For a pet portrait, choose a matte poster if you want to frame it yourself and avoid reflections, a poster with a wooden frame if it should go straight on the wall, canvas for a warm painted look and acrylic glass for vivid colours in modern rooms. As a rule of thumb for size: 12×16″ (30×40 cm) for sideboards, shelves and gallery walls, 18×24″ (45×60 cm) for open walls and dressers, and 24×32″ (60×80 cm) as a statement piece above a sofa or bed.
The five materials at a glance
- Matte poster in museum quality: calm, glare-free, flexible for framing yourself.
- Poster with wooden frame: ready to hang, natural and homely.
- Canvas: fine fabric texture, painterly character, relatively light.
- Framed canvas: the painted look with an elegant, finished edge.
- Acrylic glass: brilliant colours, a sense of depth, glossy surface.
Matte poster in museum quality
The matte poster is the classic choice. The paper barely reflects, so you can see the picture from any angle without distracting spots of light, even opposite a window. Fine details such as individual whiskers or the texture of the fur come through beautifully. The big advantage: you are completely free when it comes to framing. A simple black frame, light wood or a mount that gives the picture more breathing space, you can match the portrait to your interior and to the pictures you already have. Care: behind glass in a frame, the poster is well protected. Unframed, hold it by the edges and avoid bending it.
Poster with wooden frame
If you don't want to hunt for the right frame, the poster with a wooden frame is the easiest option: unpack, hang, done. Wood feels warm and natural and suits almost any style, from a bright Scandinavian living room to a cosy study. That also makes it a particularly good gift, because nobody has to sort anything out afterwards. Care: simply wipe off dust with a dry, soft cloth.
Canvas: the painted look
On canvas, a portrait looks most like a painting. The fine fabric texture gives the picture depth and character, and the surface hardly reflects. The canvas is stretched over a frame and needs no extra picture frame, which keeps it relatively light and usually easy to hang. Canvas is a lovely match for themes with an oil-painting look, such as Royals or Golden Twenties. Care: remove dust with a soft, dry cloth or brush, without cleaning products or water.
Framed canvas
A framed canvas combines the painterly character with an elegant, finished edge. The frame draws a clear line, makes the picture feel more substantial and protects the edges. It is ideal for a spot where the portrait should really stand out, such as the living room or the entrance hall. If you want to present a Royals portrait like an ancestral painting in a stately home, this is the most fitting choice.
Acrylic glass: colour and depth
Under acrylic glass, colours look especially vivid and the picture gains a noticeable depth. The smooth, glossy surface feels modern and high-end. It is ideal for colourful themes such as Pop Art, Space Explorer or Spa Day. The gloss has a downside, though: acrylic reflects. Try not to hang it directly opposite a window or a bright lamp. Care: clean with a soft microfibre cloth and a little water, and avoid abrasive or harsh cleaners. As acrylic glass is heavier than paper or canvas, use fixings suited to its weight and to your wall.
Which material suits which theme
- Royals and Golden Twenties: canvas or framed canvas for the classic painted look.
- Pop Art and Space Explorer: acrylic glass for bold colours and depth, or a matte poster in a simple frame.
- Forever Loved: matte poster, poster with wooden frame or canvas for a calm, gentle feel.
- Dream Job, Adventurers and Spa Day: poster with wooden frame for a playful touch in the hallway, the study or the guest bathroom.
- Santa's Pet: a poster you hang up for the holiday season and can easily store afterwards.
Getting light and space right
- Bright rooms with large windows: matte posters and canvas barely reflect and stay easy to see from every angle.
- Direct sunlight: strong sun fades any print over time, whatever the material. Choose a spot out of direct sunlight.
- Darker hallways and corners: acrylic glass brings the wall to life with its vivid colours, especially with a lamp shining from the side.
- Kitchen and bathroom: don't hang pictures directly above the hob or the shower. A well-ventilated spot away from splashes is kinder to every material.
- Radiators: directly above one is not a good place, because warm, dry air puts strain on any material over time.
The right size: 12×16″, 18×24″ or 24×32″
All three sizes share the same proportions. The image stays the same; only its presence in the room changes.
- 12×16″ (30×40 cm): for a sideboard, dresser, shelf or desk, for narrow bits of wall next to doors, for a child's room and as part of a gallery wall. It also works leaning on a picture ledge.
- 18×24″ (45×60 cm): the all-rounder. On its own on an open wall, above a dresser or sideboard, in the bedroom or in a hallway with enough viewing distance.
- 24×32″ (60×80 cm): the statement piece above a sofa, bed or dining table and for large, empty walls. Here the portrait becomes the focal point of the room.
Practical tips: how your portrait looks on the wall
- Above the sofa: a single picture works best large here, so 24×32″ (60×80 cm). Hang it centred above the sofa, about 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm) above the back cushions. With a very wide sofa, you can also combine two or three pictures side by side.
- Above a sideboard or dresser: the picture should be narrower than the furniture. 18×24″ usually fits well, while 12×16″ pairs nicely with decor or a lamp.
- In the hallway: narrow hallways lack viewing distance, so 12×16″ or 18×24″ is more comfortable. At the end of a long hallway, on the other hand, a large picture works like a destination you walk towards.
- Gallery wall: 12×16″ combines easily with other pictures and photos. Keep the gaps between frames even and place your portrait in the middle as the anchor.
- Height: as a rule of thumb, the centre of the picture sits at eye level, around 57 to 60 inches (about 1.5 m) from the floor. Above furniture, take your cue from the piece below.
- Test first: cut paper or cardboard to the size you are considering and stick it to the wall with painter's tape. That way you can see which size really fits before you order.
How your portrait is made
You choose the theme, material and size, upload a photo of your pet right after ordering and usually receive four designs created by our AI within minutes. You pick your favourite, and the portrait is printed in your region and shipped, usually within 5 to 10 business days, sometimes up to two weeks. Before buying, you can see a free preview with your own photo on the product page. You will find every step explained on our How it works page.
Frequently asked questions
Which material lasts the longest?
All the materials are made to hang on the wall for a long time. The spot matters more than the material: away from direct sunlight, moisture and radiator heat, any portrait stays beautiful for a long time. A frame or acrylic glass also protects the surface from touch and dust.
Does acrylic glass reflect a lot?
Acrylic glass has a glossy surface, so it reflects more than a poster or canvas. Avoid hanging it directly opposite windows or bright lamps. If you want to avoid reflections altogether, choose a matte poster or canvas.
What size works above a sofa?
For a single picture above a sofa, 24×32″ (60×80 cm) is usually the best choice, centred about 8 to 12 inches above the back cushions. With very wide sofas, two or three pictures side by side often look more balanced.
Can I frame the matte poster myself?
Yes, that is exactly what it is made for. Frames for 30×40, 45×60 and 60×80 cm are available from home stores and framing shops. A mount makes the portrait look especially elegant; you will then need a correspondingly larger frame.