Stay Inside the Lines: 5 Paint by Number Brand Expert Picks for 2026

Paint by number kits have taken the nation by storm this year. These kits turn ordinary evenings into artistic adventures for crafters everywhere. Number Artist guides the pack as more options flood this booming market.

This explains why paint by numbers for adults has become one of the year’s biggest craft trends. These kits are a great way to get the perfect balance of guidance and artistic freedom. You can be a seasoned hobbyist or someone who just wants a relaxing creative outlet. The options range from classic masterpieces to modern art paint by numbers, and each style matches different esthetic preferences. Many experts predict these kits will top Christmas wish lists. The timing couldn’t be better to discover which options deliver real quality, value, and artistic satisfaction.

Our detailed paint by numbers review shows you everything about the top 12 kits worth buying in 2026.

Key Takeaways

Paint by numbers has evolved from simple hobby kits to sophisticated artistic experiences that offer both creative fulfillment and therapeutic benefits for crafters of all skill levels.

• Custom kits transform personal photos into paintable masterpieces, with Number Artist leading the market in quality and personalization options ranging from $35-$110.
• Classic masterpieces like Van Gogh’s Starry Night remain top choices, offering 6-48 color options and allowing beginners to recreate iconic art without prior experience.
• Mini kits provide quick creative satisfaction in 2-4 hours, perfect for busy schedules or testing interest before committing to larger projects at $17.99-$29.99.
• Therapeutic benefits include stress relief and improved focus, making these kits valuable for mental wellness beyond just artistic achievement.
• Price ranges from $10-$110 depending on size and complexity, with most quality kits falling between $29.95-$49.95 for standard 16″x20″ canvases.

The best paint by number kit combines quality materials, clear instructions, and engaging designs to create both beautiful artwork and meaningful personal experiences that justify their growing popularity in 2026.

1. Number Artist’s Custom Paint by Numbers Kit

Custom paint by number kits help turn your precious memories into personal artwork. Number Artist dominates the market with top-quality kits that let you transform your favorite photos into engaging DIY art projects. These personal kits give you a creative experience that standard pre-designed options can’t match.

Custom Paint by Numbers Kit Key Features

Your custom paint by number kit comes with everything you need to create your personal masterpiece:

• High-quality linen canvas with your custom image printed and numbered
• Complete set of acrylic paints individually numbered to match canvas sections
• Premium brushes (typically 3-6 depending on the brand)
• Reference sheet showing your original photo
• Color card to match colors accurately
• Step-by-step guide that works for both beginners and experienced painters

The ordering process couldn’t be simpler: upload your favorite photo (pets, family portraits, landscapes, or architectural images), pick your canvas size and options, and let the company create your custom-numbered canvas. Most companies deliver in 7-14 days, though some premium options take 6-8 weeks.

Custom Paint by Numbers Kit Pricing

Prices change based on size, framing options, and detail level:

• Basic unframed kits: $35-$55
• Kits with extra paint: $69-$70
• Framed options: $96-$110

Companies often sell extras like DIY frames, pre-stretched canvases, or additional paint sets.

Custom Paint by Numbers Kit Best For

These kits make great gifts for many occasions, particularly when you want to give something meaningful and personal. They work well for:

• People who want unique wall art for their homes
• Anyone looking to reduce stress through mindful activities
• Those who want to preserve special moments or remember loved ones
• People hoping to improve their focus and fine motor skills
• Anyone who needs a creative hobby away from screens

Most people finish these projects in 6-12 hours. The kits give you a manageable project that helps you relax and creates beautiful results. Your finished paintings often become family treasures or conversation starters that mean much more than store-bought decorations.

2. Seaside Dusk by Number Artist

Number Artist’s Seaside Dusk brings coastal evenings to life with a vibrant beach scene that soothes and captivates. This best paint by number kit shows waves that softly meet the shore at sunset, creating an artistic escape into serenity.

Seaside Dusk by Number Artist Key Features

The kit has everything you need to complete your painting:

• 16″x20″ (40x50cm) linen canvas with pre-printed numbers
• Complete set of acrylic paints requiring no water mixing
• Three precision paintbrushes for various detailing needs
• Reference guide showing the completed artwork
• Optional framing choices including DIY options

Seaside Dusk by Number Artist Pricing

Prices range from $19.95-$29.95 based on your chosen retailer and options. Portrait by Numbers sells the kit at $29.95 and runs occasional sales.

Seaside Dusk by Number Artist Best For

Ocean lovers and sunset chasers will find this kit a peaceful creative outlet. Beginners looking for a rewarding yet manageable project will appreciate how it adds coastal charm to their home décor.

3. My Neighbor Totoro Kit

Let’s take a closer look at the magical world of Studio Ghibli with My Neighbor Totoro Kit by Paint With Number. This paint by number kit is maybe one of the best choices for anime enthusiasts. The intermediate-level kit brings the beloved forest spirit to life through numbered sections that show the charming character in vibrant detail.

