Diamond Painting Size Guide
Bigger canvases hold more detail — but take longer. Here’s how to pick the size that matches your subject, your patience and your wall.
12×16 in
Single subjects and simpler designs. A relaxing first kit you’ll finish without it dragging.
16×20 in
The sweet spot — room for real detail and easy framing, without a marathon commitment.
20×24 in
Bold statement pieces, portraits and busy scenes where fine detail really shines.
The sizes we offer
Every design is a full-drill kit. Ready-made designs come in three sizes, and custom pieces from your photo add two extra square options — perfect for portraits and pets, where a square crop often frames a face best. Handily, every size lines up with a standard US frame size, so finishing is easy.
| Standard kits | Custom from your photo |
|---|---|
| 12×16 in (30×40 cm) | 12×16 in (30×40 cm) |
| 16×20 in (40×50 cm) | 16×16 in (40×40 cm · square) |
| 20×24 in (50×60 cm) | 16×20 in (40×50 cm) |
| — | 20×20 in (50×50 cm · square) |
| — | 20×24 in (50×60 cm) |
Measurements refer to the canvas edge. The finished drilled area sits just inside that, so allow a small border when planning a frame.
How to choose your size
Two things decide the right size: how much detail your image has, and how much time you want to spend. More detail needs more canvas — faces, fur and busy scenes all render sharper on a larger piece.
- First kit? Start with 12×16 in (30×40 cm). It’s a relaxing few evenings, not a marathon — a satisfying way to learn the rhythm.
- Buying a gift? 16×20 in (40×50 cm) is the safe, popular choice — impressive but achievable.
- Portrait or custom photo? Size up, and consider a square (16×16 or 20×20 in) for a single face — see our custom order tips.
- Want a wall centrepiece? Go 20×24 in (50×60 cm) with square drills for that gallery-sharp finish.
Round or square drills?
Round drills are faster and more forgiving — great for larger pieces and beginners. Square drills tile edge-to-edge for a crisp, gap-free look that holds fine detail best. Both are full-drill on every kit. More on this in how it works.
A note on time
The hours above are a guide, not a race — most makers work across several relaxing sessions. The bigger and more colourful the design, the longer it takes, and that’s part of the fun.
What size makes the best gift?
If you’re buying for someone else, 16×20 in (40×50 cm) is the safest, most popular choice: it’s impressive enough to feel special but achievable enough that they’ll actually finish it. For a child or a first-timer, go 12×16 in (30×40 cm) for a quick, confidence-building win. For a serious hobbyist, a 20×24 in (50×60 cm) statement piece signals you know they love the craft. When in doubt, 16×20 wins — and pairing it with a grid storage box makes it feel like a complete gift.
Sizing for portraits and custom photos
Faces and fine detail need room to render clearly. A single pet or one face works beautifully on a 16×16 in square (40×40 cm) or 16×20 in (40×50 cm), but two or more people, a full body, or a busy background should always be sized up to 20×20 or 20×24 in — otherwise detail gets lost when the image is broken into drills. As a rule, the more subjects or detail in your photo, the larger the canvas should be. Our custom order tips walk you through photo quality and sizing, and every custom kit comes with a free proof so you can check the detail before printing.
How to measure your space
Before you commit, think about where the finished piece will hang. Measure the wall or shelf, and remember that framing will add an inch or two on each side. A 20×24 in canvas that looks manageable on screen can dominate a small wall, while a 12×16 in piece can get lost above a big sofa. Matching the canvas size to the space it’s destined for is the easiest way to end up with something that looks intentional and well-placed rather than accidental.
Does a bigger canvas mean more colours?
Usually, yes. A larger canvas can hold more detail, which often means more colour shades and therefore more drill bags to sort and place. That’s part of what makes big pieces so rewarding to finish — but it’s also why they take longer. If you love rich, subtle colour and don’t mind a longer project, size up. If you’d rather keep things simple and quick, a smaller canvas with fewer colours is the easier ride. Every kit, whatever its size, arrives with the drills sorted and numbered to keep it manageable.
Still not sure which size to choose?
When in doubt, go one size up from your instinct. The most common regret we hear isn’t “I wish I’d bought smaller” — it’s “I wish I’d gone bigger so the detail really popped.” A 16×20 or 20×24 in canvas gives your design room to shine and makes a far bigger impact on the wall. And remember every standard kit is covered by our 30-day satisfaction guarantee, so you can order with confidence. If you’d like a personal recommendation for your space or your photo, just get in touch and we’ll happily help.