Canvas Size Guide: How Big Should Paint by Numbers Canvas Be?
Ordering a custom paint by numbers kit feels straightforward, but choosing the right size may cause some thinking. What size is the best for me? Choose too small and it might be hard to paint all the details, choose too large and the final painting might not fit the place you had planned for it. The perfect dimensions balance photo detail, wall space, and how many evenings you actually want to devote to brushwork. Let's take a closer look at different canvas sizes!
Detail vs. Distance - Does Canvas Size Matter?
First, open the photo you plan to upload and zoom in until you see individual hairs or brick lines. If those smaller details matter (think wedding lace or skyline lights), lean toward a larger canvas and more paint options, so the software can assign enough numbered zones. Second, picture where the finished piece will hang. A small desk-sized portrait looks sharp up close but vanishes across a living room. A big statement piece commands attention yet might overwhelm a hallway nook.
When choosing the right size canvas for you and your needs, think how much detail you want to have and where you want to hang the finished paint by numbers painting. Also if time is of essence for you, painting a smaller canvas with less colors takes less time, than painting a large canvas with many details.
Custom Paint by Numbers Four Size Options
Our custom kit comes in four different sizes, each in inches and centimeters, so you can dial in the right balance of detail, display impact, and paint time.
| Size | Best For | Paint time* | Wall Impression |
| 16 × 20 in (40 × 50 cm) |
First-timers, bold icons, quick gifts | 8–12 hrs | Fits apartment walls or bookshelves without dominating the room |
| 20 × 20 in (50 × 50 cm) |
Square pet portraits, Instagram-style selfies | 10–14 hrs | Creates a symmetric focal point over desks, side tables |
| 20 × 28 in (50 × 70 cm) |
Detailed couples’ photos, travel vistas | 14–20 hrs | Eye-catching centerpiece for living rooms or stair landings |
| 28 × 40 in (70 × 100 cm) |
Panoramic landscapes, multi-pet scenes | 20 hrs+ | Statement art, ideal for spacious walls, office lobbies |
*Paint times assume relaxed evening sessions with short breaks, time estimates may vary.
Matching Subject to Size of Canvas
Faces and pets shine at 20 × 20 in or larger, those subtle eye highlights and fur gradients need breathing room. Iconic silhouettes (classic cars, single sunflowers) stay recognizable on 16 × 20 in. Panoramic mountain ranges reward the 28 × 40 in upgrade, letting misty treelines and sunset fades emerge without being reduced to a single paint pot.
Skill Level, Patience, and Posture
A beginner who paints a couple hours once a week will breeze through the 16 × 20 in canvas in under a month, building confidence without fatigue. Veterans of paint by numbers chasing meditative flow may relish the marathon of a 28 × 40 in masterpiece. Remember posture: usually anything larger than 20 × 28 in sits best on an easel so your back and wrists stay relaxed during long sessions.
Final Brushstroke
Choosing the right canvas size is the difference between “nice craft” and jaw-dropping masterpiece. Factor in detail importance, viewing distance, and your own painting tempo, then pick from our four dialed-in dimensions. Ready to create your own custom paint by numbers art at just the right scale?
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