If you’ve ever tried to hang a picture on your wall, you know how frustrating it can be when the nails and hooks don’t line up.
That’s why David and Eytan created Mixtiles back in 2016: an online app that allows you to create custom-framed photo tiles that can be easily placed anywhere in your home.
They look like a regular frame, but there is something that makes them different from other wall art options: they come with an adhesive backing that makes it easy to decorate your walls.
At first glance, this seems like a unique way to showcase your photos. But are these stickable picture tiles really worth it?
In this article, I’ll review Mixtiles’ photo tiles and break down their pros and cons to help you find out if they’re right for you.
Let’s get started.
Mixtiles Stickable Picture Tiles
Mixtiles are stickable picture tiles that allow you to add a collage of photos to your wall without any messy drilling or tacks. They are made from a high-quality adhesive that is meant to last for years and can be applied to most surfaces, including textured walls.
They can even be used on ceilings or other areas where you might not be able to hang pictures with nails or tacks.
Plus, there are a variety of different designs available. From sharing memories with friends and family, framing diplomas on your office wall, or making a collage of puppies over your bed, you can use multiple Mixtiles to create a unique look for your home or office.
Besides, unlike standard frames, they don’t clutter up your space, and because they’re small tiles (20×20 cm or 8×8 inches), they look great when you put them in a pattern.
In the following sections, I’ll break down each of Mixtiles’ features to give you a better idea of their strengths and drawbacks.
Ease of Installation
The application process is very easy and only takes a few minutes. Mixtiles even has a short tutorial video on their website that shows you exactly how it’s done.
All you have to do is peel off the protective paper, place it on any surface, and push down on it to affix it there – it can be done in an instant. This also means they are perfect for moving around since they don’t need to be anchored into anything.
Furthermore, the adhesive is strong enough to hold them in place but can be removed without leaving any residue on the wall when you want to take them down.
They are made out of a high-quality adhesive film that is safe for walls, so unlike standard picture frames, you don’t have to worry about damaging your walls when removing them or replacing them with new frames.
Also Read: Best Mixtiles Alternatives
Frames Options
Mixtiles offers eight different types of frames: Leans, Bold, Classic, Ever, Clean, Beach, Edge, and Mixed.
The biggest problem with these frames is that their customization options are rather limited. You can’t choose between portrait or landscape orientation and have no say in how large or small you want each individual frame to be.
The tiles themselves are also a bit dull. Perhaps if Mixtiles designers had included some other options like wooden or patterned frames, it would be easier to find tiles that match the aesthetic of your living space and reflect your personal style.
However, the currently available options are all similar to one another and come in just two colors: black and white.
Picture Customization
The Mixtiles website provides customers with an easy way to get started making their own custom photo tile design. The process is simple: just upload your photo from your device, Instagram, or Facebook account, and choose the style you want to apply.
Regardless of the type of image you choose to print, the app recommends a minimum size of 500 x 500 pixels to ensure the best printing quality possible.
Now, I was personally disappointed by Mixtiles’ lack of customization options. Mixtiles’ filters are pretty standard, and they only have five presets – Noir, Silver, Dramatic, Vivid, and Winter.
They are not high quality, and except for the Noir and Silver options (which are black and white filters), the rest just looks like a colorized version of your original photo. That being said, if you are looking to add a simple effect to your stickable pictures, they get the job done.
In addition, there are only three different mat styles to choose from (Shallow, Medium, and Deep), and they are all really plain.
Quality of Materials & Printing
While Mixtiles adhesive is of good quality and can hold the tile securely to most surfaces, the interior of the stickable picture tiles is made of foam.
This foam material is used to make the tiles lightweight and easy to carry. However, it is not really built for long-term use.
On the other hand, the exterior of the tiles is made of plastic material, which makes them scratch resistant and easy to clean. However, they also have a glossy finish that can make them look less natural and homemade than other frames with matte finishes.
Now, I would not recommend these for high-traffic areas as they are not very heat resistant. Also, they are not waterproof, so if you place them on a wall with humidity, expect a little bit of warping over time.
When it comes to printing quality, Mixtiles’ tiles are second to none. Their printing process involves a combination of both dye-sublimation and heat transfer technology, ensuring that their images will both look crisp and stay put for years.
Mixtiles Ordering Process
The Mixtiles ordering process is simple and straightforward: Once you have gone through all of the customization options and decided on how you want your wall art to look, you can place your order by simply clicking on “Checkout.”
You will need to fill out a form with your address and payment method. The company accepts both credit card and PayPal payments.
As soon as you submit the form, you will be taken to a confirmation page that has all of your information filled in for you. The confirmation page also has some additional details about their guarantee and shipping policies.
If at any point during this process there seems to be something wrong, or if you just want to double-check something before submitting your order, customer service is available through a 24/7 chatbot. Just click on the menu icon at the top right corner and select the “Chat with Us” option.
Mixtiles Shipping
Mixtiles’ shipping fees are impressive. Even if you are ordering from the other side of the world, Mixtiles won’t charge you a dime for shipping your stickable picture tiles.
They usually get your order to you within 10 days. If you need it sooner, there is a $15 flat rate for express shipping – which is a really good price when compared to most competitors.
Mixtiles Pricing
To place an order for Mixtiles, you have to order at least three tiles for a price of $58. If you want to order more images, the price is reduced by $2 per tile.
Here’s an example:
If instead of three, you need six tiles to decorate your walls, you’ll be charged $58 for the first three and $17 for each one of the remaining. This means that your total price will look like this:
58 + 51 = $109 for the six tiles.
Mixtiles doesn’t have a dedicated pricing page, so to check its pricing information, you’ll need to navigate to its website, click on the menu icon at the top right corner, and select the FAQs section.
Mixtiles Pros & Cons
Pros
- Easy to install and remove
- Strong adhesive that can adhere to any surface
- Smooth ordering experience
- Shipping is totally free regardless of the country you’re ordering from
- Solid and resistant plastic frames
- Good printing quality
Cons
- It doesn’t have many customization options
- There are only two frame colors available
- Its filters don’t really make any difference
- The tiles’ interior is made of foam, which has low durability
- High pricing for what it offers
- Lacks customer support options – they only offer chatbots
Wrapping Up – Are stickable picture tiles worth it?
Overall, Mixtiles stickable picture tiles are worth it if you are looking for an alternative to framed pictures that are lightweight and easy to use without damaging your walls.
But if you are hoping to add some flair to your home decor with unique picture frames, you will need to look elsewhere.
The foam material makes them look flimsy and cheap instead of being a solid, durable product, and they aren’t as versatile as other options available on the market today.
Finally, Mixtiles’ lack of customization options makes its pricing hard to justify.
