Every design in our catalog comes in the same five sizes. The design is the same; what changes is how large each numbered zone prints, and therefore how it paints. This is the question we answer most often by email, so here it is in one place.
The five sizes
| Size | Metric | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 12x12 in | 30x30 cm | Square designs, shelves, a grid of several canvases |
| 12x16 in | 30x40 cm | Lap painting, small walls, first try on a budget of time |
| 16x20 in | 40x50 cm | The size we recommend; standard frames fit it |
| 20x26 in | 50x65 cm | Above a sofa or bed, detailed designs |
| 23.5x23.5 in | 60x60 cm | Square statement piece, large zones, easier than it looks |
Smaller is harder, not easier
This surprises people. Shrinking a 36 color design onto a 12x16 inch canvas shrinks every zone with it. Details that are comfortable at 16x20 become specks at 12x16. If you want a quick, relaxed project, pick a simple design at a normal size rather than a complex design at a small size. If you must go small, choose 24 colors.
Larger takes longer, but paints more pleasantly
A 20x26 inch canvas has about 70 percent more area than a 16x20. Expect proportionally more hours. In exchange, fine details become easy to see and the finished piece has real presence on a wall. The jumbo square at 23.5 inches is the most relaxing to paint per square inch of all five, because zones are generous. It needs a table or an easel though; it does not sit on a lap.
Framing by size
16x20 inches is a standard frame size in the US, so ready-made frames are cheap and everywhere. 12x12 and 12x16 are also standard. 20x26 and 23.5x23.5 are not, so plan on stretcher bars (the DIY Frame Kit option) and either leave them gallery-wrapped or order a custom floater later.
Where it will hang
Above a sofa, art should span roughly two thirds of the sofa width. For an 84 inch couch that is one 20x26 or a pair of 16x20s side by side. Above a bedside table, 12x12 or 12x16. Down a hallway, three 12x12 squares in a row.
Fine detail designs deserve the extra inches
Museum reproductions with gold leaf patterns, ornate dresses or dense ornament lose the most when printed small. Klimt is the clearest case: at 16x20 the patterns are readable and enjoyable, at 20x26 they are a pleasure, at 12x16 they are a test of patience.
A design that rewards the larger sizes
- Gustav Klimt The Kiss paint by numbers kit (from $19.95) . order 16x20 or 20x26, 48 colors if you enjoy detail
- London at Dusk paint by numbers kit (from $19.95) . fine windows and reflections, same advice
Still unsure? Default to 16x20 inches with 36 colors. It is the configuration most customers choose and the one our reviews refer to.
Shipping is free to the US, Canada, the UK, the EU, Australia and New Zealand, with no minimum. Orders leave the workshop within 1 to 3 business days and arrive in 7 to 15. Put two kits in the cart and the third one is taken off at checkout, no code to type.
