20 of the most stylish paint by numbers kits for adults

Discover the ultimate way to unwind and try these amazing paint by numbers kits and create your very own masterpiece! Paint by numbers for adults has swept the nation this year (it's even in our craft trends post). People everywhere are embracing the calming powers of making art in a stress-free and accessible way that doesn't require you to already be a talented artist.

If you haven't already tried it, paint by numbers kits are a truly soothing way to relax and unwind. There's something meditative about curling up with a kit and following the numbered sections with all the paints pre-mixed and set up for you.

This beginner-friendly option is proving popular with brand-new crafters as well as established makers alike.

Why choose a paint by numbers kit?

With paint by numbers kits, not only can you dip your toe into the world of painting to see if it's for you (without having to splash out on a full set of high-end acrylic paints), but you get to watch a beautiful artwork spring to life in front of your eyes which is hugely satisfying.

That's perhaps the reason that paint by numbers for adults has emerged as one of the biggest craft trends of this year – we predict that these kits will be topping many a wish list for Christmas 2023.

In this roundup we've focused on the best contemporary and stylish paint by numbers designs from a range of talented artists – we've thrown in a few of our favourite classic artworks for you to recreate at home, along with soothing scenes, illustrations and modern designs.

Learn how to do paint by numbers with this useful video!

20 best paint by numbers for adults – the top kits to buy

Ok people, let's dive into a few of our absolute favourite kits out there. Prepare to relax and unwind with these beautiful designs...

1. Custom paint by numbers kit

• Buy it now from Paint with Number
• Pros: You can turn your photos into paintings
• Cons: If you want a realistic painting, you'll need to opt for 36 or 48 colours
• Size: There are lots of sizes to choose from, starting from 30x40cm up to 80x60cm
• Framed: DIY frame available
• Difficulty level: All levels

If you love both photography and painting, this is the ideal paint by numbers set for you. You can transform your photos into canvases that you'll be proud to hang on your wall!

This would be a brilliant way to make your own family portrait using a favourite picture and would make a fantastic gift for a loved one.

Alternatively, you could order a custom kit and transform one of your best holiday photos into a unique painting for your home. It would be a lovely way to remind yourself of happy times or a special moment.

The basic kit contains 24 colours, but you'll achieve more realistic results if you choose the 36 or 48 colour options. The difficulty level may vary depending on the photo that you choose to submit.

If you're looking for more paint by number inspiration be sure to follow Paint with Number on Instagram, Tik Tok, Pinterest, YouTube and Snapchat.

2. Starry Night by Van Gogh

• Buy it now from Paint with Number
• Pros: Recreate a famous painting for your home
• Cons: Lots of small sections to paint, so trickier than some sets
• Size: Sizes range from 30x40cm to 60x80cm
• Framed: Frame available
• Difficulty level: Intermediate adult

Follow in the footsteps of the legendary artist Vincent Van Gogh and create your own version of his iconic Starry Night painting.

This beautiful paint by numbers kit comes with all of the paints and brushes you'll need to produce a fabulous work of art.

It has a satisfying level of detail, so you'll be able while away hours working on your painting – it definitely provides good value for money!

There's even the option to add a wooden frame so you can make your finished painting look truly professional.

3. My Neighbour Totoro

• Buy it now from Paint with Number
• Pros: Perfect for fans of Studio Ghibli
• Cons: Apply paint carefully so you don't run out
• Size: Sizes available from 30x40cm to 60x80cm
• Framed: DIY wooden frame available
• Difficulty level: Beginner adult

This painting kit inspired by My Neighbour Totoro is made for fans of Studio Ghibli movies. The painting features the characters Totoro (a friendly spirit) and his friend Mei.

It's a heartwarming design painted in a soothing palette of purples, greens and browns. This would be a fabulous painting by numbers canvas to hang up in a child's bedroom – why not paint it for someone as a gift?

You could also spend a relaxing day painting this kit with friends or family members – it's a great way to unwind and enjoy some quality time together.

4. Golden Lily William Morris

• Buy it now from Etsy
• Pros: Traditional design, hanging kit,
• Cons: Can be expensive
• Size: 16" x 20"
• Framed: DIY frame available
• Difficulty level: Beginner adult

Canvas By Numbers has made our year by releasing this easy-to-paint version of a William Morris classic Golden Lily design. These classic art deco Paint by Numbers kits feature real canvases with detailed line art to fill in.

Each section is labelled with a small number to show you which colour to paint. You'll also get a numbered acrylic-based paint set, 3 standard paintbrushes and a hanging kit. It's the ideal painting by numbers for adults!