My Neighbor Totoro Kit Key Features

This premium kit has everything you need to create a stunning Totoro masterpiece:

• High-quality numbered linen canvas, rolled for safekeeping
• Non-toxic, eco-friendly acrylic paint set with numbered containers
• Three varying-sized paintbrushes (small, medium, large) for precise detailing
• Optional DIY wooden frame available with purchase
• Secure premium packaging to protect materials
• Detailed instructions for beginners

The canvas comes in different sizes. Larger options provide better image detail and make a bigger visual impact. Many painters say the kit strikes a perfect balance between challenge and achievability, even with minimal artistic experience.

My Neighbor Totoro Kit Pricing

The kit comes with multiple size and framing options to match your priorities:

• 30x40cm / No Frame: $29.99
• 30x40cm / With Frame: $43.99
• 40x50cm / No Frame: $32.99
• 40x50cm / With Frame: $43.99
• 50x60cm / No Frame: $46.99
• 50x60cm / With Frame: $68.99
• 60x80cm / No Frame: $61.99
• 60x80cm / With Frame: $109.99

My Neighbor Totoro Kit Best For

This kit works great for:

• Anime enthusiasts and Studio Ghibli fans
• People looking for a mindful, stress-relieving activity
• Intermediate painters wanting a moderate challenge
• Anyone who wants to create unique, character-based wall art
• People searching for creative gifts for their friends

Most people finish the project in several days, making it an engaging yet doable project. Your finished Totoro becomes a charming conversation piece that adds animated magic to any room.

4. Golden Lily by William Morris

Travel back in time with Number Artist’s Golden Lily by William Morris, a premium kit by Canvas By Numbers. This paint by numbers option brings Victorian elegance to your creative space. John Henry Dearle actually created this captivating design in 1899, three years after William Morris passed away. The design’s balanced pattern of entwined lily stems and tendrils along a strong diagonal stands as one of Morris & Co’s greatest achievements.

Golden Lily by William Morris Key Features

Artists ready to spend more than a week on their creation will find this intermediate-level kit rewarding. You can choose between two detail levels:

• Standard Detail: 24-32 colors that create beautiful detail with smooth color transitions
• Premium Detail: 48 colors that bring out intricate details and deeper depth

The kit comes with high-quality rolled canvas, different sized paintbrushes, and non-toxic acrylic paints. You’ll find multiple format options available – rolled canvas, DIY frame, pre-stretched canvas, or canvas board. Sizes range from regular (16″x20″) to X-large (24″x30″).

Golden Lily by William Morris Pricing

Your price depends on size, format, and detail level:

• Standard rolled canvas (16″x20″): $29.95
• DIY frame options: Add about $14 to base price
• Pre-stretched canvas options: Add about $20 to base price
• Premium detail (48 colors): Add about $10 to standard price

Golden Lily by William Morris Best For

This kit speaks to artists who love historical designs and botanical patterns. You’ll love this if you’re:

• An intermediate painter looking for a good challenge
• Someone who appreciates Victorian art
• A fan of botanical and floral patterns
• Looking to create an elegant decorative piece with historical roots

Your finished Golden Lily painting will be both an artistic accomplishment and a beautiful tribute to the Arts and Crafts movement’s design heritage.

5. Magpies and Flowers

Number Artist’s Magpies and Flowers kit brings nature’s harmony to your canvas. The elegant black-and-white magpie sits surrounded by vibrant blooms on a 16×20 inch canvas. These intelligent birds play a vital role in garden ecosystems as natural pest controllers.

Magpies and Flowers Key Features

The kit gives you the:

• Pre-printed cotton canvas with clear numbering system
• Complete set of high-quality acrylic paints that need no water for blending
• Three paintbrushes in different sizes that help with details
• Color postcard guide for reference
• Two metal hooks and nails that make hanging easy

Magpies and Flowers Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Design symbolizes joy, curiosity, and renewal
• Makes perfect decoration for homes, offices, or gifts
• Gentle theme creates a relaxing painting experience

Cons:

• Floral areas need patience and precision
• Small numbered sections challenge people with vision difficulties

Magpies and Flowers Pricing

The kit’s price depends on size and frame choice:

• Standard size starts at $13.90 without frame
• Premium sizes up to 23.6″x29.5″ cost between $21.59-$48
• Frame options include frameless, DIY frame, or pre-mounted versions

Magpies and Flowers Best For

Nature enthusiasts and bird lovers will find this paint by number kit perfect. People seeking a calming artistic experience will appreciate its flora and fauna theme. The finished piece celebrates garden birds and adds a personal touch to any room.

6. Red Blooms

The Artist’s Red Blooms paint by number kit features a stunning 3D floral design. Its impasto-style technique makes vibrant red flowers pop right off your canvas. This still-life piece delivers both visual impact and artistic satisfaction.

