Last updated: February 2026
You want to turn a favorite photo into brick art, but now you face a choice that most people overlook until it is too late. Do you want a flat mosaic that hangs on your wall like pixelated artwork? Or a three dimensional sculpture that sits on a shelf and captures depth from every angle?
Both formats transform photos into buildable brick creations. Both make meaningful gifts. But they produce fundamentally different results, and choosing wrong means ending up with something that does not fit your space, your photo, or your expectations.
Here is the honest comparison after researching both formats extensively. 2D mosaics excel at colorful images, large wall displays, and classic pixel art aesthetics. 3D sculptures shine for portraits, pets, and situations where you want a conversation piece that captures form rather than just color. Neither is universally better. The right choice depends on your specific photo, where you plan to display it, and how much building time you want to invest.
This guide breaks down the key differences so you can choose confidently before placing an order.
What Makes Them Different
The core difference comes down to dimension. A 2D mosaic arranges bricks flat on a baseplate, creating a pixelated image viewable from the front. Think of it like a poster made from tiny colored squares. You mount it on a wall and appreciate it straight on.
A 3D sculpture builds outward with depth. Bricks stack to create contours, curves, and form that you can view from multiple angles. Think of it like a statue rather than a painting. You place it on a shelf, desk, or display case where people can walk around it.
This single difference affects everything else: how your photo translates, what details survive, build complexity, display requirements, and overall wow factor.
Understanding these differences helps you choose the format that actually matches what you want to create.
Photo Translation: What Works in Each Format
Not every photo works equally well in both formats. The characteristics that make an image pop in 2D mosaic form often differ from what translates well to 3D.
2D mosaics handle colorful, detailed images surprisingly well. Landscapes, group photos, logos with multiple colors, and images where color variety matters all render nicely as flat pixel art. The 50+ color palettes available from services like Brick Me give enough range to capture subtle gradations.
3D sculptures excel with subjects that have distinctive shapes. Pet portraits work beautifully because the sculpture captures the unique profile of your dog's face or your cat's ears. Individual portraits benefit from the depth that shows facial contours. Objects with interesting silhouettes translate better than flat scenes.
According to customer data from major brick art services, pet portraits account for over 40% of custom orders across both formats. The difference is that pet owners choosing 3D sculptures consistently rate their satisfaction higher than those choosing 2D mosaics for the same pet photos. The third dimension captures what makes each pet unique in ways flat pixels cannot match.
Consider what you want to preserve about your image when deciding between formats.
Display and Space Requirements
Where you plan to display your finished piece should heavily influence your format choice.
2D mosaics require wall space. A typical 15x15 inch mosaic needs a dedicated spot like a framed photo. They look best mounted at eye level with good lighting. The upside is that they integrate naturally into existing gallery walls or alongside other artwork.
3D sculptures need horizontal surface space. A shelf, desk, mantle, or display case works best. They benefit from ambient lighting and room for viewers to see them from different angles. The footprint is typically smaller than wall mosaics, but they require the right kind of space.
Think about your actual living situation. If your walls already display art and you have empty shelves, a 3D sculpture fills that space beautifully. If you have bare walls and nowhere to put figurines, a mosaic makes more practical sense.
The personalized home decor market has grown 8% annually since 2020, reflecting how much people value custom pieces that fit their specific spaces. Choosing the right format means getting something that actually works in your home.
Beyond display considerations, the building experience itself differs significantly.
Build Time and Complexity
The building experience varies dramatically between formats.
2D mosaics offer a more meditative, repetitive building process. You place studs in rows according to instructions, slowly revealing the image section by section. Most people complete a medium mosaic in 4 to 8 hours spread across multiple sessions. The process feels relaxing and accessible to beginners.
3D sculptures require more spatial thinking. You build layer by layer, constructing the base first and working upward. Understanding how pieces connect in three dimensions takes more focus. A medium sculpture typically takes 6 to 12 hours depending on complexity.