5. St Ives seaside town

• Buy it now from Etsy
• Pros: 30 paint pot colours, 4 brushes, primed canvas
• Cons: Expensive
• Size: 16" x 20"
• Framed: No
• Difficulty level: Beginner adult

Paint this beautiful seaside town and have a piece of Cornwall in your living room. We know we said paint by numbers kits are relaxing but this is another level, taking the calm and warmness from the seaside along with the peacefulness of painting, bliss!

In this kit, you'll find everything you need high-quality paints, several brushes and even little mixing pots.

6. Ballet Dancers by Vikmari

• Pros: Magnifier, delicate design, gift box available
• Cons: Traditional design
• Size: 16" x 20"
• Framed: Yes (optional)
• Difficulty level: Beginner adult

Capture the behind-the-scenes glimpse of dancers warming up with this beautiful paint by numbers kit by Vikmari. It includes an easy-to-read numbered canvas, a set of paintbrushes, pigments, a magnifier and instructions. You'll just need to find a frame to finish.

7. Three animal paint by numbers

• Buy it now from Etsy
• Pros: Choose just one or all three designs, perfect for the kids' bedroom
• Cons: Simple design
• Size: "16 x "19 smallest option available
• Framed: No
• Difficulty level: Beginner adult

Who doesn't love animals and crafts? (We've done quite an extensive survey of the Gathered team and it's pretty unanimous.) You'll paint this sweet squirrel and cute squirrel on a ready-to-go canvas measuring 30x40 cm (you can choose the size you want).

This one does ship from China takes so you'll need to leave a bit longer for it to arrive, but it's got rave reviews and is worth the wait.

8. Enjoy a city break

• Pros: Traditional design, non-toxic, 3 different brush shapes
• Cons: May need ironing
• Size: 16" x 20"
• Framed: No
• Difficulty level: Beginner adult

Escape to London from your home with this cityscape paint by numbers kit. It comes with non-toxic acrylic paints, pre-mixed for you so all you have to do is match the numbers of the paint and the figures on the pre-prepared canvas to fill in the picture.

This kit comes with 3 brush shapes and sizes to help you perfect your painting process. The frame is not included so you'll need to buy a frame separately to display your finished masterpiece.

9. Magpies and flowers

• Buy it now from Etsy
• Pros: Eco-friendly acrylic paints, high-quality linen canvas, hanging kit
• Cons: May need ironing
• Size: "16 x 19"
• Framed: Yes (optional)
• Difficulty level: Beginner adult

Paint some maximalist style with this boho-feel paint by numbers kit of beautiful birds and blossoms. It includes numbered acrylic-based paints, a pre-printed numbered canvas, 3 paint brushes and a hanging kit.

10. Swimming labrador

• Pros: Great for dog lovers, presented in gift box
• Cons: May need ironing
• Size: 16" x 19"
• Framed: Yes
• Difficulty level: Beginner adult

Paint man's best friend with this adorable paint by numbers kit. In this beautiful kit, you'll receive everything you need to finish the painting plus a free DIY frame as a gift, so you'll be ready to proudly hang it up in your living room. This is an ideal gift for any dog lover.

11. Under the Sea

• Buy it now from Etsy
• Pros: Fun design, design unique to the seller
• Cons: May require ironing
• Size: 16" x 19" smallest size
• Framed: Yes (optional)
• Difficulty level: Beginner adult

Paint the ocean's noblest creature with Handmade Prints Studio's painting by numbers kit. It includes everything you need to start painting and measures 15.7 x 20 inches.

It would make the perfect gift for any keen surfers in your life and will be a joy to paint!

12. Paint by numbers red blooms

• Buy it now from Not on the High Street
• Pros: Modern design, simple to paint, free gift wrapping
• Cons: Expensive
• Size: 16" x 19"
• Framed: Yes
• Difficulty level: Intermediate adult

Brighten up any home with a splash of deep red florals with this abstract painting. Your painting kit will include an artist's canvas (40 x 50 cm), a double set of acrylic paint, a set of artist's paintbrushes plus a DIY frame.

13. Venice City at night

• Pros: Extra paint, beautiful design, 3 brushes and 24 colour paints
• Cons: Requires high concentration
• Size: 19" x 15"
• Framed: No
• Difficulty level: Intermediate adult

Capture the beauty of Venice at night with this beautiful paint by numbers kit. With the setting sun, hanging lamps and peaceful waters this will be a treat to paint.

The kit includes pre-printed canvas, 24 colours and paintbrushes. They even offer 50% extra paint than is needed to complete the project to ensure you don't run out!

