The Best Adult Paint by Number Kits
Last updated on January 7th, 2026 at 12:00 pm
I love a good adult paint by number kit, and I’ve had a lot of fun with them over the last few years. Today, I’m sharing the best paint by numbers for adults, if you want to give it a shot!
Over the last few years, I’ve gotten really into adult paint-by-number kits. They are such a fun way to add some DIY art to your home that feels really personal and looks beautiful. I’ve done three so far and am already itching for a new one.
One of my favorite things about a paint-by-number kits is that it’s a pretty foolproof process. Even if you mess up and go outside the lines here or there, you really can’t tell when you get to the final product. And, the kit comes with full instructions and everything you need to get started, which makes it so easy. It’s a perfect craft for beginners and requires almost zero actual painting skills. Promise.
I wouldn’t consider myself an artsy person at all – I’m good with DIY and designing my home, but when it comes to the more crafty things like painting, I’m terrible. So, being able to basically paint a masterpiece with no prior art experience feels so great!
Are Paint By Numbers Good For Adults?
I know that when I used to think of a “paint by number” kit, I thought of the rudimentary ones you always see for kids. Something simple and basic, perfect to guide kids through some art. But, I’ve learned that paint by number kits are actually GREAT for adults too. They’re relaxing, creative, good for your brain, and can be so, so beautiful. It’s the perfect therapeutic activity, if you ask me!
Adult paint by number kits would make a great gift – who wouldn’t love to create their own DIY works of art?!
What Comes in an Adult Paint by Number Kit?
Typically, a paint by number kit will come with an unpainted canvas with a design and numbered guide already on it, all of the paints you need, paintbrushes, and a guide or directions. You don’t need to worry about having your own personal paint on hand, or any other materials. They come with everything you need to dive right in!
Sometimes you need to label the paints yourself using an included guide, sometimes they come labeled already. They’re very simple to figure out and get started on, and the process is very straightforward.
What’s the Best Order to Paint In?
One of the best things about paint by number kits is that there’s no right or wrong way to do them! You can start with the first number and work your way up, you can work on one section or a time, or you can just choose a random color and start!
I mix it up when I’m working based on what part of the painting I’m feeling inspired by. Sometimes I work on one color for a while, sometimes I switch it up frequently. It’s really hard to mess one of these kits up, so don’t put too much pressure on yourself!
My Favorite Adult Paint by Number Kits
I’ve purchased three paint by number kits from this Etsy seller, and I’ve had a great experience with all of them. The kits comes with canvases already marked with numbers, some brushes, and all the acrylic paints you need. I find that these are fairly high quality paints, but I’m also not super particular or knowledgeable.
So far, I’ve painted:
- This winter scene
- This gorgeous summer-y fishing scene (my favorite!)
- And this fall-inspired landscape.
Just be warned that shipping from this particular seller will take a long time. So, be patient after you order. My only complaint about the paint by number itself is that some of the canvas numbers are really small. If you have a cluster of really small sections next to each other, it can be hard to decipher the numbers! But, it was never enough of a problem to actually cause an issue, and the finished product turned out great!
How to Hang a Paint By Number Kit
You have a lot of options when it comes to hanging your paint by numbers kit. If you’d like to stretch your canvas for a really professional look, there are kits out there to help you do that! You could also create a DIY frame if you really want to stretch your creativity. However, I’m a little lazy and prefer the look of framed art. So, I’ve always just grabbed a pretty frame for mine and called it a day!
If you want to make your paint by number kit look professional, I recommend sticking to stretching the canvas. Putting in a frame is a bit more casual and will hide some of the texture of the paint and canvas. But, it’s definitely up to your own personal preference!
If you want some help learning how to hang art, just click here for my full guide on how to hang just about anything.
Other Paint by Number Kits for Adults
Of course, the paint by number I purchased is not even close to the only option out there. There are dozens and dozens of gorgeous and high quality paint by number kits for adults out there, including custom kits! You can upload your own artwork to have custom paintings made, you can find kits based on a famous painting (I’ve seen a lot of Vincent Van Gogh’s Starry Night, for example!). You can even have a family portrait turned into some beautiful paintings with a kit like this one! Truly, the sky is the limit.
I’ve rounded up a few favorite options below from Etsy and Amazon if you want to give this a shot yourself.
- Wildflower Landscape
- Bookshop Scene
- London Cityscape
- Street Cafe
- Books (Set of 4)
- Floral Disco Ball
- Mountains + Waterfall
- Poppy Fields
- Paint by Number 2026 Calendar
- Pink Bookshelf
- Sequoia Forest
- Mountain Cabin
- Fruit Still Life
If you decide to try out a paint by number for yourself, be sure to tag me on Instagram when you share it. I LOVE seeing your progress!
You can find even more of my favorite paint by number kits from Amazon (along with some diamond painting kits and other DIY art projects) right here on my storefront.
“I absolutely love this roundup of paint-by-number kits! They’re such a great way to relax and create something beautiful without needing advanced painting skills. I’ve been looking for a creative outlet, and your suggestions are so inspiring—especially the bookshelf one for a reading nook! I also appreciate the tip about custom kits on Etsy. Another great place to explore is Artistry Rack—they have some amazing paint-by-number kits with unique designs. Have you ever tried a personalized photo-to-paint kit? I’m curious about how well those turn out. Thanks for sharing these ideas—I’m bookmarking this for my next DIY project!”