for long stretches, consider one with adjustable angles. Eckersley’s carries both fixed and tilt friendly options to support different workflows.

4. Materials

MDF, hardwood or melamine — it makes a difference. You want a surface that’s smooth, strong and doesn’t warp over time. Our range at Eckersley’s includes well made boards built to last no matter how many hours you clock at the drawing table.

If you’re unsure which one’s right for you drop by your local Eckersley’s. Our team knows these products inside out and we’re always happy to help you find what feels right.

To get the most from your drawing board, it’s worth pairing it with the right paper. Whether you’re working on rough sketches or finished illustrations, Eckersley’s has a wide selection of drawing paper and pads in sizes from A3 to A1 that complement your board perfectly.

Setting Up Your Drawing Board for Comfort and Focus

Once you’ve picked your board, give some thought to your setup. A few small adjustments can make your workspace more comfortable and your sessions more productive.

Raise Your View

Prop your board at a gentle angle using a stand, books or a purpose built support. It’ll help with posture and make it easier to keep perspective accurate especially for architectural or anatomical drawing.

Secure Your Paper

Use clips, masking tape or board mounted clamps to stop your page from shifting. You’ll spend less time straightening and more time actually drawing.

Sort Your Lighting

Natural light is great but not always reliable. A soft desk lamp with an adjustable arm can help reduce eye strain during late nights or cloudy days.

If your space could use a boost, Eckersley’s carries a curated selection of drawing projectors and studio lighting. These options offer adjustable brightness and direction, helping you see your work clearly no matter the time of day.

Keep Essentials Close

Having a tidy tray or pencil holder nearby makes a difference. If you have to stop to hunt down your eraser you’ll break your flow. Eckersley’s stocks a range of handy accessories to make your setup work better for you.

Having the right tools within reach makes your session smoother and more enjoyable. Eckersley’s stocks a full range of drawing tools including fineliners, erasers and rulers, so you can stay focused and in flow.

Find the Perfect Drawing Board for Your Projects.

The right drawing board can turn any corner of your home, classroom or studio into a focused creative space. Whether you're just starting out, returning to art after a break or levelling up your gear Eckersley’s has what you need to support your process.

Explore our full range of artist drawing boards, portable models and professional drafting boards online or visit your local store for help picking the one that fits you best. We’re here to help you create in comfort wherever inspiration strikes.