Smallwoods vs Mixtiles: Which Wall Art Is Right for You? (2026)

Smallwoods and Mixtiles are both popular options for turning your photos into wall art — but they're solving very different problems. Mixtiles are removable adhesive tiles; Smallwoods creates permanent custom framed wall art. Here's a clear breakdown of what each offers so you can choose the right option for your space.

Quick Summary

Feature	Smallwoods	Mixtiles
Product Type	Custom framed wall art (permanent)	Adhesive photo tiles (removable)
Frame Material	Real wood (handcrafted in Texas)	No frame — adhesive tile backing
Permanence	Permanent — standard picture hanging	Removable and repositionable
Starting Price	From $29.99 (IG Minis), $69 for standard framed prints	~$29–$39 per tile
Size Range	8×10 up to 44×22 (plus custom sizes)	Limited — primarily 8×8 square tiles
Frame Options	5 frame colors + frameless option	No frame
Canvas/Print Options	6 product types (framed print, canvas, hanging canvas, etc.)	Single adhesive tile format
Production Time	1–3 business days	Varies
Made In	USA (Longview, TX)	Printed in USA

Product Format: Permanent vs. Removable

Smallwoods

Smallwoods creates permanent wall art — framed prints, canvas prints, and hanging canvas that mount to the wall using standard picture hanging hardware. Every product includes hanging instructions on the back or with the order. These are meant to stay on your wall and look great for years. The real wood frames, premium print substrates, and UV-resistant inks are all built for longevity.

Mixtiles

Mixtiles are removable adhesive photo tiles — they stick to walls using a proprietary adhesive that comes off cleanly without damaging paint. This makes them appealing for renters, dorm rooms, and anyone who wants to rearrange their wall art frequently. Each tile is roughly 8×8 inches (a square format), and they're designed to be used in grids or clusters.

Key Difference

If you want wall art that looks like art — with real frames, canvas texture, and the permanence of a traditional piece — Smallwoods is the clear choice. If you're renting, frequently redecorating, or want a quick and renter-friendly photo display, Mixtiles' removable format has real utility.

Pricing

Smallwoods

• IG Minis (13×13 gallery frames): from $29.99
• Custom Framed Prints: from $69 (8×10) up to $139 (44×22)
• Framed Canvas: from $89
• Wrapped Canvas: from $69
• Up to 70% off current sale. Over half off when you buy 2 or more.

Mixtiles

Mixtiles are typically priced at approximately $29–$39 per tile, with discounts for multi-pack orders. Because they're smaller (approximately 8×8 inches), building a full gallery wall requires more tiles — a wall that one Smallwoods 20×30 print fills might require 12–20 Mixtiles to achieve similar coverage.

Key Difference

On a per-tile basis, prices can be comparable. But Smallwoods' larger print sizes mean you can fill more wall space with fewer pieces. Smallwoods' IG Minis at $29.99 are a competitive direct alternative to Mixtiles' small square tiles, but with a real wood frame and a larger 13×13 format.

Size and Format Options

Smallwoods

• Sizes from 8×10 up to 44×22 (plus custom sizes via Custom Customs)
• Six product formats: Framed Prints, Acrylic Framed Prints, Framed Canvas, Wrapped Canvas, Hanging Canvas, Wood Cutouts
• Both portrait and landscape orientations
• Gallery wall starter kits via IG Minis

Mixtiles

Mixtiles primarily offers an approximately 8×8 square tile format. Their strength is the grid layout — many tiles arranged in a uniform pattern. They've expanded some size options over time, but the small square remains their core format.

Quality and Longevity

Smallwoods

Smallwoods prints on premium canvas-textured board (for Framed Prints) or genuine poly-cotton woven canvas (for canvas products). Frames are real handcrafted wood. Acrylic Frames include UV-filtering acrylic for added longevity. The result is wall art intended to last years — not adhesive tiles that may yellow or lose adhesion over time.

Mixtiles

Mixtiles offer decent photo print quality. The removable adhesive is their key innovation. However, the tiles' smaller size, plastic-feel backing, and lack of any frame means the finished look is more casual than gallery-quality. For a bedroom or dorm room photo wall, this is fine. For a living room or formal space, the look difference is notable.

Best Use Cases

Choose Smallwoods if you want:

• Real framed wall art with a finished, professional look
• Large format prints (20×30, 44×22) that make a visual statement
• Canvas prints with authentic texture and depth
• Gallery walls with a cohesive, curated aesthetic — see our gallery wall guide
• Gifts that feel premium and personal
• Long-term wall art that will still look great in 5+ years

Choose Mixtiles if you want:

• Removable, renter-friendly photo display
• Quick rearrangement without holes in the wall
• A casual photo collage in a dorm room or apartment
• Uniform grid layouts with many small photos

The IG Minis Comparison

If you love Mixtiles' small-square-tile format but want a real wood frame and a more finished look, Smallwoods' IG Minis are a direct alternative. They're 13×13 inch gallery frames, available in Stained, Almond, Black, and White frames, starting at $29.99 — the same price point as Mixtiles, but with a real wood frame and a larger, more impactful print size.

Verdict

Mixtiles are a clever, renter-friendly solution for casual photo display. But for real wall art — the kind with genuine frames, canvas texture, and the look of something that belongs on a gallery wall — Smallwoods wins. With over 3 million happy customers, real wood frames, 1–3 business day production, and prices starting at $29.99, Smallwoods offers more for your walls and your money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Smallwoods prints permanent?

Yes — Smallwoods wall art uses standard picture hanging hardware and is designed for permanent display. Unlike adhesive tiles, they won't peel off or need repositioning.

Does Smallwoods make small square frames like Mixtiles?

Yes — Smallwoods IG Minis are 13×13 square gallery frames starting at $29.99, available in Stained, Almond, Black, and White real wood frames. They're similar in price to Mixtiles but larger and framed.

Are Smallwoods frames real wood?

Yes — all Smallwoods frames are handcrafted with real wood, made in Longview, TX, USA.

How long does Smallwoods take to ship?

1–3 business days from their East Texas facility. All products are made to order.

What's the most affordable Smallwoods option?

IG Minis start at $29.99, making them the most affordable framed option. Standard Framed Prints start at $69 for an 8×10. Smallwoods currently offers up to 70% off and bundle discounts.