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Movable Work Tables

Flexible Spaces

September 2nd, 2021 - 2 min read

Finding space to work on projects can be a challenge, so space in collections storage areas, conservation labs, and other work areas often need to do double duty.

Movable work tables create flexible spaces that can be reconfigured on the fly. Available on rails or on wheels in a wide range of dimensions, Spacesaver’s mobile tables are ideal for museums, archives, libraries, athletic equipment rooms, tool rooms, and more.

Want more creative ideas for your museum?

Moving Prep Table that Slides on Rails

This movable prep table in an archive creates flex space in a room that stores maps and architectural plans. It provides a flat surface for staff and visiting researchers to work on active projects, and the table can be moved out of the way to create a large open area to receive and process materials.

flat file moveable work table
storage mobile work station
museum archives work table

The table features flat-file cabinets on one side and 4-Post shelving on the other.

The work table is usually positioned near the center of the room to provide convenient access from all sides. When staff need more space to receive, process, or ship large items or numerous boxes of documents, they can turn the mechanical-assist handle to move the table out of the way along rails installed in the floor. It’s a creative take on Spacesaver’s High-Density Mobile Shelving.

Movable Work Tables for Any Facility

This same concept can be used in libraries, athletic equipment rooms, and tool rooms! Contact us to learn how we can design a movable work table for your facility.

athletic equipment room work table storage
athletic equipment room work table storage

Work Table on Wheels

Collections managers at this private museum care for objects that reflect the collector’s interests in music, art, and science fiction. The collection includes objects that vary widely in size, so staff often need to construct custom housings to protect them. To minimize the risk of damage during transport, staff prefer to work as close to the objects’ storage locations as possible.

counter height storage on wheels

The collections managers told their local Spacesaver consultant about their desire for a large, movable, all-purpose work table for the museum collections area. They wanted large compartments to store projects in progress, and they also wanted drawers for cutters, materials for making conservation mounts, and other supplies.

“It seems like nobody ever has enough workspace, so this is a luxury for us. I can leave projects out overnight and not have to worry.”

– Collections Manager

The local consultant worked with Spacesaver’s engineers to create a movable prep table. It can be moved around the collections area, and the wheels (also called casters) lock to keep the table securely in place. Its drawers and compartments were custom designed to staff’s specifications, creating a convenient and versatile workspace.

pivoting art racks

Art Rack + Work Surfaces

Spacesaver’s art racks are usually used for storage or display, but this unique art rack actually serves as a work surface for art conservators. The staff at a New York art museum needed a place to do restoration work on the museum’s large and heavy frames. The workspace needed to be sturdy enough to support the frames, but floorspace was at a premium and the workspace needed to be stored away when not in use.

These racks are typically stored flat against the wall, with just enough space behind them to store frames that are in need of restoration. When needed, the racks can be swung out toward the center of the room, providing staff with convenient access to tools and supplies.

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