Decorative easels are the cheat code of home styling. They float art, mirrors, cookbooks, menus, and frames without a single hole in the wall.
They’re portable. They add height. And they come in styles from farmhouse to vintage brass. Below are seven easy ideas you can try today, each paired with a display easel suggestion so you can explore the exact look right away.
1. Create an Entryway Statement With a Tall Metal Display Easel
Nothing sets the tone like a tall easel greeting guests. Place an oversized art print or slim floor mirror on a sturdy metal easel stand to create a gallery vibe right by the door. A tall frame gives a big impact without crowding the walkway.
How to style it?
- Pair with an abstract canvas or a framed family portrait.
- Add a floor basket for umbrellas to balance the height.
- Keep the base on a flat, low-traffic spot so the piece reads intentional, not in the way.
You can try these:
- Black Metal Large Easel DisplayStand, 70″ for oversized art.
- Metal Large Easel, Scroll Design, 66″, if you want a little less height
2. Build a Cozy Farmhouse Corner With a Decorative Easel Stand
Build a warm vignette in a dead corner. Start with a woven basket and a throw, then stand a sign or framed botanical on a decorative easel. The right finish ties your rustic accents together without drilling anything.
How to style it?
- Lean a wooden cutting board on the shelf for extra layers.
- Mix one matte black accessory so the white finish pops.
- Rotate seasonal prints without moving a nail.
You can go with these:
- White Metal Farmhouse Easel, 56″ with a handy little shelf.
- Prefer contrast over white. Use the Black Metal Large Easel66″ for a modern farmhouse mix.
3. Switch Rooms in Seconds With a Folding Art Display Easel
If your living room doubles as a studio or party space, choose a display easel that sets up in seconds and tucks away fast. Use it for art during the week, then swap in a welcome or menu sign when you’re hosting.
How to style it?
- For a drinks station, display the night’s cocktail menu on the easel.
- Store it behind a cabinet when not in use.
- For taller frames, place felt pads behind the frame’s bottom corners to keep it level.
You can pick these:
- Black Folding Tripod Metal Easel, 48″ for lightweight, portable use.
- For petite pop-up signs on a buffet, use the Gold Metal Scroll Tabletop Easel, 14″.
4. Elevate Mantels With a Fleur-De-lis Decorative Easel Stand
Mantels and consoles love a little lift. A compact display easel with a crest detail keeps photos and slim art upright without hogging depth. Small decorative easels can make a big visual difference.
How to style it?
- Create a trio: easel + stacked books + small sculpture.
- Angle the frame slightly for a relaxed, collected look.
- Repeat the black finish in a nearby candle holder so the vignette feels cohesive.
You can give them a try:
- Black Metal Easelwith Fleur-de-Lis, 25″ for classic lines.
- Want a brighter accent. Try Gold Metal Scroll Tabletop Easel, 14″.
- Prefer cooler metals. Brushed Silver Brass Tabletop Easel, 11″ × 5″.
5. Add Petite Height on Trays With Scroll Tabletop Easels
Trays, bookcases, and bar carts need vertical variety. A compact tabletop easel holds a small canvas, decorative plate, or tile art without hiding the items around it. On smaller surfaces, a refined metal easel stand adds height without clutter.
How to style it?
- On a coffee table tray, stand a postcard-size print on the easel and flank it with a candle and a tiny plant.
- On open shelves, place one easel per shelf only, then offset with stacked books.
- For parties, display a dessert menu card on the bar cart.
You can go with:
- Gold Metal Scroll Easel,14″ for sturdy everyday styling.
- Gold Metal Scroll Arabesque Tabletop Easels, Set of 2 (16″ & 14″) to layer two heights together.
- Gold Ornate Brass Easel, 9″, if you prefer a compact brass look.
6. Style Shelves With a Brushed-Silver Brass Tabletop Easel
Gold reads cozy. Silver reads cool and modern. When your shelf needs contrast, switch to a brushed-silver brass easel. You get old-world detail in a fresh tone that flatters monochrome photos and sketches.
How to style it?
- Pair with clear glass and black frames for a clean palette.
- Use it inside a glass-front cabinet to elevate a small plate.
- If your shelf is deep, center the easel and layer a short object in front for depth.
You can go with:
- Brushed Silver Brass Tabletop Easel, 11″ × 5″ for a sleek, cool finish.
- Want warmth instead. Gold Brass Victorian Style Tabletop Easel, 12″.
- Tiny frames. Gold Ornate Brass Easel, 6–9″ options.
7. Make a Vintage Brass Easel Your Focal Accent
One standout piece can carry a whole vignette. A polished vintage brass easel shines on a console or dining buffet. It reads like an heirloom and works for a favorite print or a special menu during holidays.
How to style it?
- Center it on the buffet, then add two identical candlesticks on either side.
- For entry tables, set a 16×20 art print and tuck a bowl for keys beneath.
- Keep a microfiber cloth handy to buff fingerprints on brass.
You can try one of these:
- Vintage Style Gold Brass Ornate Easel, 21″, as the main focal point.
- Want something slightly smaller. Shiny Gold Brass Ornate Easel, 16″.
Finish Your Look: Explore GLOBEDECOR Decorative Easels
Decorative easels do more than hold a frame. They solve layout problems, add vertical balance, and let you refresh a room in minutes. When choosing, think in three layers:
- Scale and placement:Floor display easels in the 56–70 inch range make entryways and corners feel intentional. Mid-size stands elevate mantels and consoles. Tabletop easels add height on trays and shelves without blocking sightlines.
- Finish and style:Black or white metal easel stands lean modern or farmhouse. Brass easels in gold or brushed silver feel luxe and collected. Match nearby hardware for a pulled-together look.
- Function and flexibility:Folding art display easels move where the action is. Fixed styles shine when you want a permanent focal point.
GLOBEDECOR covers every use case, from tall floor frames for statement art and mirrors to compact tabletop easels for cookbooks and plates, plus ornate vintage brass options for heirloom displays.
Explore our decorative Easel collection to mix and match sizes, finishes, and sets.
Some Frequently Asked Questions
What can be used as an easel?
Anything that holds a piece upright at a steady angle works as an easel: a purpose-built display easel or easel stand, a small tabletop easel, even a plate or cookbook stand in a pinch. Just add felt or rubber feet so frames don’t slip.
How to display art without an easel?
Lean the frame on a mantel, console, or bookshelf, use a picture ledge or removable hanging strips, or stand smaller pieces on a sturdy plate or cookbook stand so the art reads intentional without drilling.
Is it better to draw from an easel or a table?
Use an easel for larger work and better posture because it reduces distortion and frees your arm; use a table for small, detailed pieces that need tight control. As a rule of thumb, bigger than A3 prefers an easel, and miniature or precision work prefers a table.
Are tabletop easels good?
Yes, tabletop easels are great for small to medium displays and quick setups, and they travel easily; just check the weight rating and non-slip feet, and avoid using them for very heavy frames or big canvases.
What is the best type of easel?
The best easel matches the job: for home decor use a floor display easel for large art or mirrors, a tabletop easel for shelves and counters, a brass easel for a luxe accent, and a folding tripod for events; for art making, H-frame gives maximum stability, A-frame saves space, and plein-air/tripod is best for travel.
How to pick an art easel?
Decide your purpose (display or making art), match the size and weight of your piece, look for height and tilt adjustability, choose a material and finish that fits your space, check stability and footprint for safety, and pick a folding or tripod design if you’ll move it often.
