Modern living room scene featuring a framed abstract red and blue dancer Paint by Numbers art on the wall above a grey sofa. A wooden easel holds a partially completed version of the same kit with paints and brushes on a coffee table.

You Finished Your Paint by Numbers. Now What? 5 Creative Ways to Display Your Art

January 29, 2026

Summary

You have put in the hours and finished your masterpiece. But too often, finished paint by numbers canvases end up rolled in a drawer rather than on the wall. In this guide, we share five professional, creative ways to display your hard work, elevating it from a "craft project" to a piece of genuine home decor.

There is a very 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 paint by numbers canvas. You put in the hours, you entered the flow state, and you created something beautiful.

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

We find that many of our customers are rightly proud of their work, but unsure how to display it so it doesn't look "crafty." The result? Beautiful paintings end up rolled up in tubes or sitting flat in a drawer. Your hard work deserves better than that. Here are five creative ways to get your art onto your walls.

A finished and framed landscape Paint by Numbers canvas displayed elegantly above a sideboard in a modern living room.

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

1. The Gold Standard: The "Gallery Wrap" Stretch

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

Stretching your canvas pulls the fabric tight, eliminating any wrinkles from storage and allowing the image to wrap around the sides for a modern, frameless look. It immediately elevates the perceived value of the piece.

✅ Why Stretching Matters:

Eliminates Ripples: Tighter tension means a perfectly flat painting surface.
Adds Depth: The 3D profile casts subtle shadows, making the art "pop" off the wall.
Ready to Hang: Once stretched, it's ready for a nail, no complex hardware needed.

Don't worry, you don't need to take it to a professional framer. Our DIY Wooden Frame Kits are designed specifically for our canvas sizes and can be assembled at home in minutes. You can read our full step-by-step guide on how to frame your canvas here.

2. The Curated Shelf Vignette

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 for those who like to change their decor frequently.

A finished Paint by Numbers canvas leaning on a wooden shelf layered with plants and books.

Leaning your art creates a relaxed, bohemian feel.

To make this look intentional rather than messy, use the technique of "layering." Place your stretched Paint by Numbers canvas at the back of a shelf, and then place smaller objects in front of it, a trailing potted plant, a stack of vintage books, or a sculptural candle. This creates depth and turns your painting into part of a larger styled scene.

3. The Themed Gallery Wall

A single small canvas can sometimes feel lost on a large, empty wall. The solution? Safety in numbers.

Creating a gallery wall of 2 or 3 finished Paint by Numbers pieces can create a stunning focal point. The key to making this work is cohesion. Don't just throw random paintings together. Choose kits that share a similar colour palette or theme, for example, a trio of botanical prints, or two complementary abstract pieces.

A cohesive gallery wall featuring three framed Paint by Numbers canvases with botanical themes.

Grouping similar themes creates a high-impact statement wall.

If you are unsure which paintings work well together, revisit our guide on How to Style Paint by Numbers by Room Vibe for inspiration on choosing matching sets.

4. The Unexpected Nook

We often save art for the "big" rooms like the lounge or bedroom. But smaller, finished Paint by Numbers kits are perfect for brightening up forgotten corners of your home.

Consider leaning a calming landscape on a bathroom shelf to enhance the spa feel. Hang a vibrant floral piece at the end of a hallway to draw the eye. Place a small, detailed piece in a kitchen corner that usually just collects clutter. These unexpected bursts of colour can bring tremendous joy to functional spaces.

5. The Ultimate Personalised Gift

Finally, sometimes the best way to display your art is in someone else's home. A finished Paint by Numbers canvas isn't just a picture; it's hours of your time, focus, and care made manifest.

When stretched on a wooden frame, a finished painting makes an incredibly thoughtful, high-quality birthday or housewarming gift. It is personal, handmade, and unique, something they cannot buy on the high street.