How do photo tiles work? Sizes, frames, prices and how they stick

Photo tiles have taken over walls because they solve the two annoying parts of a photo wall: choosing frames that match, and hanging them straight without a drill. Here's how they work, start to finish.

What is a photo tile?

A photo tile is three things in one:

1. Your photo, printed in high quality.
2. A lightweight frame, with or without a white mat border, so every tile matches.
3. A reusable adhesive back that holds the tile on a smooth painted wall, so there are no nails and no holes.

Because each tile is the same size and style, a wall of them looks designed even if the photos are years apart.

What sizes and layouts are there?

You don't have to work out spacing yourself. Storytiles layouts range from a pair (R1 449,99) and a row of three (R1 509,99) up to a 20-tile wall (R4 479,99), plus staircase, scattered and mixed-shape layouts. Prices include free delivery.

Which frame styles can you choose?

You choose one look for the whole wall: black, white or natural wood frames, with a white mat border for a gallery feel or edge-to-edge for a modern one. Black with a mat is the classic. Wood suits warm rooms and nurseries.

How does ordering work?

1. Pick a layout that fits your wall.
2. Upload your photos straight from your phone and crop each one in the designer.
3. Choose the frame style and check the preview of the whole wall.
4. We make it in Cape Town within 2-3 business days and deliver it free in 3-5 business days.
5. Peel and stick. Wipe the wall, press each tile for a few seconds, and you're done.

How do you get a sharp print from a phone photo?

• Use the original photo, not a screenshot, and not a copy that has been sent over WhatsApp, which shrinks the file.
• Avoid heavy zooming. Crop with your fingers in the designer instead of zooming in on the camera.
• Daylight beats flash for faces.
• Square tiles crop the photo. Keep the faces near the middle so nothing important gets cut.

No photo of everyone together? An AI family portrait can combine separate photos into one framed set, and pet and kids' styles work the same way.

Will photo tiles damage the wall?

On a clean, smooth painted wall, they lift off without marks. Wait 7 days after painting before sticking anything, and keep them out of steamy bathrooms. Our guide to hanging pictures without nails covers wall prep and what to do with face brick or textured paint.

Are photo tiles better than a traditional frame wall?

Traditional frames give you endless choice and handle heavy, large pieces. Photo tiles win on speed, matching and renting: no measuring, no holes, and a wall you can rearrange in a minute.