How to Display Finished Paint by Numbers: 5 Professional Framing and Hanging Ideas

There is a specific feeling of satisfaction when you wash your brush for the final time, peel back the masking tape from the edges, and step back to admire your finished canvas. You put in the hours, entered the flow state, and created something beautiful.

But then comes the inevitable question: "Now what?"

We find that many customers who complete their paint by numbers for adults are rightly proud of their work, but unsure how to display it professionally. The result is that beautiful finished artwork ends up rolled in tubes or sitting flat in drawers. Your hard work deserves better than that.

This guide shows you five professional ways to frame and display your artwork with confidence.

Quick Comparison: 5 Ways to Display Paint by Numbers

A properly framed canvas transforms a DIY project into gallery-quality wall art.

Method 1: The Gallery Wrap for Professional Display

If you want your finished piece to look like expensive art you bought at a gallery, the gallery wrap is the gold standard. A canvas tacked flat to a wall will always look temporary. A canvas stretched over a wooden frame has depth, presence, and professionalism.

Gallery wrapping pulls your canvas tight over a wooden frame, eliminating wrinkles from storage and allowing the image to wrap around the sides for a modern, frameless look. This instantly elevates your finished work.

Materials Needed for Gallery Wrapping:

• Wooden stretcher bars (40x50cm for standard paint by numbers)
• Staple gun and staples
• Canvas pliers (optional but helpful)
• Measuring tape

Step-by-Step: How to Gallery Wrap Your Canvas

1. Assemble the wooden frame: Connect the four stretcher bars to create a rectangular frame matching your canvas size
2. Center your canvas: Lay the frame face-down on a clean surface, place your finished canvas face-down on top, centered
3. Fold and staple the center of each side: Pull the canvas taut and staple the center point of each edge, working opposite sides
4. Work outward from center: Add staples every 5cm, alternating sides to maintain even tension
5. Fold corners neatly: Create hospital corners at each corner, folding the canvas cleanly and securing with staples
6. Trim excess: Cut away any excess canvas from the back
7. Attach hanging hardware: Add D-rings or sawtooth hangers to the back

Cost Estimate: £30-60 depending on frame quality and whether you DIY or use a professional framer.

Method 2: Traditional Wooden Frame

A classic wooden frame never goes out of style. Traditional framing with a moulded wooden border suits both modern and classic interiors and provides the ultimate protection for your finished artwork.

Wooden frames work particularly well for traditional subjects like landscapes, pet portraits, or classic still life compositions.

Materials Needed:

• Wooden frame (measure your canvas first)
• Backing board (foam core or hardboard)
• Mounting tape or adhesive
• Glass or acrylic glazing (optional, for protection)
• Hanging wire and D-rings

Step-by-Step: How to Frame with Wood

1. Measure your canvas: Most paint by numbers are 40x50cm, but verify before purchasing a frame
2. Choose your frame style: Consider your room decor - dark wood for traditional, light wood for Scandinavian, black for modern
3. Mount the canvas: Attach your canvas to backing board using mounting tape to prevent sagging
4. Insert into frame: Place the mounted canvas into the frame, secure with frame points or tabs
5. Add glazing (optional): UV-protective glass prevents fading but adds cost and weight
6. Seal the back: Use kraft paper or similar to create a dust cover on the back
7. Attach hanging hardware: String hanging wire between two D-rings for secure wall mounting

Cost Estimate: £25-50 for basic wooden frames, £50-100 for premium hardwood or custom framing.

Method 3: Floating Frame Display

A floating frame creates the illusion that your canvas is suspended in mid-air, with visible space between the artwork and the frame edge. This contemporary display method works beautifully for textured canvases where you want to show depth.

