Creative Ways to Display Your Paint by Numbers Artwork

Have you ever finished a paint by numbers masterpiece and wondered, "What now?" If you've spent hours bringing those intricate designs to life, it only makes sense to show off your hard work. More and more people are turning to paint by numbers not just as a relaxing hobby, but as a way to add a personal touch to their home décor. Whether you're a seasoned artist or a weekend painter, your artwork deserves the spotlight, not just tucked away in a closet.

In this blog post, we're diving into some of the coolest, most creative ways to turn your canvas achievements into stunning home décor pieces. From traditional frames to more out-of-the-box ideas, we've got you covered. So grab that finished painting, and let's find the perfect spot in your home to show it off!

Understanding Paint by Numbers

Ever looked at a stunning piece of art and thought, "I wish I could do that"? Well, paint by numbers might just be your gateway to the art world! It’s a simple yet ingenious concept: you get a canvas with a picture lightly outlined on it, divided into small sections. Each section has a number that corresponds to a specific color. Your task? Fill in each section with the designated color. Think of it as a coloring book, but with paint and canvas!

Paint by numbers kits come in a wide range of themes and styles, catering to just about any taste. Love nature? You can find kits featuring lush landscapes or vibrant wildlife scenes. If you're a fan of the classics, there are kits that let you recreate famous paintings. For those who love to travel, cityscapes and famous landmarks can transport you around the world from the comfort of your home. And it’s not just about scenery, abstract patterns, floral designs, and even personalized kits made from your photos are all possibilities. Whether you're decorating your living room or looking for a fun gift, there’s a paint by numbers kit that’s perfect for the occasion.

Preparation Tips Before Displaying Paint by Numbers Art

Before you hang your masterpiece on the wall, let's make sure it looks its absolute best. A few final touches can really elevate the professional look of your paint by numbers artwork. Here’s how you can achieve that polished finish:

• Smoothing Out Brush Strokes: Sometimes, brush strokes can be a bit too prominent, giving your painting a less-than-smooth appearance. To fix this, gently go over the dried paint with a fine-grit sandpaper. Just a light buff here and there can make a world of difference. After sanding, you can apply a thin layer of clear gesso to unify the surface. This not only smooths things out but also prepares the painting for a finishing varnish.
• Preserving Your Artwork: Your artwork is going to be a part of your home, and like any good homeowner, you’ll want to protect it from dust, sunlight, and the wear and tear of everyday life. Applying a clear sealant can do just that. You can choose between a glossy or matte finish depending on what look you prefer. A spray sealant is easy to apply and provides a durable protective layer. Make sure to spray evenly and allow plenty of drying time. This step not only preserves your painting but also enhances the depth and vibrancy of the colors.

Paint by Numbers Framing

The right frame does more than just hold your artwork; it enhances it, complements your home décor, and transforms your paint by numbers into a true piece of art. Here’s how to make sure your framing choice is spot on:

The Importance of Choosing the Right Frame: Think of a frame as the finishing touch that can make or break the visual appeal of your artwork. A well-chosen frame not only protects your painting but also integrates it into your living space, turning an amateur piece into something that looks quite professional. The right paint by numbers frame can highlight the colors in your painting and draw attention to the elements you love most.

Types of Frames:

• Standard Frame: This is your go-to frame, perfect for any setting. It’s versatile and comes in a variety of materials and finishes, from sleek metal to classic wood. Choose a color and style that complements both the artwork and the room where it will hang.
• Floating Frame: If you want to add a modern twist, consider a floating frame. These frames are designed to give the illusion that the canvas is floating within the frame without touching it, providing a sleek, contemporary look that works well with more modern décor.
• Shadow Box Frame: For a more dramatic effect, a shadow box frame creates depth by setting the canvas back from the glass. This type of frame is ideal for adding dimension to your artwork and makes it a focal point in the room.

Matching the Frame Style to Your Home Décor:

• Modern Spaces: Opt for minimalistic frames with clean lines, like slim black or metallic frames, or even frameless designs.
• Traditional Settings: Go for wood frames with detailed moldings or finishes that complement classic decor elements.
• Eclectic Interiors: Mix and match different styles and colors. A vibrant frame can turn your painting into a standout piece in a room full of diverse decorations.

Creative Paint by Numbers Display Options

After putting so much effort into your paint by numbers project, you'll want to showcase it in a way that truly reflects your personal style. Here are some creative ideas to display your artwork in unique and eye-catching ways:

Gallery Wall

Integrating your paint by numbers artwork into a gallery wall can add a wonderfully personalized touch to any room. Here’s how to do it:

• Mix and Match: Combine your artwork with other items like framed photos, vintage finds, and modern prints to create a dynamic gallery wall. This eclectic approach lets each piece tell a part of your story.
• Unified Theme: If you prefer a more cohesive look, choose artworks that share a common theme or color palette with your paint by numbers. This can be as simple as matching the dominant colors or choosing subjects that complement each other.
• Layout Considerations: Plan your layout on the floor before you start hanging. Place larger pieces at the center and surround them with smaller ones to balance the visual weight across the wall.

Stand-alone Pieces

Sometimes, one large-scale paint by numbers can be all you need to make a statement. Consider these ideas:

• Focal Point: Let your artwork be the star of the show by hanging it in a prominent place, such as above the sofa in your living room or over the bed in your bedroom.
• Oversized Art: If your paint by numbers is on the smaller side, frame it with a larger mat or choose a more substantial frame to give it more presence.
• Lighting: Enhance your artwork with good lighting. A dedicated picture light or strategically placed spotlights can really make your painting pop.

