What Is the Best Size for a Diamond Painting?

If you’re new to the world of diamond painting but want to give one of these fun, colorful projects a try, you may have some questions before you dive in. What kinds of tools are needed? How long does it take to complete a project? What is the best size for a diamond painting? These are all common queries for people just discovering the joy of painting with diamonds, and while some of the answers are subjective, we can provide you with some guidelines on how to select the diamond painting that’s right for you. 

Luckily, when you purchase a diamond art kit, all of the necessary materials are included – the applicator tool, wax, and faceted, colored beads. As you become a more experienced diamond painter you may want to purchase extra diamond painting accessories to add enjoyment to the process, but for your first project, your new kit should have everything you need. As for how long it takes to complete a project, that is somewhat dependent on how large of a painting you want to try your hand at. Please keep reading to discover our tips on how to select the perfect size for your next diamond painting kit. 

What Is Diamond Painting? 

Before we dive into the specifics of choosing a size, let’s answer the question “what is diamond painting?” You probably already have an idea if you are reading this article, but in case you need a refresher: 

Diamond painting is a fun DIY hobby that has taken the crafting world by storm. Similar to cross stitch and paint by numbers kits, diamond painting kits allow you to create stunning art one small piece at a time. Each kit comes with a self-adhesive canvas featuring a printed chart with symbols indicating what color of resin diamond drill goes in each spot. Then, using a diamond painting pen, you simply adhere colorful gems in their intended spaces. When you’re finished, you have a mosaic work of art that glistens in the light and adds beauty to any space. 

Additionally, diamond painting provides a relaxing, therapeutic experience for both new and experienced crafters. It’s both relaxing and rewarding, making it an ideal hobby for anyone who is looking for a fun way to unwind at the end of a long day. 

What Is the Best Size for a Diamond Painting?

There is no right answer to the question, “What is the best size for a diamond painting?” It depends on what you’re looking for. Generally, if this is your first time completing a diamond painting, we recommend starting with small paintings as they tend to be less time-consuming. It will also act as an introduction to this new craft without committing you to weeks of work on a large, detailed project. Because of this, smaller canvases also offer the best diamond painting experience for kids who may not have the patience to complete larger pieces. 

The larger the painting, the more diamonds you’ll need to attach and line up perfectly to create your masterpiece. This is true for any full drill kit with round drills or square drills. For beginners, most people recommend sticking to projects that are under 12 in. x 12 in. 

How to Select Your Diamond Painting

Where Will the Finished Diamond Painting Be Displayed?

If you’re planning to hang your completed painting in your home, the size of the canvas should fit the space that you’re planning to display it. Choosing artwork for your house is a fun task that can add some pizzazz to your interior design and show off your personal style. 

Measure the space where you’re planning to hang your painting and determine whether or not the project will be too small for the wall. If you feel that a diamond art painting under 12 in. x 12 in. will be too small in the space, you may want to find another area for your first project and work your way up to a larger size that will fit better in your proposed space. Alternatively, you can create multiple smaller paintings that complement each other and create a gallery wall to showcase your work. 

Generally speaking, small paintings work well in bedrooms, bathrooms, offices and other small areas. Small paintings also make great gifts since the recipient won’t have to be concerned about finding enough space for a larger piece. 

Large paintings are ideal for living rooms, kitchens, dining rooms, etc. And since larger canvases require more diamond painting drills, they are perfect for spaces that receive lots of natural light. You’ll love seeing the round diamonds or square diamonds shimmer and shine in the sun! 

LEARN HOW TO FRAME A DIAMOND PAINTING

How Much Time Do You Want to Spend on It?

Although diamond painting is a fun and calming activity, it can be time-consuming because each diamond bead needs to be individually placed in the correct spot to create a truly captivating mosaic image. The length of time it will take to complete a project depends entirely on the painting’s size and level of detail, along with how often you work on it. Plus, it usually takes new diamond painters longer to complete projects than more seasoned crafters. 

Try to set aside a specific amount of time each week to pull out your painting and make more progress. If you’re okay with spending a few weeks on one project, you can opt for a slightly bigger piece of art. If you prefer to complete the painting in a few sittings, stick with a smaller size and work on it more often.

How Detailed Is the Painting?

The level of detail will significantly impact how long it takes you to complete a project. If you’re new to diamond painting and considering experimenting with a larger project (i.e., larger than 12 in. x 12 in.), then look for a design that doesn’t have a lot of details. You will spend more time on this piece, but if there are big chunks of the same color rather than many small lines or shapes of different colors, you may have an easier time completing the project as long as you pay close attention to color changes.

Are You Working on the Painting Solo?

One of the greatest things about diamond painting is that it can easily be done alone or with friends or family. Research shows that arts and crafts can greatly improve our mental health by reducing feelings of anxiety and stress, which is why it’s a good way to unwind after a stressful day or the perfect activity to bond with your friends or significant other. 

If you’re working on a project with another person, you’ll likely be able to get it done more quickly and may even want to spring for a larger painting to give each other more space to work. Completing a large size diamond painting with friends or family members is a lot of fun, and watching the piece come together is amazing. 

Select the Diamond Painting Project That’s Right for You

As you select your first project, you may wonder, “What is the best diamond painting size?” Many different factors can affect which size diamond painting makes the most sense for you, but as a beginner, we recommend that you stick to smaller sizes (less than 12 in. x 12 in.). This will give you a taste of what diamond painting is like and as you fine-tune your skills, you can move on to larger, more detailed pictures.

When you’re ready to move on to larger kits, the experience you gain while working on smaller ones will make the process much easier. Get started on your first diamond painting kit today, and before you know it, you’ll be ready to create incredible artwork of all sizes to display or give as gifts. 

BROWSE DIAMOND ART KITS FOR BEGINNERS