The 10 Best Paint by Numbers Kits in 2026 (Expert Picks)
The 10 Best Paint by Numbers Kits in 2026
Finding the best paint by numbers kits can feel overwhelming. We have tested hundreds of kits, listened to thousands of customers, and created this definitive guide to help you find your perfect match, whether you want a small, quick project or a large canvas masterpiece.
Best for Complete Beginners: Simple Landscape Kits
Who It Is For
Someone who has never painted before and wants to build confidence quickly.
Why We Love It: Nothing says "I did that" like finishing your first painting and loving how it looks. Simple landscape kits keep colour counts low (usually 12-18 colours) and feature forgiving section sizes. You cannot really mess up a landscape, trees, water, and sky are naturally forgiving.
- 12-18 colours (manageable)
- Large numbered sections (easy to see and paint)
- Calming subject matter (reduces pressure)
- Finished in 3-5 hours (satisfying quick completion)
- Clear reference image (confidence builder)
Best for Experienced Adults: Complex, Detailed Designs
Who It Is For
Painters who have completed several kits and want a real challenge.
Why We Love It: These designs honour adult sensibilities. We are talking realistic portraits, intricate nature scenes, abstract art, and complex cityscapes. Complex paint by numbers kits for adults feature 30-50+ colours and smaller sections that demand precision and patience.
- 30-50+ colours (substantial palette)
- Intricate numbered sections (requires precision)
- 15-25+ hours to complete (rewarding project)
- Professional-grade materials (premium paints and canvas)
Best Custom Paint by Numbers: Create From Your Photos
Who It Is For
Gift-givers, people who want something truly personal, those who want to immortalise a treasured photo.
Why We Love It: Custom paint by numbers kits take your favourite photo and transform it into a numbered painting kit. It is utterly personal. Immortalise your children, your pet, your wedding day, your favourite travel memory. You create the art; we create the kit.
- Upload your photo and choose your painting size
- Professional colour numbering system
- Pre-sketched canvas with your image outline
- Premium materials (quality paints, canvas, brushes)
- Unlimited revision rounds (get it perfect before we print)
Best Landscape Paintings: Nature Lovers' Dream
Who It Is For
People who love scenery, travel, and outdoor settings.
Why We Love It: Landscape designs are forgiving, inspiring, and universally beautiful. Whether you are painting rolling hills, mountain vistas, tropical beaches, or forest scenes, nature is endlessly varied.
- Diverse scene options (mountains, beaches, forests, gardens)
- Soft, blendable colour palettes
- Medium complexity (not too easy, not too hard)
- 5-12 hours to complete (satisfying weekend project)
- Gallery-quality finished appearance
Best Animal Portraits: Pet and Wildlife Designs
Who It Is For
Animal lovers, pet parents, wildlife enthusiasts.
Why We Love It: Everyone loves animals, and capturing them in paint is incredibly rewarding. Whether it is your own pet, exotic wildlife, or beloved domesticated animals, animal portrait kits create emotional, personal artwork.
- Pet portraits (dogs, cats, rabbits, birds)
- Wildlife designs (lions, elephants, butterflies, owls)
- Detailed facial features (expressive eyes)
- Medium-to-high complexity (calls for precision)
- Emotional impact (deeply personal finished piece)
Best Floral Designs: Flowers for Every Mood
Who It Is For
People who love colour, botanists, romantic spirits, those who want instant prettiness.
Why We Love It: Floral designs offer endless variety, from delicate wildflowers to lush garden scenes. Because flowers are naturally colourful and varied, floral kits let you experiment with colour combinations while staying grounded in recognisable subjects.
- Diverse flower types (roses, sunflowers, cherry blossoms, wildflowers)
- Rich colour palettes (perfect for practising technique)
- Romantic, instantly gratifying designs
- Various complexity levels (beginner to advanced)
- Perfect for gifting
Best for Value: Affordable, High-Quality Kits
Who It Is For
Budget-conscious painters, gift-buyers on a budget, those testing the hobby.
Why We Love It: Paint by numbers should not break the bank. Best-value kits offer excellent quality materials at accessible prices. You get premium paints, proper canvas, and quality brushes without the premium price tag.
- Affordable pricing ($15-30)
- Quality paints that do not skimp on colour vibrancy
- Proper canvas (not flimsy or thin)
- Usable brushes included
- Designs that look expensive when finished
Best Large Canvas Designs: Statement Pieces
Who It Is For
People who want a serious project, those with wall space, experienced painters.
Why We Love It: Large canvas designs (usually 40 cm x 50 cm or bigger) create impressive, gallery-worthy statement pieces. These are the paintings you frame, display prominently, and feel genuinely proud of. They are substantial projects that take 20+ hours but deliver serious impact.
