I’ve always loved filling my home with personal photos that capture family moments, travels, and everyday joys. But finding the right way to display them without committing to heavy frames or drilling holes has been a challenge.
That’s why I decided to compare Mixtiles and Smallwoods head-to-head. My goal here is to help you figure out which one fits your style, budget, and needs when creating that perfect gallery wall or statement piece.
Right after this intro, you’ll find a quick comparison table to give you an at-a-glance overview. Then we’ll break it down further.
| Feature | Mixtiles | Smallwoods | Winner for Most People |
| Product Type | Frameless or edged sticky photo tiles (foam board) | Framed prints, canvases, wood signs | Depends on preference |
| Ease of Installation | Peel-and-stick, repositionable, no damage | Requires nails/hooks, permanent | Mixtiles |
| Price per Item (approx.) | $11–$15 per 8×8 tile (cheaper in bundles) | $40–$100+ for framed prints/canvases | Mixtiles |
| Shipping | Free on all orders | Free over $75, otherwise paid | Mixtiles |
| Print Quality | Good colors, lightweight, modern look | Excellent sharpness, premium materials | Smallwoods |
| Durability | Lightweight foam, can fall over time | Sturdy wood/metal frames, long-lasting | Smallwoods |
| Customization Options | Borders, frames, sizes up to 20×20 | Many sizes, frame styles, canvas options | Smallwoods |
| Best For | Renters, frequent rearrangers, budget gallery walls | Permanent decor, classic/traditional homes | Tie |
| Customer Service | Responsive, refunds available | Highly praised, quick resolutions | Smallwoods |
Head-to-Head Comparison of Mixtiles And Smallwoods
I’ve put both Mixtiles and Smallwoods through their paces over multiple orders, and now it’s time to stack them up side by side in the categories that matter most to me—and probably to you too. I’ll share my real experiences, what recent users are saying in 2025, and where each one shines or stumbles.
- Price and Value
Let’s talk money first, because that’s often the deciding factor. Mixtiles keeps things wallet-friendly.
With frequent bundle deals and coupons, I’ve grabbed 8×8 tiles for as low as $7–$10 each when ordering in packs of 12 or more.
Free shipping on everything seals the deal—no surprise fees at checkout.
For a full gallery wall of 20–30 pieces, you’re looking at $150–$300, which feels like a steal for the convenience.
Smallwoods, on the other hand, sits in a higher tier. A medium framed canvas or print often starts around $60–$100, even on sale, and larger ones push $200+.
They run solid promotions—up to 70% off sometimes—but building a comparable wall still costs two to three times more. Shipping is free only over $75 or during special events, so smaller orders add extra.
For pure affordability, Mixtiles takes the win if you’re decorating on a budget or testing layouts. But Smallwoods offers better long-term value if you see these as heirloom pieces—the premium materials justify the spend for permanent spots.
- Ease of Use and Flexibility
This is where Mixtiles changed my decorating game entirely. The magnetic hanging system they rolled out in recent years is brilliant: just peel, stick, and adjust. I’ve rearranged my hallway display five times without a single mark on the paint.
Perfect for renters like I used to be, or anyone who swaps photos seasonally.
Smallwoods requires the classic approach—nails, hooks, level, and patience. Once hung, it’s set. Moving means holes and touch-up paint. I love the final look, but the process took me a full afternoon for just six pieces.
If you crave zero commitment and quick changes, Mixtiles is unbeatable. For set-it-and-forget-it elegance, Smallwoods holds strong.
- Quality and Aesthetics
Up close, Smallwoods pulls ahead. Their museum-quality canvases and sturdy wood or acrylic frames deliver sharp details, rich colors, and that professional gallery feel. My wedding canvas still looks brand new after years—no fading, no warping.
Users rave about the vibrant prints that make photos pop like artwork.
Mixtiles has stepped up their print game lately—colors are brighter and sharper than my older orders—but they’re still foam-based tiles. They look modern and clean from a distance, especially in grids, but edges can scratch easily, and they’re not as crisp for pro shots. The lightweight feel suits casual vibes, not formal ones.
Smallwoods wins for premium, timeless aesthetics. Mixtiles excels in fun, contemporary displays.
- Durability and Longevity
Durability ties closely to quality. Smallwoods pieces are built tough—heavy-duty frames and canvases that withstand moves, kids, and time. I’ve never had one fall or degrade.
Mixtiles’ lighter foam and magnetic/adhesive setup works great initially, but some users (including me with older tiles) report occasional sagging in humid spots or after a couple years. The 2025 magnetic upgrades help a lot, and they hold strong on smooth walls, but textured surfaces or direct sun can cause issues.
For forever homes, Smallwoods is the durable choice. Mixtiles suits temporary or frequently updated spaces.
- Customization and Variety
Smallwoods offers more options hands-down.
Dozens of frame styles (walnut, black, distressed), canvas wraps, acrylic, wood signs, plus text overlays and massive sizes up to 40+ inches.
I mixed canvases, framed prints, and signs for a layered look.
Mixtiles focuses on tiles—mostly squares from 8×8 up to larger formats, with frame colors (black, white, wood) and border effects. Great for uniform grids, but less variety in shapes or add-ons.
If you want eclectic, mixed-media walls, Smallwoods gives you freedom. For cohesive tile galleries, Mixtiles keeps it simple and effective.
- Shipping and Ordering Experience
Mixtiles nails this: free, fast shipping (often a week or less), intuitive app for previews and layouts, and reliable packaging. Orders arrive pristine.
Smallwoods ships quickly too, but heavier items can take longer, and free shipping thresholds vary. Their site designer is powerful for custom work, though some find it finicky.
Tie here—both deliver smoothly, but Mixtiles edges out with consistent free shipping.
