As music teachers, our instruments are the most important piece of furniture in our studios (I love my Yamaha Grand!). However, a functional teaching space requires more than just our beloved instruments.
There are frequently used repertoire books to keep nearby, student files we may want to access daily, sightreading material, highlighters, tripods, pedal extenders, and more!
After five years in our new house, we finally finished my studio space this past January. Check out the finished product and get a full tour in this post: ➡️ Check out my Piano Studio.
As I described in that blog post, I spent several years in this new space with minimal furniture. We’ve built our home with the mindset of holding off on certain parts until we were financially ready to pay for another large portion rather than trying to complete it in one go.
The studio space was one of those steps (as were things like finishing our pantry – read about that here – or the laundry room, or the main bedroom closet – both of which are still on the list!) It’s called delayed gratification – a key component to a healthy financial mindset in my opinion. 🙂
Anyway, I was looking for furniture to help me make better use of the space. As you might imagine, this was a struggle for this organized person!
When it was time to purchase furniture, I had a checklist of important specifications to make the space functional for me (details of which I won’t go into detail here but did mention in the tour post). The research was quite time-consuming!
While I came across lots of great stuff that would work well in an independent music studio, it didn’t always meet the criteria for MY space, whether for color, size, design, or functionality.
I DID think of you, though, while researching and saved a list of all of those great finds, which I’m excited to share with you today! So, if you’ve been looking for proper/functional furniture for your music studio space, check out my finds below.
2-Drawer Rolling File Cabinet
This mobile filing cabinet has a nice-sized drawer at the top and an area for hanging files at the bottom.
It would be a great place to store files for student materials or items you frequently use during lessons (like Circle of 5ths sheets, staff paper, etc.)
If you like to rearrange, having furniture on rollers can be useful.
2-Drawer File Cabinet with Printer Top
Similar to the one above, this mobile file cabinet provides a little different functionality.
A side pocket and additional shelf provide for a little more storage/working space although the drawers look like they are slightly smaller than the one above.
Check sizes and make sure the space is adequate for what you need!
Rolling Cart
This is a small, simple cart that is completely mobile. It even has a little drawer!
I love the woodgrain color, and at only $50, it’s a great price point for a functional piece of furniture in your teaching space!
Again, be sure and measure. Just because they show a printer on the bottom shelf doesn’t mean YOUR printer will fit there.
Cubiker Small Desk with Drawers
This modern, simple desk comes in three sizes – 40, 47, or 55 inches. It’s similar to the one that I ultimately purchased for my studio (see it here) – mine has 1 drawer and a file drawer.
It’s also reversible so you can switch which side the drawers are on.
Small 3 Drawer Portable Desk
This desk would be ideal for your teaching area, as opposed to a full-time work desk.
I wanted a black desk myself in my teaching area since it was going to be next to my black grand piano.
This one only comes in white or brown; otherwise, it may have been my winner!
I was also a bit hesitant, wondering how sturdy this was as opposed to the black one above, but its drawer space is very appealing!
Consider your own needs!
Corner Desk With Ample Storage
I love the light wood look of this desk. It has lots of good storage space and a clean, simple, modern look.
Most of the furniture you buy online like this will have more than one color option. I was looking for light wood and white to add to my space, which is why you see many of those colors in these recommendations. 🙂
When purchasing furniture, be sure to double-check your space measurements!
Tribesigns Storage and File Cabinet
Tribesigns is one of my favorite furniture dealers on Amazon. This functional storage file cabinet has a nice little design appeal with the chevron pattern and gold handles.
I can’t tell if the back is open or closed through… My preference is usually closed so things don’t push through to the wall.
Tribesigns 5-Drawer Cabinet
Once again, Tribesigns brings us some simple storage solutions with beautiful designs.
I wish I needed drawer storage, or I would be all over this 5-drawer cabinet!
This would be great storage for games, teaching manipulatives, and more!
Tribesigns Storage Cabinet with Bottom File
Another beautiful design from Tribesigns.
Can you tell I like them? LOL. In fact, their Amazon shop was one of the things I listed on episode 106 of the podcast – My 2024 Valentines.
The gold feet and handles add excellent interest to this solid-colored cabinet.
The ample file storage space would be great for storing student material, sightreading materials, or any other teaching resource.
Tribesigns L-Shaped Desk
Depending on the look you’re going for, if you want to warm up a space, this desk with the slightly darker wood look and white base makes a beautiful statement.
It has lots of great work and storage space built in. Beautiful!
If you look closely, I also like that the back of the open desk has a panel. While I love simple table-top-like desks, the downside is you can see all the chords and stuff coming out the back of your computer hanging down.
A panel like this will clean up the look – especially if you face the desk into a room rather than against a wall.
That’s a Wrap
Well, that’s a wrap, friends! I hope you found a new piece of furniture that’s useful to you or at least used my links to take you down a rabbit hole that allowed you to find something that was even more functional for your space.
Enjoy building a space you love to be in and teach in!