Paint by Numbers Red Blooms Key Features

This detailed kit has:

• 20″ x 16″ (50cm x 40cm) high-quality numbered canvas
• Full set of acrylic paints with 18 vibrant colors
• Three paintbrushes – two thin and one wide
• Simple instruction guide and reference sheet
• Optional pre-framed canvas ready to display

Paint by Numbers Red Blooms Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Helps you unwind and relieve stress
• Creates beautiful artwork without artistic skills
• Makes a special gift people will treasure
• Great for social painting with friends or family
• Simple numbering system perfect for beginners

Cons:

• Floral details need patience and precision
• Small areas require steady hands to color accurately

Paint by Numbers Red Blooms Pricing

Regular prices start at $69.95, though you’ll often find it for $49.95. Seasonal sales can save you up to 30% more.

Paint by Numbers Red Blooms Best For

This paint by number kit helps you practice color harmony and composition easily. Beginners will love it as a relaxing creative outlet that produces impressive results.

7. Starry Night by Van Gogh

Van Gogh’s masterpiece comes alive with Number Artist’s Starry Night paint by number kit. Art lovers call it one of the best kits to recreate famous artworks. You can now make your own version of this iconic 1889 painting with its swirling night sky and peaceful village below.

Starry Night by Van Gogh Key Features

The kit gives you everything you need to bring this masterpiece to life:

• High-quality linen canvas with pre-printed numbers (typically 16″x20″/40x50cm)
• Acrylic paint sets from 6 colors in simple kits to 48 colors in premium versions
• Set of 3-5 paintbrushes for different detailing needs
• Reference guide or color key card to ensure accuracy
• Display options with hang tabs or easel stands

You can choose from rolled canvas, DIY frame, pre-stretched canvas, or canvas board. The detail levels range from standard (24-32 colors) to premium (48 colors) if you want richer color depth and intricate details.

Starry Night by Van Gogh Pricing

Kit prices change based on quality, detail level, and framing choices:

• Simple kits with 6 colors: $19.99-$29.95
• Standard kits (24-32 colors): $29.95-$44.99
• Premium kits (48 colors): $39.95-$59.90
• Framed or pre-stretched options: Add $15-30 to base price

Starry Night by Van Gogh Best For

This kit fits perfectly for:

• Art lovers who appreciate Van Gogh’s unique style
• Newcomers who want a famous yet doable project
• Anyone looking for a peaceful break from screens
• People searching for a meaningful creative gift
• Home decorators who want to add their personal touch to a classic

You might spend anywhere from a few hours on simple versions to two weeks on detailed kits with many colors. The finished piece becomes a great conversation starter that shows your patience and artistic spirit.

Conclusion

Number Artist is pioneering the paint by numbers scene with top-quality kits of all types. The best paint by number kits do more than spark creativity – they help you relax, stay mindful, and create beautiful art. Your artistic skills don’t matter at all.

A perfect option is waiting for you. You can recreate classics like Van Gogh’s Starry Night, bring anime characters to life with the My Neighbor Totoro kit, or turn your photos into custom artwork. Today’s variety lets you pick a kit that fits your skill level, schedule, and priorities.

New painters can start with the Mini Modern Paint by Numbers Kit and finish a project in hours. More advanced artists might take on the detailed Golden Lily or Venice City at Night kits. These complex designs could take days to perfect.

The benefits go beyond the final artwork. People say regular painting helps lower their anxiety and sharpens their focus. The finished pieces also make great gifts or unique home decorations that mean something special.

Take time to think over canvas size, color count, price, and difficulty level before picking your kit. The comparison table will help you weigh these options. This way, you’ll find the perfect kit that matches what you want to achieve.

Paint by numbers has become one of the biggest craft trends of 2026. Looking to decorate with personal artwork? Need a break from screens? Want to feel calmer through painting? These 12 best paint by number kits are a great way to start your creative trip.

FAQs

Q1. Which paint by numbers company offers the best quality kits? Number Artist consistently ranks among the top providers, offering high-quality materials and a wide range of designs. However, other reputable brands like Canvas by Numbers and Masterpiece by Numbers also produce excellent kits.

Q2. Are paint by numbers kits suitable for beginners? Absolutely. Paint by numbers kits are designed to be accessible for all skill levels, including complete beginners. They provide clear instructions, pre-numbered canvases, and all necessary materials, making it easy for anyone to create impressive artwork.

Q3. How long does it typically take to complete a paint by numbers project? Completion time varies depending on the kit’s complexity and size. Mini kits can be finished in 2-4 hours, while standard 16″x20″ canvases usually take 6-12 hours. More intricate designs may require several weeks to complete.

Q4. What are the benefits of doing paint by numbers? Paint by numbers offers numerous benefits, including stress relief, improved focus, and a sense of accomplishment. It’s also a great way to practice color theory, develop patience, and create personalized decor or gifts.

Q5. How do custom paint by numbers kits compare to pre-designed ones? Custom kits allow you to transform personal photos into paintable canvases, offering a unique and meaningful experience. While they may be pricier than pre-designed kits, they provide a more personalized result and often make cherished keepsakes or gifts.