Living in a small apartment doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your love for art. In fact, compact spaces can make displaying your work even more impactful—if you know a few smart tricks. Whether your style is minimalist, eclectic, or cozy boho, there’s always room for a masterpiece or two (or five) when you plan your layout strategically.
And if you’ve recently completed a paint by numbers kit, you already have the perfect piece to start with—art you made yourself, which makes it all the more special.
Go Vertical with Gallery Walls
When floor space is limited, think vertical. A gallery wall not only draws the eye upward but also turns a plain wall into an art feature.
Tips for small-space gallery walls:
- Mix sizes: Combine smaller paintings with medium-sized frames for balance.
- Stick to a palette: Even if the art styles differ, having 2–3 main colors keeps it cohesive.
- Include your own work: Hanging your finished paint by numbers pieces alongside prints and photos adds a personal, handmade touch.
If you’re feeling ambitious, rotate your artwork seasonally. Swap in warm-toned autumn scenes for fall, pastel florals for spring, and so on. This keeps your home feeling fresh without adding clutter.
Use Floating Shelves for Flexibility
Floating shelves give you the option to display art without committing to nails in the wall for each piece. You can layer multiple frames, mix in plants or candles, and rearrange as often as you like.
For small apartments, opt for narrow shelves above:
- Sofas or beds
- Entryway consoles
- Kitchen counters (away from direct heat and moisture)
Pro tip: Choose lightweight frames or mount your canvas directly on a thin backing board to save space and reduce the load on the shelf.
Frame It Like a Pro
Even the simplest painting looks gallery-worthy in the right frame. Most paint by numbers kits, like those from Davincified, come in standard sizes (often 16x20), so you can easily find ready-made frames.
Space-saving frame ideas:
- Floating glass frames make the wall color part of the art, reducing visual heaviness.
- Magnetic poster hangers are slim, modern, and easy to swap between works.
- Acrylic frames keep the look minimal while protecting the art.
Turn Doors into Art Displays
In small apartments, even your doors can double as gallery space. The back of a bedroom or closet door can hold one or two lightweight framed pieces using adhesive hooks or over-the-door racks.
For a more cohesive look, paint the door a contrasting color that complements your art—your framed masterpiece will pop even more.
Create Rotating “Art Stations”
Instead of trying to display everything at once, dedicate one or two prime spots in your apartment for rotating artwork. This works especially well if you love making multiple pieces but don’t have the wall space to keep them all up year-round.
Ideas for art rotation:
- A narrow ledge in the hallway for a single featured piece
- A desk easel that holds your current favorite creation
- A seasonal display corner that changes with your mood or décor updates
Light It Up
Good lighting can make a huge difference in how your art feels in a space. Even if you can’t install permanent fixtures, you can use:
- Clip-on LED lights attached to shelves
- Battery-powered picture lights above a frame
- Adjustable desk lamps aimed at wall-mounted pieces
Lighting not only enhances the colors of your painting but also makes it a focal point in the room.
Multi-Use Furniture as Display Space
When every square foot counts, furniture should work double duty. Look for:
- Storage benches with flat tops for leaning framed art
- Bookshelves where art can be displayed between stacks of books
- Room dividers that double as display panels
A framed paint by numbers landscape leaning on a bookshelf instantly adds character to an otherwise functional piece of furniture.
Why DIY Art Fits Small Spaces Perfectly
One reason paint by numbers works so well in tiny apartments is that you can choose exactly the subject, color scheme, and size that fits your space. Brands like Davincified even let you upload your own photo, preview it, and choose your palette size—24, 36, or 48 colors—so the final piece matches your interior perfectly.
This level of customization means your art isn’t just “another print from the store”—it’s a personal piece designed for your walls.
Mini FAQ: Making the Most of Your Finished Paintings
Do I need extra supplies to display my work?
Nope. A frame or mounting hardware is enough for most spaces. Many standard kits fit off-the-shelf frames, so there’s no need for expensive custom framing.
What if I want to protect the painting but not frame it?
Apply a thin coat of satin varnish to protect it from dust and moisture while keeping the look casual.
Can I display multiple small canvases together?
Absolutely. Grouping several smaller works can make a bigger impact than one large piece—especially in narrow spaces.
Final Brushstroke
A small home doesn’t mean small creativity. With a bit of strategic thinking—whether that’s using floating shelves, rotating art stations, or even the back of a door—you can make your finished works the star of your space.
And if you’re still working on your first masterpiece, a paint by numbers kit is a great way to start. Not only does it give you the joy of creating something from scratch, but it also leaves you with a piece of art that’s personal, display-worthy, and perfectly suited to your home—no matter the size.