If you enjoy the LEGO building experience and want something challenging, 3D sculptures deliver. If you want a relaxing project for a weekend afternoon with clear steps throughout, 2D mosaics provide that satisfaction.
Families often prefer mosaics because children can participate more easily. The row by row process with flat pieces requires less coordination than 3D construction. A parent and child working together can complete a mosaic over a weekend with everyone contributing.
Cost plays a role too, and the pricing structures differ between formats.
Price Comparison
Both formats span similar price ranges, but the value equation differs.
2D mosaics typically start around $35 for small pieces and scale to $150 or more for large multi baseplate creations. The cost correlates directly with physical size since more baseplates mean more bricks. Budget options exist at nearly every size tier.
3D sculptures start around $79 for small pieces and range to $250 for large detailed works. The cost reflects not just brick count but also the design complexity. Converting a photo into a structurally stable 3D model requires more processing than mapping pixels to a flat grid.
Complete kit services like Voxl for 3D sculptures and Brick Me for 2D mosaics include all bricks, baseplates, and instructions. DIY options using software like Stud.io or LEGO Art Remix let you design for free but require sourcing all bricks yourself.
For gifts, consider not just the purchase price but the perceived value. A 3D sculpture often impresses recipients more because the format feels novel and premium. A 2D mosaic delivers solid value at lower price points for budget conscious giving.
Speaking of gifts, certain occasions suit each format better than others.
Best Uses for Each Format
Choose a 2D mosaic when:
You have a colorful image with lots of detail like a family vacation photo or graduation portrait. The pixel format preserves color variety well, and the final piece reads clearly from typical viewing distance.
You want classic brick aesthetic. If you love the look of LEGO Art sets and pixel art in general, mosaics deliver that specific satisfaction.
You need a budget friendly gift. Entry level mosaics cost less than entry level sculptures while still delivering the personalized brick art experience.
Choose a 3D sculpture when:
You have a pet portrait or individual face photo. The 3D format captures what makes your subject unique. Dogs, cats, and people all translate beautifully when depth is available.
You want a conversation piece. Sculptures draw attention and questions in ways flat art does not. Visitors notice and want to learn about them.
You value the wow factor for a gift. Opening a box to discover a three dimensional sculpture of your pet creates a stronger emotional reaction than a framed mosaic.
Some photos genuinely work well in both formats. A high contrast black and white portrait could make a striking mosaic or a detailed sculpture. When either could work, default to where you want to display it and how much you want to spend.
Now that the comparison is clear, let me answer the questions people ask most often.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get both 2D and 3D from the same photo?
Yes. Most photos can work in either format with different results. A pet photo becomes a pixelated wall portrait as a 2D mosaic or a sculptural shelf piece as 3D. The limiting factor is usually budget rather than image compatibility.
Which format is easier to build?
2D mosaics are generally easier. The flat construction with row by row instructions requires less spatial reasoning. 3D sculptures challenge builders with layered construction but reward with more impressive results.
How long do brick sculptures and mosaics last?
Both last indefinitely with normal indoor display. Interlocking bricks hold together firmly once built. Avoid direct sunlight which can fade colors over time. Dust occasionally with a soft brush or compressed air.
What brick brands work for custom art?
LEGO compatible bricks work for most 2D mosaics. 3D sculptures often use Pix Brix for their enhanced connectivity. Complete kit services include all necessary bricks regardless of brand.
Which format is better for corporate gifts?
It depends on your goal. 2D mosaics work well for branded images with company logos. 3D sculptures impress as premium executive gifts or employee recognition awards. Budget typically steers larger orders toward mosaics.
Can I convert an existing 2D mosaic design to 3D?
Not directly. The formats require fundamentally different design approaches. A 3D model needs structural stability and depth information that 2D pixel data cannot provide. You would need to start fresh with the original photo.
Ready to see your photo transformed? Try Voxl for 3D sculptures that capture depth and detail, or explore 2D mosaic services for classic pixel art style.