- Large size (40 cm+ x 50 cm+, some up to 60 cm x 80 cm)
- High complexity (30-60+ colours)
- Premium materials (thick canvas, quality paints)
- Impressive finished appearance (gallery-quality)
- Perfect focal point for a room
Best for Stress Relief: Mindfulness and Relaxation Designs
Who It Is For
People seeking stress relief, meditation, wellness enthusiasts, those who need to unplug.
Why We Love It: Some designs are specifically created with relaxation and mindfulness in mind. Calming colour palettes, repetitive patterns, and soothing subjects create an almost meditative painting experience. These are not just paintings, they are self-care. Read more about the science behind this in our paint by numbers stress relief guide.
- Calming colour palettes (blues, greens, purples, earth tones)
- Repetitive, meditative patterns (mandalas, geometric designs)
- Serene subject matter (water, nature, abstract calm)
- Medium complexity (not stressful, not boring)
- Often 5-10 hours (weeknight-friendly)
Best Stained Glass Effect and Diamond Painting Alternatives
Who It Is For
People looking for something different, stained glass lovers, those wanting to mix it up.
Why We Love It: Want to try something beyond traditional paint by numbers? Stained glass effect kits and diamond painting offer similar meditative experiences with different aesthetics. Diamond painting uses tiny gems instead of paint for sparkle and texture.
- Stained glass designs (traditional glass-art look)
- Diamond painting (gems create sparkle)
- Both offer meditative, relaxing experiences
- Distinctive finished appearance
- Great for gift-giving (unique and memorable)
How to Choose Your Best Paint by Numbers Kit
Step 1: Identify Your Skill Level
Never painted before? Start with beginner landscape or small canvas kits. Completed 2-3 kits? You are ready for medium complexity. Painted 5+? Advanced designs await.
Step 2: Consider Your Purpose
Are you painting for relaxation? Choose a mindfulness kit. For display? Pick something that matches your decor. As a gift? Consider the recipient's interests (animal lovers, landscape fans, etc.).
Step 3: Think About Time
Can you dedicate 20 hours over several weeks? Large canvas is rewarding. Only have weekends? Smaller kits finish in 2-3 sessions.
Step 4: Choose Your Subject
Pick something that genuinely excites you. You will stare at it for hours, so make sure it speaks to you. Landscapes soothe some people; animals inspire others; abstracts energise different minds.
Step 5: Consider Your Space
Where will the finished painting live? Match size and style to your room. A bedroom might call for calm florals; a living room could handle a bold landscape. For technique guidance, check out our how to paint by numbers guide and our expert tips.
The best paint by numbers kit is the one that excites you enough to actually pick up a brush. Do not overthink it, choose a design that makes your heart happy, and the rest will follow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between beginner and advanced kits?
Beginner kits have fewer colours (12-20), larger sections, and simpler designs. Advanced kits have 30-60+ colours, tiny sections, and complex subjects. Both use the same technique, advanced just requires more precision and patience.
How do I know if a custom kit will turn out well?
We create detailed proofs for you to review before printing. You see the numbered sections, colour layout, and entire design. You can request revisions until it is perfect. The final product is only printed once you approve the proof.
Are diamond painting kits as satisfying as paint?
Different satisfaction. Diamond painting is meditative like painting, but the finished product sparkles and has texture. If you like the relaxation without the paint, diamond painting delivers. If you want the traditional painting feeling, stick with paint.
What if I hate how my painting looks?
First: you probably like it more than you think. Let it dry and view it with fresh eyes. Second: most "bad" paintings benefit from a second coat, they suddenly look professional. Third: you learned something. That is success.
Can I gift a kit without knowing the recipient's skill level?
Yes. Choose a landscape or floral design with medium complexity. These appeal to everyone and work for all skill levels. Browse our full collection for the perfect gift.
Best Abstract Paint by Numbers Kits
Abstract kits appeal to painters who want to focus on colour and form rather than realistic representation. They are also the most forgiving — there is no reference reality to compare against, and small imprecisions are invisible in the finished piece.
Popular abstract styles in 2026 include fluid art and resin-pour designs, geometric colour-block patterns, impressionist-inspired colour field compositions, and architectural and cityscape abstracts. Abstract kits in bold colour palettes make particularly strong modern wall art statements.
How to Choose the Right Canvas Size
30x40cm — Starter size
8-15 painting hours. Great for first kits or when you want a quicker completion. Suits desk frames and small wall spaces.
40x50cm — Most popular
15-25 hours. Best balance of detail, time commitment, and display impact. Fits standard frame sizes. Recommended for most painters.
50x70cm — Statement piece
25-40 hours. Maximum detail and visual impact. Gallery-wall level display. Best suited to experienced painters or those who want the full immersive experience.
60x80cm — Large format
40-60+ hours. The most ambitious option. Suited to experienced painters who want a long-term project that produces truly impressive results.
Find Your Perfect Kit
With ten distinctly different categories to explore, there is genuinely a best paint by numbers kit for everyone. Free shipping across Australia on every order.
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