Custom Pet Wall Art: Comparing the Options

From posters to metal prints, we’re here to help you find the perfect way to display your pet's portrait. Here are four common pet wall art options, ordered from cheapest to most expensive, with pros and cons of each art type.

Photo of samoyed dog standing next to a starry night custom samoyed portrait from PugMug

Are you looking to turn your dog or cat's adorable face into a piece of custom pet art that hangs proudly on your wall? You've come to the right place! 

Whether you're hoping to showcase your loyal dog’s wagging smile or your cat’s royal glare, there’s a custom pet wall art option to suit every style and budget. 

From posters to metal prints, we’re here to help you find the perfect way to display your pet's portrait. Here are four common pet wall art options, ordered from cheapest to most expensive, with pros and cons of each art type.

1. Poster

Poster featuring custom cocker spaniel art, AI dog poster from PugMug, cocker spaniel cowboy art
Source: PugMug

The classic poster is the most budget-friendly option for custom pet wall art. Lightweight, affordable, and easy to hang, it’s perfect if you’re looking to spruce up your space without breaking the bank.

Pros:

  • Affordable: Ideal for pet lovers who want a portrait of their pet without spending too much.
  • Lightweight: Easy to hang, move, and swap around when you feel like changing up your decor.
  • Perfect for a Pet Wall of Fame: The small size of posters allows you to easily fill a wall with a collage of multiple custom pet portraits. If you have 10 favorite pet pics and can’t choose which one to hang, with posters, you can get them all!

Cons:

  • Less Durable: Posters aren’t as sturdy as other options and may need a frame or lamination to protect them long-term.
  • Not Fade-Resistant: They’re prone to fading over time, especially if placed in direct sunlight.

2. Framed Print

Framed print featuring custom white cat art, AI cat poster from PugMug, white British cat in Renaissance style
Source: PugMug

For a more refined touch, consider a framed print. Framed prints give your custom pet portrait an extra bit of flair, and you could even add their name for that personal touch.

Custom dog framed print of a corgi as a Star Wars Jedi with a lightsaber, AI corgi portrait from PugMug, featuring the corgi's name Kenobi below the image
Source: PugMug

Pros:

  • Elegant Look: The wooden frame adds a sophisticated edge that makes any pet portrait feel like a true masterpiece.
  • More Durable: With a sturdy wooden frame and protective cover in front of the image, framed prints can stand the test of time and are less susceptible to damage than posters.
  • Customizable: At PugMug, you can personalize your custom framed prints with your pet's name, making them extra special!

Cons:

  • Heavier: Framed prints are more robust, which means they require sturdier hanging equipment.
  • More Expensive than Posters: The added materials and thick frame mean this option is pricier than a standard poster.

3. Canvas

Custom beagle canvas, beagle among a field of flowers, impressionist beagle art, AI dog art canvas from PugMug
Source: PugMug

Canvas prints are a fantastic middle-ground option. They’re not just beautiful; they’re much more durable than the matte paper used in posters and give a classic, timeless feel that suits any pet portrait. 

Pros:

  • Gallery-Ready: Canvases give your pet portrait a professional look, similar to art you’d see in a gallery.
  • Fade-Resistant: Canvases are less prone to fading and can last for years with proper care.
  • Textured Finish: The fabric texture of the canvas adds depth and warmth to your pet’s portrait. Plus, the 3D aspect of a canvas will make it feel like your pet is popping out of the art to greet you.

Cons:

  • May Not Work on All Pet Images: Since canvases have an edge on all sides that the image spills over, plan on losing a little over an inch of the outer part of the pet portrait. If your pet portrait shows your dog or cat’s ears or eyes close to the upper edge, these may not be visible on the front of the canvas. 
  • Less Protection from the Elements: Unlike framed prints and metal prints, canvas art doesn’t have a protective barrier between the image and the outside world, making it more susceptible to dust and dirt over time. Check out these great tips on how to care for canvas art.

4. Metal Print

Wizard custom cat metal print of a white American shorthair cat as a wizard in a lab, fantasy cat portrait, AI cat art from PugMug
Source: PugMug

If you’re after a modern, sleek look that will last for generations, then a metal print is the way to go. Known for its durability and vibrant colors, metal prints are perfect for pet portraits that stand out and shine.

Pros:

  • Best Option for Durability: Metal prints are incredibly durable and can withstand the test of time, even in bright, sunny rooms.
  • Vibrant Colors: The glossy finish on metal brings out every detail and color in your pet’s portrait, making it truly pop.
  • Easy to Clean: Metal prints are simple to clean with a quick wipe, making them ideal for any home.

Cons:

  • More Expensive: Metal prints are on the higher end of the price spectrum but well worth it for the quality.
  • Reflective Surface: The glossy finish can sometimes cause glare in bright light, but that’s a minor trade-off for the vibrancy it offers.

Conclusion

No matter your budget or style, there’s a custom pet wall art option to help you celebrate your beloved dog or cat. At PugMug, we make it easy to turn your pet’s photo into a beautiful, custom piece of art that you’ll cherish for years to come. 

Custom pet wall art options from PugMug

The process to create amazing custom pet art is simple: upload photos of your pet, choose your preferred custom pet art styles, and get your custom pet portraits in under 45 minutes. You can even put your custom pet portrait on various products, from mugs to tote bags to jigsaw puzzles. 

Curious if AI pet art is the right option for your dog or cat? Check out our post on three popular options for custom pet art to compare the pros and cons of different types of custom pet art!