Thematic Arrangements

Grouping paintings by theme or color can create a harmonious display that enhances any room:

• Theme-Based Grouping: Group your artworks based on the themes like nature, urban landscapes, or abstracts. This can create a narrative or a visual flow that guides the viewer’s eye across the collection.
• Color Coordination: Arrange pieces that share similar colors or tones. This not only pulls the room together but also highlights the unique hues of each piece, making the overall setup more impactful.
• Varying Sizes: Play with different sizes and orientations to add interest and rhythm to your display. This setup works well in spaces like hallways or staircases, where the artwork can be enjoyed from different angles.

Alternative Display Ideas Beyond Framing

While traditional framing is a fantastic way to showcase your paint by numbers art, there are other creative options that can add a unique flair to your décor. Here's how you can stretch your creativity (and your canvas) with some alternative display ideas:

Canvas Stretching

Stretching your canvas over a wooden frame can give it a professional, gallery-like appearance. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:

1. Materials Needed: Gather a canvas stretcher frame, a staple gun, canvas pliers, and your painted canvas.
2. Assemble the Frame: Put together your stretcher bars to create the frame, ensuring all corners are tight and square.
3. Align the Canvas: Lay your canvas face-down on a clean surface. Place the stretcher frame over it, centering it on the back of the painted area.
4. Attach the Canvas: Starting at the center of one side, use canvas pliers to pull the canvas over the stretcher bar and staple it in place. Move to the opposite side and repeat, keeping the canvas taut.
5. Work Your Way Around: Continue this process on all sides, alternating sides to keep the tension even. Fold the corners neatly, like wrapping a gift, and secure with staples.
6. Finishing Touches: Once all sides are secured, you might add a backing board or hanging hardware to complete your display.

Using Multi-Panel Art

Creating a multi-panel display from a single painting adds a contemporary touch and can make a standard paint by numbers look like a custom piece:

• Plan Your Panels: Decide how many panels you want and where the cuts will be. This might depend on the design and how it can be segmented without losing its coherence.
• Cut and Stretch: Once segmented, stretch each piece over smaller frames as described above.
• Display Together: Hang the panels with a small gap between them to emphasize the segmentation. This works exceptionally well over large furniture or as a bedhead.

Room-Specific Display Strategies

Tailoring the display of your paint by numbers artwork to different rooms can enhance the ambiance and functionality of each space. Here’s how you can strategically use your artwork to complement and elevate the decor in various rooms of your home:

Living Room

The living room is often the heart of the home, where families gather and guests are entertained. Make your paint by numbers a focal point here:

• Positioning: Place your artwork where it will catch the eye immediately upon entering the room. Above the sofa or the mantelpiece are prime spots.
• Lighting: Illuminate your painting with dedicated picture lights or directional recessed lighting to highlight its colors and details, making it a true centerpiece.
• Scale: Don’t shy away from using a large canvas. Larger artworks command attention and can define the entire aesthetic of the room.

Bedroom

The bedroom should be a sanctuary, and the artwork you choose can contribute significantly to a calming atmosphere:

• Theme and Color: Opt for themes that evoke peace and tranquility, such as serene landscapes, gentle abstracts, or soft floral patterns. Use colors that are soothing and muted to promote relaxation.
• Placement: Position artwork where it will be the last thing you see before you turn off the lights and the first thing you see in the morning. Above the bed or opposite it are ideal spots.
• Framing Choices: Choose frames that are simple and unobtrusive, complementing rather than overwhelming the artwork and the room.

Kitchen and Dining Areas

These areas benefit from lively and appetizing themes. Using food and drink-themed paint by numbers can add a playful and relevant touch:

• Subject Matter: Choose artworks featuring still lifes of fruits, wines, coffees, or colorful market scenes. These can create a vibrant and inviting atmosphere.
• Practical Placement: In kitchens, place art away from the reach of splatters and steam but where it can still be enjoyed—perhaps on a wall adjacent to the dining area or near the breakfast nook.
• Cohesive Decor: In dining areas, complement your artwork with other decor elements like table linens and crockery that echo colors or themes from the painting to tie the space together.

Seasonal and Temporary Displays

Rotating your artwork with the seasons or for special occasions keeps your home feeling fresh and festive all year round. Here are some tips on how to make art swapping easy and effective:

Rotating Artwork with the Seasons

• Seasonal Themes: Choose paint by numbers kits that reflect the mood and colors of each season, bright and floral for spring, beachy or nautical for summer, earthy tones for autumn, and snowy scenes or warm interiors for winter.
• Storage Solutions: Invest in proper storage for the artworks not currently on display. Use padding to separate them and store them in a dry, safe place to prevent damage.
• Planned Placement: Have designated spots in your home for seasonal artwork. This way, you know exactly where each piece fits and it’s easy to switch them out when the time comes.

Temporary Display Solutions

• Easy-to-Change Frames: Use frames that allow for easy access to the artwork, such as those with a swivel back or a simple clamp system. This makes it quick and hassle-free to change pieces.
• Art Ledges: Install a picture ledge or shelf where you can lean artwork instead of hanging it. This allows for easy swapping and layering of multiple pieces.
• Magnetic and Clip Systems: Consider mounting a magnetic or clip system on your wall. You can attach your canvas to a lightweight, metal-backed panel, which then adheres to the magnetic wall setup or is held by clips. This method is ideal for frequent changes and adds a contemporary touch.

Engaging with Holidays and Special Occasions

• Themed Artwork: For holidays like Christmas, Halloween, or Easter, and occasions like birthdays or anniversaries, display themed artwork that adds to the celebratory atmosphere.
• Interactive Displays: Encourage family members to contribute by hanging their own pieces or rotating the display. This can become a fun tradition, especially during gatherings or parties.