Materials Needed:

• Floating frame kit (slightly larger than your canvas)
• Offset clips or spacers
• Level and measuring tape

Step-by-Step: Creating a Floating Frame Display

1. Stretch your canvas first: Gallery wrap your canvas before placing it in the floating frame
2. Position in frame: Center your wrapped canvas inside the floating frame box
3. Secure with clips: Use offset clips on the back to hold the canvas in place without visible hardware
4. Check alignment: Ensure even spacing on all sides before tightening
5. Hang securely: Floating frames are heavier, use appropriate wall anchors

Cost Estimate: £40-70 depending on size and frame material.

Method 4: The Curated Shelf Display

Who says art has to hang on a wall? A modern interior design trend is leaning art on shelves, sideboards, or mantels. This is perfect for renters who cannot put nails in walls, or those who like to rotate their decor frequently.

Leaning your artwork creates a relaxed, bohemian aesthetic perfect for casual spaces.

How to Create a Shelf Vignette:

1. Stretch or frame first: Even leaning art needs structure - gallery wrap or frame your canvas
2. Choose your shelf: Floating shelves, mantels, or deep windowsills work well
3. Position at the back: Lean your finished canvas against the wall at the back of the shelf
4. Layer objects in front: Place smaller items in front - trailing plants, vintage books, sculptural candles
5. Create depth: Use varying heights to make the display feel curated rather than cluttered
6. Rotate seasonally: Swap out pieces to keep your decor fresh

Cost Estimate: £15-30 for shelf installation if needed, plus frame cost.

Method 5: The Themed Gallery Wall

A single small canvas can feel lost on a large empty wall. The solution is creating a gallery wall of 2-4 finished pieces. This creates a stunning focal point and works particularly well when you have completed multiple kits.

Grouping similar themes creates a high-impact statement wall.

How to Create a Gallery Wall:

1. Choose a theme: Select kits that share a colour palette or subject - three botanicals, two abstracts, or complementary landscapes
2. Frame consistently: Use matching frame styles and colours for cohesion
3. Plan your layout on the floor first: Arrange frames on the floor to find the best composition before making holes in the wall
4. Measure and mark: Use painter's tape to mark positions on the wall
5. Hang from center outward: Start with the central piece, work outward to maintain symmetry
6. Maintain consistent spacing: 5-8cm between frames looks professional

Cost Estimate: £50-150 depending on number of frames and hanging hardware needed.

Protecting Your Finished Artwork

Once you have decided how to display your work, protect it to ensure it lasts for years. Consider these protective measures:

• Apply varnish: A clear acrylic varnish protects against dust, UV damage, and minor scratches. Read our complete guide on how to seal and varnish
• Avoid direct sunlight: UV rays fade colours over time, hang artwork away from south-facing windows
• Use UV-protective glass: If framing with glass, invest in UV-filtering glazing
• Control humidity: Avoid displaying in bathrooms or damp spaces where canvas can warp
• Dust regularly: Use a soft, dry cloth to remove dust without damaging paint

Frequently Asked Questions About Displaying Paint by Numbers

Where to Display Your Finished Work

Beyond the method, consider where to hang your artwork for maximum impact:

• Living Room: Above the sofa or fireplace as a focal point
• Bedroom: Above the bed or on a feature wall for calming ambiance
• Hallway: Create a gallery wall along a long corridor
• Home Office: Inspirational pieces that don't distract from work
• Unexpected Spaces: Bathrooms, kitchen nooks, stairwell landings

For room-specific styling advice, read our comprehensive 50 ultimate tips and tricks guide.

Final Thoughts: Your Work Deserves to Be Seen

You invested hours of focus and creativity into your paint by numbers for adults. The final step in the creative journey is not washing your brush, it is getting your artwork onto your wall where you and others can enjoy it daily.

Whether you choose a professional wooden frame, a modern gallery wrap, or a casual shelf display, the method matters less than taking action. Your finished canvas deserves better than a drawer.

Pick the display method that suits your budget, skill level, and home aesthetic. Then actually do it. Your walls will thank you.

About the Author

Written by William Murdock, founder of Paint on Numbers UK. Believing that the creative journey is not finished until the art is on the wall.