Using a paint-by-numbers kit to decorate your home

I’ve recently written about minimalist wall art, and how it’s having a big moment. In this article, I said that you can actually create your own art, and it’s a super budget-friendly way to decorate your home, and get creative!

But for some people, it’s not that easier. If you aren’t an artist, or have a vision with no idea how to actually create it, you might be feeling a bit stuck. This is where a paint by numbers kit could really surprise you.

If you want to experience the feeling of painting something, while also guaranteeing that it’s going to come out perfectly, then these kits are going to be the perfect thing for you. Paint by numbers is making a big comeback because it’s part of the self-care movement, the slowing-down-to-do-something-you-love movement. There’s something very grounding about it. Your hands are busy, your mind slows down, and before you know it you’ve switched off from everything else. It feels therapeutic, without feeling like you’re trying to relax.

These kits give you just enough structure to get started, without taking away the satisfaction of creating something yourself.

And honestly, the cost makes sense too! Gallery prints can easily run into the hundreds, and commissioning a piece is another level entirely. A good quality paint by numbers kit costs a fraction of that, but what you get feels far more valuable, because you’ve put your own time, effort and intention into it.

Below, I’ve tried to outline everything I’ve learned doing paint by numbers. You’ll find information on why they’re gaining popularity, how to choose a pattern/design, how to actually paint one and then how to finish or frame it.

 

Why paint by numbers is having a moment again

Paint by numbers has been around since the 1950s, but today’s kits are a world away from the basic designs you might remember. Advances in printing and colour technology mean modern kits are detailed, beautifully designed and genuinely impressive when finished.

I think part of their appeal is something called the “IKEA effect”. Basically, we value things more when we’ve had a hand in making them. Spend a few evenings painting a canvas and it instantly means more than something you picked up and hung in five minutes. It becomes your artwork.

The choice available now is huge too. You’ll find everything from classic masterpieces inspired by artists like Van Gogh and Monet, to bold modern abstracts, playful pop art, cityscapes, pet portraits, and even fully custom designs.

Brands like Davincified offer customisable kits with different colour counts (24, 36 or 48 colours), and you can choose between rolled canvases or pre-stretched ones depending on how you want to work. Yep, customisable. That means if you have a photo you love of your family or a pet, you can have it turned into a kit ready for painting!

 

The best bit? You don’t need any artistic background at all. The numbered system takes away that fear of “doing it wrong”, which makes the whole process so much more enjoyable. If you’re not sure where to start, mini sets with smaller canvases are a brilliant way to dip your toe in without committing to a big piece straight away.

 

Choosing artwork that actually works in your home

If you want your artwork to ‘go’ with your home, then you need to consider the design carefully. Don’t just choose something that’s pretty, or because you simply like it. It needs to work with the room it’s going in.

I always suggest starting with your existing colour palette. Do you want your artwork to blend in or stand out as a focal point? Have a look at the colours in the room, and identify the main ones. Is it pinks, greens, creams, greys, blues?

Bedrooms tend to suit softer, cooler tones — blues, greens, gentle lilacs — anything that feels calming. Living rooms, kitchens and more social spaces can handle warmer, bolder colours that bring a bit of energy into the room.

You should also consider the size of the canvas you order. As a rough guide, your artwork should fill around 60 to 75% of the wall space it’s going on. A larger piece works beautifully above a sofa or sideboard, while smaller canvases or a mini set can be grouped together to create a relaxed gallery wall in hallways or awkward little corners.

The subject matter makes a difference as well:

• Landscapes can make small rooms feel more open
• Abstract designs suit modern, pared-back interiors
• Botanical pieces add warmth to minimalist spaces
• Animal portraits are perfect for kids’ rooms or relaxed family areas.

Having a wide choice really helps here, and that’s where larger collections come into their own. It’s much easier to find something that genuinely fits your space, rather than trying to make something work.

And the best part is, if you can’t find something you love, you can upload a photo to create a customised paint by numbers kit.

 

How to prepare your canvas

Speaking from experience, spending a bit of time prepping before you start painting makes a huge difference to how the finished piece looks.

Set yourself up somewhere comfortable with decent lighting (daylight bulbs are ideal). You’ll be sitting there for a while, so a good chair and a proper table are worth it.

 

If your canvas arrives rolled, it’s worth taking the time to flatten it properly. A gentle iron on the back with a cloth in between usually does the trick. Mounting it onto a foam board or frame before you start can also make painting much easier. Thicker linen canvases tend to behave better than thinner cotton ones, which is something I really appreciate.

One little tip that’s made a big difference for me: apply a very thin layer of white acrylic or clear gesso over the canvas before you start. It helps the paint grip better and stops numbers showing through lighter colours.

And finally, organise your paints. Line them up in number order, keep your brushes nearby, and have your water ready. It sounds obvious, but it keeps you in that calm, focused flow without unnecessary faffing about.

 

How to paint a paint by numbers kit

Now, it’s time to paint! I feel like everyone has their own way of doing this, and when you have 36 or 48 paints, there’s a lot of ways to go about it.

I like to pick one colour and start at the top of the canvas and do that one number all the way to the bottom. As I’m right handed, I work from left to right so I don’t smudge anything I’ve just done. Then when that colour is finished, I move onto the next one.

 

Of course, you can paint anyway you like. You could section it off so you do a corner at a time, doing all the colours in that section, and then moving to the next.

 

How to make your art look less “paint by numbers”

Sometimes, a paint by numbers canvas can look really obvious, with the colours in strict lines with no real mixing.

Once you’re comfortable, it’s really easy to move beyond that flat, colouring-book look.

Scumbling is a game-changer for adding dimension. This technique involves lightly dragging a nearly-dry brush loaded with paint across previously dried areas, letting the bottom color peek through. It works brilliantly for creating clouds, foliage, or adding visual interest to backgrounds. The key is using very little paint and a gentle touch.

Dry brushing takes this concept further. Load your brush with paint, then wipe most of it off on a paper towel. When you stroke this across your canvas, it creates a textured, scratchy effect perfect for depicting grass, hair, or weathered surfaces. This technique prevents that tell-tale flat, uniform appearance that screams “paint by numbers.”

Keep a dedicated ‘blending brush’ slightly damp with to soften those hard edges between each colour zone, as this will get rid of boundaries and make the painting more seamless.

Lighter colours usually need a couple of thin coats, while darker ones often cover in one. It’s always better to build up slowly, as this keeps the detail sharp and avoids cracking later on.

 

Going personal with custom kits

Turning your own photos into paint by numbers artwork adds a whole new level of meaning. Painting a picture of your pet, a favourite holiday, a wedding photo or a family moment makes the process even more special.

The key here is starting with a good quality image — clear, well-lit, and in focus. The better the original photo, the better the final painting will be.

 

Framing and displaying your finished piece

How you display your artwork really matters. Stretched canvases give that modern, gallery-style finish and don’t need a frame at all. Traditional frames with a mount work beautifully for smaller or more classic pieces. Even simple magnetic hangers can look great in relaxed spaces.

Once the paint has fully dried (give it a couple of weeks), sealing it with a clear varnish will protect it from dust and fading.

When hanging, think about grouping pieces together, mixing textures nearby, and avoiding direct sunlight. A small picture light can make a huge difference and really show off the brushwork.

 

Why DIY decor is worth it

There’s something genuinely satisfying about looking at a piece of art on your wall and knowing you made it yourself. Paint by numbers is all about slowing down, switching off, and enjoying the process to create something meaningful with your own hands.

And people will probably ask about it, and you get to say “I painted that myself!”