- Customer Service
Both companies shine when things go wrong. Mixtiles’ chat support responds fast— they’ve sent replacements or credits for blurry prints or adhesion tweaks without hassle.
Smallwoods gets endless praise for going above and beyond: quick reprints for damage, personal help with orders, even empathetic responses for emotional pieces like memorials.
Slight edge to Smallwoods for that warm, small-business feel, but Mixtiles is reliably helpful too.
- Best Use Cases
Mixtiles fits perfectly in rentals, kids’ rooms, hallways, or anywhere you experiment with layouts. I use them for travel snapshots and family candids that I update often.
Smallwoods belongs in living rooms, bedrooms, or entryways for statement pieces—like oversized family portraits or wedding shots that stay put.
Key Features I Love About Mixtiles
The adhesive is the star here.
It’s strong enough to hold the tile securely but lets you peel it off and reposition it multiple times without leaving marks or damaging paint.
I’ve rearranged my wall three times now, and it still works great.
No nails, no hammers—just peel, stick, and enjoy.
They’re super lightweight because they’re printed on foam board with a thin frame or edge option. This makes shipping easy (and free!), and the tiles arrive well-packaged. I ordered a bundle of 12, and everything showed up in perfect condition within a week.
Pricing feels fair, especially with frequent promotions. Individual tiles run around $11–$15, but bundles drop the cost significantly—sometimes as low as $7 each with a coupon. For someone building a big wall on a budget, that’s a game-changer.
The app is intuitive. You upload from your phone, crop easily, add borders or effects, and preview how they’ll look together. It’s satisfying to play around with layouts before ordering.
Print quality has improved since my early orders. Colors pop nicely for casual display, and the matte finish reduces glare. They’re not pro-lab sharp, but for family snapshots or Instagram pics, they look vibrant and modern.
Drawbacks I’ve Noticed With Mixtiles
Not everything is perfect. The lightweight foam can feel a bit cheap up close—it’s not the hefty, gallery-quality vibe some people want. Edges can show minor scratches from handling.
Adhesive longevity varies. In humid rooms or after a couple years, some tiles start to sag or fall. I’ve had to add extra sticky strips to a few older ones.
Print sharpness isn’t always top-tier. If your original photo isn’t high-resolution, it can look slightly soft. I’ve learned to only use the best shots.
They’re mostly square (8×8 standard, larger options available), so if you want odd sizes or rectangles, options are limited compared to traditional printing.
Why Smallwoods Feels Like A Step Up In Some Ways?
After trying Mixtiles, I wanted something more permanent for my living room. That’s when I turned to Smallwoods. They’re known for rustic, framed pieces that feel like real art.
- Standout Features of Smallwoods
The quality blows me away every time.
Prints on canvas or archival paper in wood or metal frames look professional.
Colors are rich and accurate, with sharp details that make photos feel elevated.
Frame options are plentiful—black, white, walnut, distressed wood—you name it.
I love how they add warmth and texture, especially the canvas wraps that give a painted feel.
Sizes range widely, from small accents to huge statement pieces over 40 inches. This flexibility let me mix large family portraits with smaller quotes or signs.
They’re built to last. The sturdy construction means no worries about falling or fading. I’ve had mine up for years with zero issues.
Customer service stands out. When one frame arrived with a minor ding, they sent a replacement quickly without hassle.
- Where Smallwoods Falls Short for Me
Price is the biggest hurdle. A decent framed canvas starts around $50–$60 on sale, and larger ones climb fast. Building a full wall gets expensive quick compared to sticky tiles.
Installation requires tools. You’ll need a hammer, nails, or hooks, and leveling everything perfectly. I spent an afternoon measuring and hanging, which isn’t as effortless as sticking tiles.
No repositioning. Once up, moving means patching holes. Great for forever homes, but not ideal if you like changing things often.
Shipping isn’t always free unless you hit $75, and heavier items can take longer to arrive.
My Personal Experiences And Tips
Over the years, I’ve ordered from both multiple times. My first Mixtiles order was a mix of family vacation shots—super fun to arrange into a heart shape. But one tile fell after 18 months in a sunny spot, so now I avoid direct light.
With Smallwoods, I did a large black-and-white canvas of our wedding photo. It became the focal point above our fireplace, and guests always compliment the quality.
Tip for Mixtiles: Use high-res photos and check the preview carefully. Order extras during sales—you’ll want more.
Tip for Smallwoods: Watch for sales (they happen often) and use their design tool to visualize.
Both companies handle uploads easily from phone or computer, but Smallwoods has more editing options like text overlays for custom signs.
Also Read: My Experience With Roommates Peel And Stick Wallpaper.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
It depends on your needs. Mixtiles is better for easy, affordable, damage-free walls. Smallwoods is better for premium, durable, classic looks.
Yes, alternatives like TilePix, Storyboards, or Snaptiles offer similar sticky features with potentially better adhesion or quality in some reviews.
They’re good quality for the price—vibrant and convenient—but not as premium or sharp as professional framed prints.
Mixtiles is better for repositionable sticky tiles and free shipping. Shutterfly offers more variety in sizes and materials but costs more and requires traditional hanging.
Wrapping It Up: Which One Should You Choose?
You and I both know decorating with photos makes a house feel like home. After trying both Mixtiles and Smallwoods extensively, I can say neither is outright “better”—they serve different purposes beautifully.
If you’re like me and enjoy flexibility, quick setups, and saving money while creating fun gallery walls, go with Mixtiles. You’ll love how effortless it feels.
But if you want pieces that wow guests, last decades, and add that timeless elegance, Smallwoods is worth the investment. You’ll feel proud every time you look at them.
Ultimately, you can’t go wrong starting small with either. Try a few from each and see what clicks for your space. Your walls (and memories) deserve it.