14. Cat paint by numbers kit

• Buy it now from Etsy
• Pros: Detailed, high pigment paint, plenty of spare paint
• Cons: Paint colours may be slightly different to picture
• Size: 19" x 15"
• Framed: No
• Difficulty level: Beginner adult

Of course, we simply had to include a cat painting on this! We know a lot of crafters adore cats, and we always find bringing those two aspects together makes for a popular project indeed!

This large canvas features a cute tabby cat against a vibrant background. Everything you need will be included in the kit and you'll be able to get the painting straight away.

15. Minimalist paint by numbers kit

• Buy it now from Etsy
• Pros: Modern look, eco-friendly
• Cons: Needs two layers of paint
• Size: 12" x 16" or 16" x 20"
• Framed: Yes (optional)
• Difficulty level: Beginner adult

Looking for the best paint by numbers for adults? This kit is great for beginners due to its minimalist design. Although simple, the design is beautiful and modern and would look fabulous hanging in any home.

Within this kit, you'll find a linen canvas, eco-friendly paint and paintbrushes. If you would like you can choose the option to include a frame.

16. Panda paint by numbers kit

• Buy it now from Etsy
• Pros: Affordable, suitable for kids, quick to make
• Cons: Very easy
• Size: 8" x 8"
• Framed: Yes
• Difficulty level: Beginner 12+

If you're looking for an easy, straightforward project then this is the kit for you! This cute panda is blocky and doesn't contain lots of intricate details making it the perfect starter for painting (especially if you are not very confident and would like a less intimidating place to start).

This project might be fun to get the kids involved with too, it would look cute on a nursery wall once it is finished.

17. Racoon painting

• Buy it now from Etsy
• Pros: Cute design, affordable
• Cons: Colour may vary slightly in real kit
• Size: 11" x 8"
• Framed: Yes (optional)
• Difficulty level: Beginner for 12+

How absolutely adorable is this raccoon paint by numbers kit! Chomping down on his watermelon this sweet critter is bound to be welcome in any home. This lovely design was created by an art teacher (and talented artist).

The kit comes with everything you need including paint (no mixing required).

18. Modern floral paint by numbers kit

• Buy it now from Etsy
• Pros: Beautiful contemporary design
• Cons: Only available in large sizes
• Size: 40x40cm or 50x50cm (16" x 16" or 20" x 20")
• Framed: There's the option to add a frame
• Difficulty: Beginner adult

Give your home a fresh, contemporary look by adding this vibrant design from JoyBoutiqueArt on Etsy. This paint by numbers kit is designed to look as though it's painted with loose brushstrokes, so if you do make a mistake it won't be noticeable.

We'd highly recommend browsing through this seller's shop, as there are plenty more gorgeous designs to choose from.

19. Sunrise mini painting

• Buy it now from Not on the High Street
• Pros: Comes with a mini easel
• Cons: A simple design that probably won't take long to do
• Size: 20x20cm (8" x 8")
• Framed: No, this doesn't come with a frame
• Difficulty: Beginner adult

This pretty mini sunrise paint by numbers kit comes with a selection of beautiful pastel paints. Unlike the other sets in this article, it comes with its own small easel, which will definitely make the painting process easier.

You could also display your painting on the easel when it's completed.

It's a very easy design that would be perfect for anyone who wants to try painting by numbers for the first time.

20. Unyoked paint by numbers kit

• Buy it now from Etsy
• Pros: Beautiful contemporary design
• Cons: The paints may not be an exact match for the colours
• Size: 40x50cm
• Framed: No frame option
• Difficulty: Beginner adult

This gorgeous illustration from JrayCrayHoShow on Etsy is guaranteed to make you feel calm and mindful.

This is just one of the exceptional designs from this store and we found it very difficult to pick our favourite kit! Take a look at the seller's store to find matching designs for your home.

Express your creativity with the best paint by numbers kits for adults

A paint by numbers kit is a fantastic way to be mindful and explore your creative side. If you're not a confident painter, a paint by numbers kit is a good place to begin, because all of the colours have been chosen for you – you just need to fill them in.

There's a huge variety of designs available to choose from, ranging from vintage patterns to contemporary illustrations. The choice is yours! It's easy to find the best paint by numbers for adults and explore your creative side.

Painting by numbers is a relaxing way to spend an afternoon and it might just inspire you to become a painter!

Get into watercolour painting

If you want to learn how to paint, watercolours are a good starting point: they're affordable, versatile and easy to use. Beginners can create their own stylish watercolour paintings with just a few basic techniques.

Get started with Gathered's introduction to watercolour painting.